1997 Peugeot 806 1.9L Diesel · P396 JOL

A rare example of a clean DVSA record for a vehicle now approaching three decades of age, this 1997 Peugeot 806 presents a track record of unblemished roadworthiness across its recent test history. The most recent examination on 30 April 2024 was passed with no defects or advisories recorded, continuing a pattern established by the previous passes on 14 September 2021 and 10 November 2022. For a 29 year old people carrier, the complete absence of advisory notes relating to corrosion, suspension wear, or brake component condition suggests that the vehicle has not been subjected to the kind of component degradation that typically accumulates with age. However, it is worth noting that MOT testing only covers specific safety-related items at the point of test, and a clean sheet does not equate to a guarantee of mechanical health across all systems, particularly those not directly assessed during the statutory examination. With 135,367 miles recorded over approximately 29 years, this 806 has averaged around 4,668 miles per year, which is notably low for a vehicle of its type and vintage. Peugeot 806s in particular were often used as high mileage family or taxi transport, so this below-average annual accumulation suggests either genuine light use, a long period of storage, or significant gaps between active service. Mechanically, low annual mileage of this nature can present its own considerations; ageing rubber components such as suspension bushes, engine and gearbox mounts, and various seals can deteriorate through simple age rather than through mechanical wear, and prolonged standing can lead to issues with brake calipers binding, corrosion in the cooling system, and degradation of fuel system components. The gap between the 2021 and 2022 tests, followed by a longer interval to the 2024 test, may also reflect periods of non-use that warrant closer inspection. Given the clean advisory history, there are no specific flagged components to target during inspection, but a prospective buyer should nevertheless pay particular attention to the areas most likely to suffer on a low mileage vehicle of this age. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn lower wishbone bushes or anti-roll bar linkages common to these models. Check for any pulling under braking or a spongy pedal feel, as brake caliper sliders can seize after long periods of inactivity, leading to uneven pad wear. Inspect the underside thoroughly for any surface corrosion on subframe mounting points, brake pipes, and fuel lines, paying special attention to the rear axle and exhaust mounting areas where road salt tends to accumulate on a 29 year old chassis. The 2.0 litre petrol and diesel units fitted to the 806 are known to suffer from timing belt degradation if not replaced at the prescribed intervals, so any documentation of the cambelt service history would be highly valuable. Check for blue smoke on start-up, which could indicate valve stem oil seal failure, and listen for any timing chain rattle from the diesel variants on cold starts. Given the low recorded mileage, verify the authenticity of the odometer reading through service history and previous MOT certificates, and confirm whether the vehicle has been used regularly or stored for extended periods, as this will significantly influence the condition of fuel, oil, and cooling system components. A compression test and inspection of the condition of all coolant and vacuum hoses would be prudent given the age of the vehicle, regardless of the encouraging MOT history.