2008 Peugeot 807 2.0L Diesel · FE08 FSA

The most recent MOT test results for the 2008 Peugeot 807, conducted on 2023-07-25, show a passing outcome despite the presence of several minor defects and advisories, including a severely deteriorated offside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover and offside rear suspension component corrosion. While the vehicle passed this test, the repeated failures in 2018 and 2020—particularly the major issues such as a non-functional near-side rear passenger door, compromised drive shaft CV boot integrity, and exhaust emissions failures—suggest a pattern of underlying mechanical wear and potential neglect. The advisories and minor failures from earlier tests, especially those related to suspension components, tyres, and fluid leaks, indicate that the vehicle has experienced cumulative wear over time, though the most critical failures have not yet reached the point of immediate road safety risk in the latest assessment. The recorded mileage of 154,481 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 18 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 8,582 miles per year, which is typical for its age and class. Such mileage does not necessarily indicate excessive wear, but it does imply consistent use over a long period, particularly given the vehicle’s age. The absence of significant mileage gaps suggests sustained operational demand, which can accelerate wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, and lubricants, as well as structural components such as suspension bushes and drive shaft seals. However, the repeated advisories about tyre wear close to legal limits—particularly on the rear offside tyre in multiple tests—highlight a need for closer attention to tyre condition, as uneven wear patterns can signal underlying suspension or alignment issues. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing concerns stem from the recurring advisories and minor failures, particularly the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover failure and the CV boot deterioration. The severely deteriorated dust cover on the anti-roll bar ball joint is a critical warning sign, as it indicates that the ball joint itself may be compromised, leading to excessive play, suspension clunks, or even suspension failure during cornering or rough roads. On a test drive, listen for a metallic clunking noise from the offside rear suspension when driving over bumps, and check for uneven tyre wear or a binding steering feel, which may suggest suspension misalignment. The CV boot failure from 2018 and 2021 points to a leaking or split boot, which should be addressed promptly to prevent oil leaks into the drive shaft, causing increased drag, overheating, or transmission damage. Inspect the CV boots visually for oil leaks or cracks, and listen for a grinding or whining noise when turning at low speeds, which could indicate worn CV joints. Beyond the immediate defects, the oil leak advisories across multiple MOT tests suggest a persistent issue that may stem from a failing oil seal, gasket, or valve cover gasket. This could lead to increased oil consumption or contamination of the engine oil, potentially causing long-term engine damage if not resolved. The brake pad wear advisories, particularly the near-side rear pads being dangerously thin, indicate that the braking system is already under significant stress. Inspect the brake discs for corrosion, binding, or uneven wear, and listen for a grinding noise when applying the brakes, which could signal metal-to-metal contact if the pads are worn to the minimum legal thickness. Additionally, the steering rack play advisory from 2021 warrants further inspection, as excessive play can lead to poor handling, increased tyre wear, or steering wheel vibration. Check for excessive play in the steering wheel when turning the lock to each side, and ensure there is no excessive resistance or binding in the steering column. Lastly, given the vehicle’s age and usage, consider a thorough inspection of the suspension components, including coil springs, shock absorbers, and suspension bushes, as these are prone to wear and can degrade silently over time. Prioritise fluid checks, including the engine oil, brake fluid, and differential fluid, as these degrade over time and should be replaced according to manufacturer recommendations, even if the vehicle has passed MOT tests.