1997 Peugeot 406 2.0L Petrol · K5 KSR

This 1997 Peugeot 406 shows a stable roadworthiness trend over the past three MOT cycles, with the most recent test on 2025-10-15 at 204,353 miles confirming no defects. The vehicle has maintained a clean pass record since 2022, though the near-consecutive tests in September 2022 (a fail followed by a pass) suggest a brief but resolved issue at that mileage. No advisories or recurring faults appear in the record, indicating the tester did not identify any latent concerns requiring attention. The absence of defects across multiple tests implies the vehicle has either been well-maintained or that critical components have not yet reached failure thresholds despite its age. The mileage progression of approximately 7,047 miles annually is typical for a vehicle of this vintage, with no abrupt jumps or prolonged stagnation. The gap between tests remains consistent at around 365 days, aligning with the standard MOT interval. There are no red flags in the mileage pattern to suggest neglect or excessive wear beyond what would be expected for a car of this age and usage level. The slight discrepancy between the 2022 fail and pass—just one mile apart—may indicate a minor oversight in the test process rather than a mechanical anomaly. Given the lack of recorded defects, an in-person inspection should prioritise areas commonly overlooked in older vehicles: the suspension bushes and coil springs for excessive wear or corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches and sills, where structural rust often begins. The brake system warrants scrutiny, as binding calipers or unevenly worn discs could have gone undetected in previous tests. Exhaust emissions should be monitored for leaks or excessive smoke, especially if the vehicle has been driven on varying fuel grades. Finally, the condition of the chassis rails and subframe should be checked for signs of distortion or deep corrosion, as these can compromise structural integrity without immediately affecting MOT passability. The absence of advisories does not guarantee these areas are flawless.