1995 Peugeot 106 1.3L Petrol · N370 AMD

The most recent MOT test for the 1995 Peugeot 106 recorded a failure in September 2025, with major issues including excessive play in the front track rod end coupling and loose securing bolts, alongside a dangerous brake pipe leak and low headlamp aim. This follows a pattern of recurring failures over the past decade, particularly in suspension components, brake systems, and exhaust emissions, which suggests a history of neglect or gradual wear progression. While the vehicle passed its last MOT in July 2025, the preceding failures—especially those related to corrosion, corrosion-adjacent defects, and hydraulic brake inefficiencies—indicate that the owner has not addressed critical long-term wear issues. The presence of user-entered advisories from 2012, such as an insecure battery and oil leaks, further underscores a lack of proactive maintenance, particularly in fluid management and electrical connections. This trend raises concerns about whether the vehicle has been properly serviced or if underlying mechanical degradation has been allowed to worsen. The recorded mileage of 63,132 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 31 years represents a remarkably low annual usage rate of around 2,037 miles per year, which is unusually low for its age and likely reflects prolonged periods of inactivity or light use. Such low mileage can mask wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, and fluids, as they may not have been subjected to the same levels of stress as higher-mileage vehicles. However, the discrepancy between the vehicle’s age and its mileage also raises questions about whether the owner has been storing the car in conditions that accelerate corrosion or fluid degradation, such as exposure to dampness or extreme temperatures. Without recent data on storage practices or any signs of rapid mileage accumulation, it is difficult to determine whether the vehicle has been driven frequently enough to justify its current condition. For example, if the car has been left stationary for extended periods, issues like brake disc corrosion, binding calipers, or fluid separation in hydraulic systems could be more pronounced than expected. Given the recurring MOT failures—particularly in suspension, brakes, and exhaust systems—the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough mechanical inspection to confirm the severity of the issues identified in previous tests. Start with a visual and functional check of the front suspension, focusing on the track rod ends, ball joints, and lower arms for signs of excessive play, cracks, or bolt loosening. Listen for clunking noises when driving over bumps, as this often indicates worn or broken suspension bushes or loose components. Inspect the brake system for uneven wear on discs and pads, potential binding in calipers, or fluid leaks around the brake pipe union, which could explain the 2025 failure. Check for carbon monoxide emissions by testing the exhaust system for leaks or restricted flow, as the 2013 and 2012 failures suggest persistent exhaust-related issues. Additionally, verify the brake efficiency by applying the service brakes while stationary—if the vehicle takes longer to stop or the pedal feels spongy, this may indicate air in the hydraulic system or failing brake master cylinder. For the buyer, the most critical immediate actions should include replacing the brake pipe union and securing all loose suspension components, as these are safety-critical failures. The front track rod end ball joint with excessive play and loose bolts is particularly concerning, as it could lead to steering instability or premature wear of the steering components. Addressing the exhaust emissions issues, whether through a catalytic converter replacement or a tune-up to reduce hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide output, is also essential, given the vehicle’s age and the repeated MOT failures in this area. Beyond the immediate repairs, the buyer should schedule a comprehensive service at a reputable garage to replace worn suspension bushes, inspect the brake system for further degradation, and top up or replace fluids that may have degraded over time. Given the vehicle’s low mileage, it is also prudent to check the battery for signs of corrosion or poor connections, as the 2012 user-entered advisory suggests past issues. Finally, the buyer should consider a professional inspection of the bodywork for structural integrity, particularly around the front suspension mounts, where corrosion was previously noted, to prevent future failures that could compromise roadworthiness.