2003 Peugeot 106 1.1L Petrol · RO03 LLM

The most recent MOT, dated 14 May 2026, was passed but was accompanied by a series of advisories covering an oil leak, missing rear passenger seats, and tyre tread depths approaching the legal minimum on all four wheels. Over the preceding three‑year period the vehicle has moved from occasional failures for safety‑critical items such as a cracked windscreen and a distorted rear rim to a pattern of recurring non‑excessive oil leakage and progressive tyre wear. While the latest test shows the car is currently road‑legal, the weight of repeated advisories indicates a maintenance trajectory that is, at best, marginally improving but still shows a clear tendency toward deterioration if the underlying causes are not addressed. At 108 952 miles the car averages roughly 4 700 miles per annum, a figure considerably below the typical usage for a 23‑year‑old hatchback. Such low annual mileage often points to long periods of inactivity rather than gentle driving, which can be as detrimental as high mileage. Prolonged standing encourages rubber perishing, battery sulphation and corrosion of suspension bushings, while the occasional spikes in mileage that have occurred may have placed sudden loads on worn components such as the brakes and tyres. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the persistent oil leak noted on every MOT since 2023. Verify the source – whether from the valve cover gasket, crankcase breather or gearbox seal – and inspect the engine bay and under‑carriage for oil stains that could indicate a developing seal failure. Examine all four tyres for uneven edge wear, sidewall cracking or perishing, especially on the rear wheels where the tread depth is already at 1.6 mm; any vibration or a “wobbly” feel at speed would suggest the need for tyre replacement or wheel refurbishment. The distorted off‑side rear rim recorded in 2022 and 2023 should be measured for true roundness; a bent rim can cause chronic vibration, premature tyre wear and stress on the hub bearings. Front brake pads were flagged as thin in 2025, so a visual inspection of pad thickness and disc condition is essential – listen for a high‑pitched squeal or feel for shudder when applying the brakes. Finally, confirm that the missing rear passenger seats are either reinstated with proper seatbelts or that the vehicle is only used for two‑seat occupancy, as the absence of a seat can affect occupant protection in a collision. Given the vehicle’s age and low usage, time‑related wear must also be assessed. Check the 12‑volt battery for charge hold and electrolyte condition; a battery older than five years is likely to be near the end of its service life. Inspect the coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids for colour and clarity, as these fluids degrade even when the car sits idle and can cause corrosion or reduced performance if not replaced. Look for rust on the chassis, wheel arches and under‑body panels, especially in areas where water may have pooled during periods of storage. Verify that the windscreen has been repaired or replaced since the 2025 crack, and that all exterior lighting – headlamp aim, stop lamp and position lamp – operates correctly and is correctly aimed, as previous failures in these areas suggest possible wiring or alignment issues. A thorough test drive should be used to listen for suspension clunks, monitor steering feel for any pull, and ensure that the gearbox shifts smoothly without unusual noises, all of which will give a clearer picture of the car’s overall mechanical health.