1997 Peugeot Boxer 2.4L Diesel · P86 ORV

A pattern of progressive front suspension and brake deterioration dominates this Peugeot Boxer's MOT record, with a clear escalation from minor advisories into major failure items across consecutive tests. The most recent entry on 12 May 2026 documents a pass alongside a rear wheel bearing play advisory, but this only came after a fail six days earlier on 6 May 2026 which flagged a serious nearside front shock absorber fluid leak, imbalanced service braking across an axle, and an excessively binding nearside front service brake. The nearside front shock absorber has been a recurring concern since at least April 2025 when light oil misting was first noted, indicating a seal that has gradually worsened rather than a sudden failure. Suspension wear has compounded this: by May 2024 the nearside front lower suspension arm front bush was recorded as excessively worn at a fail, with ball joint play also advised, and by May 2026 the brake caliper on the same side was binding while the discs had been showing pitting and scoring since September 2023. The mechanical story is one of front-end degradation that has now reached the point of brake balance and damper integrity compromise, which warrants serious attention from any prospective buyer. Recorded mileage of 38,718 miles across approximately 29 years equates to an annual accumulation of around 1,335 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age and is consistent with light, occasional use or extended periods of standing. The MOT history reflects this pattern: tests have been infrequent rather than annual, with gaps between 2022 and 2023, and several near-identical dates in 2024 and 2026 suggesting the vehicle was presented for retest shortly after a failure. Low annual mileage on a commercial platform like the Boxer does not necessarily indicate preserved condition; in fact, long standing periods commonly accelerate corrosion of underbody and structural components, drying and cracking of rubber bushes, and brake component seizure, all of which align with the advisories recorded for body structure corrosion on the underside in September 2023 and the fractured central exhaust hanger noted in August 2022. The combination of low usage and the corrosion, binding brake, and perished damper recorded suggests the vehicle has suffered as much from standing as it might have from higher mileage work. A test drive should focus carefully on the front suspension and braking assembly. Listen for knocks, clonks, or clonking over uneven surfaces, particularly from the nearside front, which would suggest the lower arm bush and ball joint wear flagged in 2024 has progressed; uneven tyre wear on the nearside front would corroborate this. On the brake pedal, test for any pull to one side under firm application and any judder through the pedal, both of which would indicate the binding caliper and pitted front discs have worsened. The shock absorber fluid leak noted in May 2026 means the damper is no longer functioning correctly; check for excessive bouncing after a front-corner press down and for any residual oil residue visible on the damper body or coil spring. Body and understructure integrity deserves close inspection given the underside corrosion advisory from 2023 and the corroded inner step and exhaust components noted earlier. Examine the chassis rails, outriggers, and suspension mounting points for advanced perforation, particularly around the spring seats and brake line runs, where surface corrosion can quickly progress to structural concerns. Verify that the rear wheel bearing play noted at both the 2026 pass and the 2026 fail is being addressed, as worsening bearing play typically presents as a hum that changes with vehicle speed and can eventually compromise brake performance. The non-obligatory central stop lamp and reverse light advisories from 2024 and 2025, alongside the windscreen damage in Zone A, should also be confirmed as rectified. Overall, this Boxer's record points to a vehicle requiring imminent mechanical intervention on the front brakes, dampers, and suspension components, with secondary attention to corrosion protection on the underbody before further deterioration compromises structural integrity.