2013 Peugeot Bipper 1.2L Diesel · SC62 SFK

The most recent recorded DVSA MOT test on this 2013 Peugeot Bipper, dated 2 April 2024, resulted in a fail outcome with multiple serious defects categorised at Major and Dangerous level, which indicates a clear and concerning worsening trend in the vehicle's roadworthiness condition. The test recorded dangerous defects for ply or cords exposed on both front tyres, a fractured offside front coil spring, a seriously weakened nearside front Macpherson strut mounting, and a major defect for an incorrect colour offside rear direction indicator. When reviewing the broader history, the 2017 and 2018 tests passed without advisories, and the 2019 test (also 2 October 2019) initially recorded a fail for an excessively worn offside front lower suspension arm ball joint but passed later the same day. By 2021, an offside front tyre had again reached the dangerous cord-exposed condition, and by 2022 advisories were appearing for tyre wear on all four corners and slight play in the front anti-roll bar linkage and track rod end ball joint. This escalating pattern of front suspension wear, tyre neglect, and progressive component degradation strongly suggests the vehicle has not received consistent preventative maintenance, and any prospective buyer should treat this trajectory as a warning sign. The recorded mileage of 101,935 miles over approximately 13 years equates to an annual average of around 7,841 miles, which is broadly typical for a small commercial-derived van of this age. There are noticeable gaps in the MOT record, with tests appearing in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024, and mileage progression between these dates has not been excessive in any single interval. This suggests a usage profile consistent with light commercial or domestic duties rather than continuous high-mileage running, although the components failing at MOT are symptomatic of either neglect or the cumulative effect of carrying loads within the Bipper's modest payload, which places notable stress on the front suspension and steering geometry. It is worth noting that a van of this age and body style is often used for carrying heavier items than its passenger-car equivalents, accelerating wear on coil springs, strut mountings, and suspension arms. For a prospective buyer, the front-end defects recorded across multiple tests should form the core of any physical inspection. The fractured offside front coil spring and weakened Macpherson strut mounting recorded as dangerous in 2024 are critical safety items; a fractured spring will typically produce an audible clonking over bumps, a visibly lower ride height on one corner, and uneven or harsh tyre wear. The strut mounting damage can present as excessive vertical play when the wheel is manually rocked, knocking noises from the front suspension, and vague or wandering steering behaviour. The earlier advisories for the front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint and track rod end ball joint having slight play should now be investigated thoroughly, as ball joint wear progresses and will eventually cause clunking under braking or over rough surfaces, uneven front tyre wear, and potential MOT failure if play becomes excessive. Both front lower suspension arms were previously flagged, and Peugeot Bipper front suspension components are known wear items; physical inspection with the wheels off the ground, checking for perished bushes, weeping shock absorbers, and any play in the strut top mount bearings is essential. A test drive over speed humps, on uneven roads, and during braking should be performed to listen for clonks, knocks, or vibration through the steering wheel, which would suggest warped brake discs or worn front brake components given the mileage and pattern of advisory history. Beyond the suspension and steering concerns, the recurring dangerous tyre failures at MOT, including the same offside front location failing in both 2021 and 2024, suggest a pattern of tyres being run to destruction rather than replaced preventatively. A buyer should inspect the current tyres not only for tread depth but for sidewall cracking and perishing consistent with age, as budget tyres on a vehicle of this vintage can degrade from UV exposure even with legal tread remaining. The incorrect colour rear indicator recorded in 2024 should be verified as compliant at the time of purchase. Given the mileage and the van's likely load-carrying role, the braking system warrants close attention, including disc and pad wear, caliper slide pin operation to check for binding or sticking pistons, and the condition of the brake lines and flexible hoses for corrosion or cracking. Service history should be verified, with particular attention to timing belt replacement on the petrol or diesel engine fitted, as these are time- rather than mileage-sensitive items, along with confirmation of recent replacement of brake fluid, coolant, and the 12V battery, which can suffer from chronic undercharging in vehicles used for short urban journeys. Any evidence of fluid leaks from the engine, gearbox, or power steering system, together with exhaust smoke on start-up or under load, should be factored into price negotiation given the mechanical risk profile this MOT history presents.