2018 Peugeot Boxer 2.0L Diesel · GD18 UBW

The most recent DVSA examination on 3 December 2025 resulted in a PASS, but the same date also records a prior FAIL for an Offside Front Track rod end ball joint with excessive play, a defect serious enough to fail the test outright and which was clearly rectified before the re-test was carried out on the same day. That failure is the most significant item in the recent history and sits alongside advisories on rear brake pads close to sensor wear plus wear noted on all four brake discs. The 2024 test was completely clean, but the 2023 pass carried an advisory for an engine oil leak, and the 2022 and 2021 passes were otherwise uneventful aside from a nearside body damage advisory in 2021. Looking at the trajectory overall, the picture is one of a vehicle that has been broadly maintained but is now beginning to show wear-related deterioration on steering and braking components, and the cluster of advisories at the latest test suggests that further attention will be required in the near term. At 113,000 miles over eight years, this Peugeot Boxer is averaging roughly 14,000 miles per annum, which is consistent with active commercial or fleet use rather than light private mileage. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT record and the annual progression of mileage appears steady, which generally implies regular running rather than long periods standing unused. Mechanically, this rate of use is helpful for components that suffer from inactivity, such as the 12V battery, brake discs and callipers, and diesel exhaust after-treatment systems, but it does place greater cumulative demand on suspension bushes, coil springs, the clutch, turbocharger, dual-mass flywheel, and the timing belt service interval. The recorded mileage should be cross-referenced against the service book to confirm that manufacturer schedules, particularly the cam belt change, have been observed at the correct intervals. The track rod end failure on the latest test is a steering component defect that must be confirmed as properly replaced with a quality part, and the surrounding steering and suspension geometry should be checked and a four-wheel alignment carried out following the repair. Uneven or feathering tyre wear, particularly on the front pair, would be a tell-tale symptom of residual tracking issues, and any knocking or clonking through the front end when turning or passing over uneven road surfaces would suggest that adjacent components such as the nearside track rod end, anti-roll bar links or drop links may also be approaching the end of their service life. The advisories on all four brake discs and the rear pads being close to the wear sensor indicate that a comprehensive brake overhaul is imminent; on the test drive, any brake shudder under heavy pedal pressure, vibration through the steering wheel, or a grinding noise from the rear would confirm that the pads have worn past the sensor and the discs themselves may require machining or replacement. Given the engine oil leak advisory recorded in 2023, it is worth inspecting the underside of the engine and gearbox for fresh staining, particularly around the sump, rocker cover, timing cover and turbo oil feed and return lines, and checking the coolant and oil levels for any signs of over-filling or loss that would indicate an active leak rather than a historical seepage. For a high-mileage diesel of this age, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the cambelt, auxiliaries and water pump if the service interval is approaching, and the diesel particulate filter should be checked for active warning lights or restricted regeneration cycles. The nearside body damage advisory from 2021 should also be examined to ensure that any repair was structural and corrosion-resistant rather than a cosmetic patch, and the load areas, sills and underbody should be inspected for commercial-vehicle-specific wear such as rust on floor panels, damaged rear light clusters, and worn door hinges. Tyres should be examined for age-related sidewall perishing as well as tread depth, and given the van usage, a spare wheel and jack should be present along with the vehicle history confirming the timing belt service and recent brake and steering repairs.