2003 Peugeot 607 2.0L Diesel · SP03 YPG

A consistent pattern of front-end wear dominates the mechanical record of this 2003 Peugeot 607, with corrosion and joint deterioration on the front suspension appearing as advisories or failures across virtually every test since 2019. The most recent examination on 28 January 2023 resulted in a pass, but it was accompanied by advisories for both front brake pads wearing thin, a corroded nearside front coil spring, a parking brake with little reserve travel, and rear brake imbalance requiring adjustment or repair. Notably, a failure was recorded on the same date with identical advisories, suggesting an initial defect that was remedied between tests rather than a clean first-time pass. The broader history reinforces a worsening rather than stable trend: a March 2021 test produced a failure for an excessively corroded offside rear brake pipe, both headlamp aim defects, and binding offside front brake; a March 2019 test failed on an excessively worn nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint and a track rod end with excessive play. Two failed MOTs within four years, both involving suspension or steering wear items, indicate that core chassis components have been working through their service life on a vehicle now exceeding 187,000 miles. The recorded mileage of 187,333 miles across approximately 23 years equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 8,145 miles, which sits in a broadly typical band for a car of this age and original price bracket. However, the MOT record itself is irregular, with a clear gap between 2019 and 2020 being the most recent continuous run, and the vehicle having been presented for testing in most years since 2019. This pattern of annual testing combined with escalating front-end advisories suggests a car that is being used regularly enough to accumulate wear on consumables and suspension joints, but the high absolute mileage and repeated advisories on similar components indicate that bushes, springs, and brake hardware are likely approaching the end of their effective service life. The cumulative effect of nearly 190,000 miles on a front-wheel-drive executive saloon is consistent with the recorded findings of binding calipers, corroded springs, and play in steering and anti-roll bar joints. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas on inspection are the front suspension and braking systems, as these are the components that have repeatedly attracted advisories and failures. The nearside and offside front coil springs should be examined visually for surface corrosion and pitting, particularly at the lower coils where moisture and road salt collect; listen for clonks or thuds over uneven road surfaces, which would suggest advanced spring failure or weakened top mounts. The anti-roll bar linkage ball joints on both front and rear axles have been flagged multiple times for slight play, so a careful check underneath with the wheel unloaded is advisable, and any knocking or rattling through corners at low speed should be taken seriously. Brake pedal feel warrants close attention, given the binding offside front caliper advisory from 2021 and the rear brake imbalance noted in 2023; a pulling sensation under heavy braking, a soft or spongy pedal, or a handbrake that requires excessive travel are all warning signs that the brake pipe corrosion, caliper, or rear drum/shoe adjustment issues may have progressed since the last test. Further inspection should focus on the steering rack and track rod ends, following the 2019 failure for excessive play in the nearside front track rod end ball joint. With the engine running and the vehicle stationary, watch for any twitching or rhythmic movement of the steering wheel, and on the road, check for vagueness in the straight-ahead position or a need for constant correction, both of which can indicate worn inner or outer tie rods. The front oil leak flagged in 2022 should be traced to its source, as a weeping cam cover gasket, sump, or front crankshaft seal on a high-mileage Peugeot 607 can develop into a more significant seep if left unchecked, and any fresh drips on the driveway or underside should be noted. Finally, the rear brake pipe that was excessively corroded in 2021 is a serious concern on a vehicle of this age and mileage; corrosion in this area tends to spread along the underfloor lines, so a thorough examination of all visible brake pipes, particularly along the chassis rails and rear axle, is essential before purchase, and any signs of rust bubbling through underseal on the rear subframe or suspension mounting points should be investigated by a borescope or by removing undertray panels.