2005 Peugeot 307 1.6L Petrol · KM05 FJU

Repeated deterioration of the front constant‑velocity (CV) boot and the emergence of play in the steering rack’s inner joint dominate the MOT history of this 2005 Peugeot 307. The most recent test on 31 July 2023 recorded a pass, but it still listed the severely deteriorated off‑side front outer drive‑shaft CV boot and an advisory for slight play in the near‑side front upper anti‑roll‑bar ball joint, echoing similar findings in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Steering rack inner joint play has been flagged as an advisory since 2021, while the same CV‑boot issue has appeared on every test from 2020 onward, indicating a persistent, age‑related wear pattern rather than an isolated incident. Minor lighting and registration‑plate advisories are also recurrent, but no current safety‑critical failures remain. With 74 104 miles recorded over 21 years, the vehicle averages roughly 3 500 miles per annum, well below the typical usage for a car of its age. Such low annual mileage often points to intermittent or limited use, which can allow components like rubber boots and bushings to age and deteriorate even without high mileage. Consequently, the CV‑boot and steering‑rack issues are likely driven more by age and possible periods of inactivity than by wear from distance, meaning that the low mileage does not guarantee the health of these age‑sensitive parts. A prospective buyer should concentrate the inspection on the front CV boot and associated drive‑shaft joints: look for grease seepage around the boot, listen for clicking or whirring noises during acceleration and deceleration, and feel for any play when the wheel is rocked. The steering rack should be tested for excessive free play by moving the steering wheel at lock‑to‑lock and by applying lateral force at the front wheels; any clunk or looseness may confirm the advisory about inner joint play. The near‑side front upper anti‑roll‑bar ball joint should be examined for movement when the wheel is pushed laterally, and uneven tyre wear could be a symptom of compromised suspension geometry. The deteriorated front and rear registration plates, while not a safety issue, will need replacement to meet legal standards. Attention should also be given to the historic lighting failures and the rear‑exhaust mounting advisory first noted in 2019. Verify that all exterior lamps – especially the off‑side front direction indicator, position lamp and stop lamp – illuminate correctly and that the stop‑lamp switch operates without delay. Inspect the rear‑exhaust mounting area for rattles, cracks or excessive movement that could indicate a defective mount, and listen for any exhaust leaks during a short drive at varied engine speeds. Although the MOT record shows no brake or tyre defects, a visual check of brake discs, pads and tyre tread is prudent, and a test‑drive should confirm the absence of steering pull, vibration or abnormal noises before committing to purchase.