2020 Peugeot Partner 1.5L Diesel · VU70 XOD

A clear pattern of recurring rear brake wear emerges across the MOT history of this 2020 Peugeot Partner, with brake-related advisories appearing at consecutive tests and culminating in a dangerous failure on 2 October 2025. At the 2023 test, both the rear brake discs and rear brake pads were flagged as wearing, and by the following year, although no defects were recorded, the trend continued at the 2025 inspection where the rear brake pads had worn below 1.5 mm thickness, warranting a dangerous defect and immediate refusal of the test certificate. The same test also issued advisories for front brake pads wearing thin and for both offside tyres showing edge wear, one on the inner edge at the front and a combination of inner and outer edge wear at the rear. A vehicle passing its test immediately after such a dangerous failure is mechanically significant; the repairs required to clear the dangerous defect would have addressed the rear brake pads at minimum, though the advisories for front pads and tyre edge wear indicate that further attention was likely recommended. At six years old, this Partner has accumulated 100,756 recorded miles, equating to roughly 16,793 miles per year, which is a notably high rate for a vehicle of its class and age. Three MOT tests are recorded across a roughly two-year window from October 2023 to October 2025, during which the vehicle has been in regular use. The mileage progression between tests is consistent with sustained high annual use, which in practical terms places greater demand on consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension components than would be expected for a lower-mileage example of the same age. For a commercial-derived vehicle like the Partner, this level of annual mileage is not unusual, but it does mean that wear items will need replacement more frequently and that components such as bushes, dampers, and driveline parts may be closer to the end of their service life. For a prospective buyer, the brake wear pattern is the most pressing area to investigate, as the rear pads have been flagged at two consecutive tests and have now required replacement to clear a dangerous defect. The pitted rear discs noted in 2023 should be inspected for current condition, as scored or worn discs can reduce braking efficiency and contribute to uneven pad wear. The front brake pads were also flagged as wearing thin at the most recent test and warrant a direct check of remaining friction material. Both offside tyres showed edge wear at the last test, with the front wearing on the inner edge and the rear on both inner and outer edges; inner edge wear in particular can indicate tracking misalignment or worn suspension components such as wishbone bushes, top mounts, or strut bearings, and a four-wheel alignment check is advisable. A test drive should include firm pedal application to assess for any pulling, judder, or grinding, and the vehicle should be driven over varied road surfaces to listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension, which would suggest wear in the linkages or anti-roll bar mountings consistent with high-mileage commercial use. Beyond the recorded items, a thorough physical inspection should include a close examination of the underbody, particularly around the rear axle and subframe mounting points, as vans of this age and mileage are prone to surface corrosion in these areas. The condition of all brake pipes and flexible hoses should be checked for corrosion, cracking, or any signs of recent replacement, as deteriorated brake pipes are a common MOT failure point on higher-mileage commercial vehicles. The steering rack gaiters and drive shaft boots should be inspected for splits, as the high annual mileage increases the likelihood of perishable rubber components deteriorating. Coolant, oil, and power steering fluid levels and condition should be assessed, and a scan for any warning lights on the dashboard, particularly for the ABS, electronic stability programme, or diesel particulate filter, would be prudent given the usage profile. Finally, confirmation should be sought that the dangerous rear brake defect and associated advisories have been fully rectified, as a pass issued on the same date as the failure only confirms that the vehicle met the minimum standard at the time of retest, not the long-term condition of the components involved.