2004 Peugeot 407 2.0L Diesel · RY04 FRL

The most recent DVSA examination on 15 December 2025 returned a PASS with no defects or advisories recorded, suggesting the vehicle was presented in a roadworthy condition at that test. However, the preceding entry on 3 December 2025 shows a FAIL with no specific defects listed, which is unusual and likely indicates that the vehicle failed on a category not recorded in the summary data, or that the test was aborted before full defect capture. A further FAIL was recorded on 28 November 2023 alongside a PASS on the same date, again with no defects noted, raising similar questions. Despite these anomalies in the recording, the fact that the vehicle subsequently passed without advisories on each subsequent attempt points to a broadly stable mechanical condition, though the clustered pass/fail pattern warrants direct verification with the seller regarding any rectification work carried out between tests and whether any advisories were issued verbally or addressed immediately. The recorded mileage of 141,882 miles on a 22-year-old vehicle equates to an annual average of around 6,449 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this vintage and suggests steady, moderate usage rather than extreme high-mileage driving or prolonged periods of standing. The MOT history does not show any mileage readings, so it is not possible to confirm whether the vehicle has been used consistently year on year or whether there have been significant gaps in use, but the consistent annual testing pattern implies the car has been kept on the road throughout its life. From a mechanical perspective, this mileage level on a Peugeot 407 of this age places considerable wear on typical consumables and drivetrain components, including the timing belt and water pump service interval, clutch and dual-mass flywheel if fitted, suspension bushes, coil springs, and engine oil consumption. Given the lack of recorded advisories, attention should focus on age-related deterioration rather than specific flagged defects. Inspect the tyres carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking from age, as 22-year-old tyres can degrade even with adequate tread depth, and check for uneven wear patterns that may indicate worn suspension bushes, top mounts, or tracking misalignment. On the test drive, listen for suspension clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, particularly from the front lower wishbones and anti-roll bar drop links, which are known wear points on this model. Examine the brake discs for any lipping or corrosion, and verify that the calipers are not binding, especially if the vehicle has stood for any period, as seized calipers are common on higher-mileage cars. Verify that the timing belt and water pump have been replaced in accordance with manufacturer intervals, typically every 80,000 miles or eight years for this engine family, and obtain documented evidence in the service history. Check the 12V battery condition, as a unit of this age is highly likely to be approaching the end of its service life, and confirm that all fluid services including engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid have been performed on a calendar basis, as these degrade with time irrespective of mileage. Finally, inspect the underside for any evidence of fluid leaks from the engine, power steering, or suspension dampers, and ensure that the exhaust system is free from corrosion at the mounting points and joints, given the vehicle's age and exposure to road conditions.