2008 Peugeot Boxer 2.2L Diesel · LM08 FBA

The most recent MOT on 30 January 2026 was a pass, but it was accompanied by advisories that the nearside and off‑side front tyres are worn close to the legal limit and that a product on the headlamp lens is reducing output. Over the last six years the vehicle has alternated between passes and multiple failures, with serious defects recorded in 2025, 2024 and 2023 – notably recurring engine management light failures, extensive off‑side corrosion, rear brake lag and parking‑brake inoperability, and repeated headlamp intensity reductions. This pattern indicates a deteriorating maintenance trend rather than a stable or improving one, and the vehicle will require substantial remedial work before it can be considered reliably road‑worthy. At 111 475 mi the car averages roughly 6 200 mi per annum, which is modest for an eighteen‑year‑old van and suggests periods of light use or long intervals of standing. Low annual mileage can mask calendar‑related degradation – rubber hardening, battery sulphation and corrosion – even though the cumulative mileage is not excessive. The relatively low usage does not preclude wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads and fluid seals, especially where the MOT record shows tyre edges already near the minimum tread and brake service‑brake binding. A prospective buyer should give the engine management system immediate attention. The repeated “engine MIL inoperative” failures point to a fault that may be intermittent or sensor‑related; a full diagnostic scan is essential to confirm whether the fault is cleared, stored, or indicative of deeper electronic or emission‑control issues. On a test drive listen for rough idle, loss of power, or abnormal exhaust smoke, and verify that the check‑engine light remains extinguished. The off‑side chassis corrosion recorded as dangerous in 2024 must be inspected visually and, if possible, with a thickness gauge around the rear sill and front sill areas; any rust that has compromised structural rigidity will require professional repair or panel reinforcement. The rear service‑brake lag and the inoperative parking brake noted in 2024 and 2023 demand a thorough brake inspection – check pedal travel, feel for sponginess, and ensure the rear drums or discs are not excessively corroded, that calipers move freely, and that the parking‑brake mechanism engages correctly. Brake fluid should be flushed, and any signs of brake‑dust or uneven pad wear should be addressed promptly. Finally, the tyres should be measured for tread depth and examined for sidewall cracking, as both front tyres are already close to the legal minimum and may be perishing from age rather than wear. The minor exhaust leaks reported repeatedly suggest a possible cracked manifold or gasket that could affect emissions and introduce a faint hissing or sulphur smell; a visual inspection of the exhaust manifold, pipe joints and the box is advisable. Check the rear shock absorbers for oil seepage and assess ride quality for any clunking or excessive bounce. Verify that all headlamps, indicators and the registration‑plate lamp illuminate at proper intensity after cleaning the lenses, and have the 12 V battery load‑tested, as an 18‑year‑old battery may have diminished cranking power. A comprehensive service covering oil, coolant, brake fluid and a full safety check will be necessary to bring the van back to a reliable road‑worthy condition.