2005 Peugeot 307 1.6L Diesel · KV05 YWF

A clear picture of progressive chassis and suspension wear emerges from the MOT history of this 2005 Peugeot 307, with coil spring corrosion and degraded shock absorber mounting points dominating the recent record. The most recent test on 27 October 2025 recorded a pass, but only after a fail three days earlier on 24 October 2025 which flagged an excessively worn offside rear lower shock absorber bush, a Major defect. Both advisories on the 2025 pass confirm what the failure suggested: offside front and nearside rear coil springs are corroded, and there is a non-obligatory stop lamp not functioning. Looking further back, an advisory for a corroded nearside rear coil spring was noted as early as October 2024, showing that this corrosion is not a one-off observation but a recurring condition across consecutive tests, which is typical for a vehicle of this age operating in the UK climate. The pattern of advisories also includes rear brake disc wear noted in 2024 and 2021, front brake disc wear in 2021, and binding rear brake mechanisms in 2020, all pointing to a braking system that has required ongoing attention. With 142,711 recorded miles over roughly twenty-one years, this 307 averages around 6,796 miles annually, which sits within the expected range for its age and indicates reasonably consistent usage rather than extended periods of standing. There are no large unexplained gaps in the MOT testing record, with annual tests consistently submitted from 2020 through 2025. Average annual mileage of this nature generally means consumable wear on suspension bushes, springs, brake components, and CV joints is proportionate rather than exaggerated, but the advisory history demonstrates that these items are nonetheless nearing or past their service thresholds on a vehicle now entering its third decade of operation. A prospective buyer should prioritise a physical inspection of the suspension and braking systems given the documented defects. The flagged coil spring corrosion on the offside front and nearside rear should prompt a close visual examination of all four springs, as corrosion spreading from one corner to others is common; listen for knocking or clonking over uneven road surfaces, and check for uneven ride height that may indicate a weakened or broken spring. The worn shock absorber bush recorded as a failure in October 2025 warrants careful attention to the rear strut and lower mounting, with the test drive ideally including bumpy sections to expose any knocking, harshness, or excessive body roll from compromised damping. Similarly, the rear brake disc wear advisories from 2024 and the binding rear service brake observations from 2020 mean the caliper slides, handbrake mechanism, and pad condition should be physically inspected, and any pulling to one side, judder under braking, or a brake pedal that feels uneven should be taken seriously. Further test drive checks should reflect the remaining advisories on record. The nearside front outer drive shaft CV boot was flagged as severely deteriorated in 2023, and although not repeated since, perished boots can lead to grease loss and eventual joint failure; listen for clicking or knocking on full lock turns and inspect the boots for fresh splits or grease deposits. The oil leak noted at the central front of the engine in 2020 and the steering rack inner joint play from 2021 should be re-examined for any progression, with attention to damp patches under the vehicle after standing and any slack or knocking felt through the steering during low-speed manoeuvres. Finally, the recurring headlamp lens defects and the inoperative offside registration plate lamp from 2021 are minor items, but they do suggest that the electrical ancillaries and lamp condition have not been a priority and a thorough check of all exterior lighting, including the non-obligatory stop lamp now flagged, would be prudent before purchase.