2018 Peugeot Boxer 2.0L Diesel · SV68 AXZ

The defining mechanical story of this 2018 Peugeot Boxer is a stubborn pattern of perishing tyres and deteriorating front suspension bushes, with the most recent test on 15 October 2025 passing but carrying forward advisories on the front inner suspension arm rearmost bushes on both sides, alongside tyre cracking on all four corners. Notably, that same day the vehicle also failed on an offside rear fog lamp not working due to a poor connection, a straightforward electrical defect that was resolved and resulted in a pass on the retest. What stands out is the consistency: every MOT since 2023 has recorded the same tyre perishing advisory across all four wheels, and every test since 2024 has flagged the front inner suspension arm bushes as worn or perished. Two earlier tests in 2021 and 2022 were completely clean, indicating that mechanical decline has emerged over the last three testing cycles rather than being a long-standing issue. With eight calendar years on the road and only 12,894 recorded miles, this Boxer averages roughly 1,612 miles per year, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this size and likely operational purpose. The mileage progression across tests confirms extremely light use: 8,500 miles at the 2022 test, around 10,200 by 2023, approximately 11,200 by 2024, and 12,894 at the 2025 test, with no major gaps in testing history. Mechanically, low annual mileage in a commercial-derived vehicle typically accelerates ageing of rubber components, brake discs (through surface corrosion rather than wear), and underbody fasteners, while engine and gearbox internals suffer less from high-cycle wear. The pattern of perishing tyres and dried-out suspension bushes recorded on every recent MOT is entirely consistent with a vehicle that spends long periods stationary rather than being used regularly. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas to inspect are the front suspension, tyres, and rear lighting. The repeated advisories on the rearmost inner suspension arm bushes on both sides suggest the rubber has hardened and started to deteriorate; on a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for vagueness or shimmy through the steering wheel, particularly under braking or on cambers. The bushes themselves can be checked on a ramp or over a pit by hand, looking for cracking, crumbling, or excessive radial play. Given that every tyre has been flagged for perishing within the tread on multiple consecutive tests, all four tyres should be inspected closely for hairline sidewall cracks and shoulder cracking even if tread depth appears adequate, and budget for a full set replacement regardless of remaining tread. Finally, confirm the rear fog lamp is functioning on both sides, inspect the wiring and connector for corrosion, and check that the central stop lamp (which was flagged as partially failed in 2023) now illuminates fully. A short road test should also include a thorough check of brake feel, as low-mileage vehicles frequently develop corroded brake discs that cause juddering under heavy braking even when the friction material has plenty of life left. Listen for any binding or dragging after release of the pedal, and verify that the handbrake holds the vehicle on an incline without excessive travel. Inspect the underside for any signs of underbody corrosion, paying particular attention to suspension subframes, brake pipes, and mounting points, as Boxer chassis of this era are known to suffer surface corrosion in areas exposed to winter road salt. With only six tests on file and the recent emergence of recurring advisories, a full inspection on a lift remains advisable before purchase, even though no major structural or braking defects have yet been recorded against the vehicle.