2009 Peugeot 107 1.0L Petrol · GL09 HMJ

The most recent DVSA examination on 25 June 2024 resulted in an initial failure due to an obviously incorrect nearside front headlamp beam image, which was rectified on the same day and culminated in a PASS with no advisories recorded. This dual-result pattern indicates that the rectification was straightforward and that the vehicle was not retained on test with outstanding defects, which is reassuring. However, an inspection of the broader history reveals a vehicle that has accumulated a notable and recurring catalogue of advisories and failures across its recent tests, with multiple entries relating to front suspension components, brake discs, coil springs, and underbody corrosion. The front lower suspension arm pins or bushes have been flagged as worn on both sides in 2020 and 2021, the near side rear bush was noted in 2023, and both front ball joint dust covers failed outright on the 2023 test. The recurring nature of these suspension advisories suggests progressive wear of the front lower control arm assemblies and their mounting hardware, a known issue on Peugeot 107 models approaching or exceeding high mileage. With 121,807 miles recorded over approximately 17 years, this vehicle averages around 7,165 miles annually, which is broadly consistent with typical usage for its class and age, and the mileage is corroborated continuously by annual MOT entries showing incremental progression. There are no suspicious gaps or omissions in the MOT history that would raise concern about clocking, though the relatively modest annual mileage combined with the vehicle's age does suggest periods of standing or light use interspersed with more active running. Such a usage profile is mechanically relevant, as it often accelerates certain age-related deterioration, particularly corrosion-related defects on exposed underbody components, brake disc pitting through lack of regular use to dry the surface, and degradation of rubber elements such as gaiters, bushes, and wiper blades. The persistent advisories concerning front brake disc wear and pitting from 2020 through 2021 align precisely with this pattern, indicating that the discs have likely been progressively corroding at their working surfaces and may now be at or near the minimum thickness limit. For a prospective buyer, particular focus should be placed on the recurring suspension defects, as the front lower control arm and bush assemblies on this model are a recognised wear item and their continued deterioration would manifest on a test drive as clonking or knocking noises over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, vague or wandering steering, uneven front tyre wear particularly on the inner or outer shoulders, and visible free play when the front wheels are manually rocked with the steering loaded. The front brake discs should be physically inspected for lipping at the outer edge and measured for remaining thickness, while a test drive should be carried out to verify there is no brake shudder under firm pedal application and that the pedal has firm, well-supported travel with adequate reserve before the master cylinder bottoms out, given the 2021 failure on insufficient brake lever reserve travel. Both rear coil springs were noted as corroded on their upper coils in 2020 and 2023, and on a 17-year-old vehicle this corrosion is likely to have progressed further, warranting a visual inspection from beneath for any loss of spring material, surface pitting, or cracking which could ultimately lead to spring failure. The offside rear brake pipe previously noted as corroded in front of the fuel tank should also be carefully examined, as brake pipe corrosion in concealed locations is a common reason for late-life MOT failures on vehicles of this vintage. Beyond the recorded defects, the age of the vehicle demands standard time-served component checks regardless of MOT coverage. All four tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking or perishing consistent with age, as rubber degrades through calendar ageing even with adequate tread depth, and a 2009-manufactured tyre will now be over 17 years old which significantly increases the risk of premature failure. The 12-volt battery should be load tested, as units of this age commonly retain surface charge but fail under cranking load, and the cooling system, brake fluid, and engine oil should be confirmed as recently serviced with verifiable records. The drive shaft gaiters and their retaining clips should be visually checked for splits, as inner CV joint failures following gaiter breaches are a well-known failure mode on this platform. Finally, the bodywork and underbody should be examined for structural corrosion, particularly around the rear axle mounting points, sills, and suspension turrets, as the Peugeot 107 is increasingly presenting MOT concerns around corrosion in these areas as the fleet ages. A thorough pre-purchase inspection on a ramp by a qualified technician is strongly advised given the cumulative advisory record and the vehicle's advancing age.