2010 Peugeot 207 1.6L Petrol · FG10 OUM

The most recent DVSA test on 21 January 2026 recorded a pass but also listed a major failure for the nearside headlamp aim, meaning the vehicle did not meet the legal illumination standard and would have required remedial work before it could be re‑certified. In addition the test carried several advisories concerning rear brake pads and disc condition, front anti‑roll bar ball‑joint play and a slightly insecure front bumper. Compared with the clean pass in early 2025 and the mixed results of 2023 and 2025, the pattern shows a gradual accumulation of wear‑related items and a new major fault, indicating that the overall maintenance trend is currently worsening rather than stabilising. At 95 059 miles on a 2010 model the vehicle averages just under 6 000 miles per year, well below the typical UK usage rate. Such low annual mileage often points to long periods of inactivity or very light use, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because components may suffer from age‑related degradation while sitting. Prolonged standing can promote corrosion on suspension joints, brake rotors and exhaust, accelerate rubber hardening in hoses and seals, and lead to battery sulphation. Conversely, the relatively low wear on the drivetrain and engine may mean those systems have retained more life than the mileage alone would suggest. When you inspect the car, give the braking system the highest priority. The rear pads have been flagged as thin on three separate occasions and the rear disc is already pitted; the front disc and pads are also approaching the end of their service life. Look for any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes, listen for squeal or grinding, and feel for a soft or spongy pedal that may indicate fluid contamination. It is prudent to budget for replacement of the rear pads and likely the rear disc, with a strong recommendation to replace the front pads and re‑machine or replace the front disc while the vehicle is on a lift. Check the brake fluid for moisture content and consider a complete fluid change, as aged fluid can reduce braking efficiency. The anti‑roll bar ball joint on the nearside front shows slight play, which can manifest as a clunk when cornering or a vague looseness in the steering feel; have the joint inspected for excessive wear and replace it if any movement is felt with a pry bar. Verify that the nearside headlamp can be adjusted or, if the internal adjuster is faulty, that the unit can be replaced to bring the beam within legal limits. Examine the offside front tyre for uneven wear or sidewall cracking, especially since it was close to the legal tread limit in 2025; replace any tyre showing age‑related perishing even if the tread appears acceptable. Test both windscreen wipers for full sweep and effective clearing; replace the blades and, if the motor does not achieve adequate clearance, the wiper assembly. Finally, given the vehicle’s age, inspect the battery terminals for corrosion, perform a load test on the 12 V battery, and check all service‑book stamps for timely oil, coolant and timing‑belt (or chain) servicing, as calendar‑based fluid changes are essential even on low‑mileage cars.