2008 Peugeot 407 2.2L Diesel · WD57 FNF

The most recent MOT test on 8 April 2025 resulted in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is a positive immediate outcome. However, evaluating the broader history reveals a maintenance trend that is best described as mixed but broadly stable at pass level, with several recurring underlying issues that have not yet been fully resolved. Across the recorded tests, the vehicle has shown repeated minor lighting failures on the nearside, persistent brake disc wear advisories spanning multiple years, and a history of brake binding and pad wear culminating in a dangerous rear brake failure in April 2024. The fact that the latest test returned a clean pass suggests remedial work has likely been carried out, but the recurrence of defects in similar areas indicates the vehicle remains prone to these specific wear patterns and a buyer should not assume all issues are permanently resolved. With 119,080 miles recorded on an 18-year-old vehicle, the annual mileage equates to approximately 6,616 miles per year, which is broadly typical for its age but sits at the lower end of average use. MOT tests have been conducted regularly on an annual basis since at least 2021, with no extended gaps in testing that would suggest prolonged standing. This pattern indicates consistent, if modest, usage which is generally favourable for mechanical longevity, as components such as brakes, suspension, drivetrain and exhaust systems are less likely to suffer from the corrosion, seal degradation and caliper binding that affect long-stationary vehicles. The mileage is not so high as to indicate motorway-grade wear on major components, but a 2008 vehicle at this age will still face age-related degradation regardless of mileage accumulation, particularly around rubber components, electrical systems and structural integrity. Given the recurring brake-related advisories and the dangerous failure recorded in April 2024, particular attention must be paid to the braking system on inspection and test drive. The earlier defects of nearside rear brake pads worn below 1.5 mm, significantly worn rear brake discs, and excessive binding on the nearside rear service brake suggest that the rear brake caliper, caliper slide pins, and handbrake mechanism should be physically inspected for free operation, seized pistons, and uneven pad wear. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsation through the brake pedal, and feel for any pulling to one side under braking, which would indicate uneven caliper function or hydraulic issues. The brake disc pitting advisories from 2021 through 2023 also indicate that although the discs were within legal limits, they have been progressively deteriorating, and a buyer should verify current disc thickness, check for lipping at the disc edge, and confirm whether the discs have been machined or replaced since the 2024 dangerous failure. Beyond the braking system, the repeated oil leak advisory from 2021 and 2022 warrants a visual inspection underneath the vehicle for fresh oil residue on the engine block, sump, and surrounding components, as oil leaks left unattended can lead to low oil levels and consequential engine wear. The offside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint play noted across multiple tests should be rechecked, as worn anti-roll bar links typically produce clonking noises over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces and contribute to vague or loose handling. Additionally, given the vehicle's age, a prospective buyer should inspect the tyres for sidewall cracking and perishing even if tread depth is adequate, examine the 12V battery for hold-down security and terminal condition, verify the age of the brake fluid and engine coolant as these degrade on a calendar basis, and check thoroughly for structural corrosion particularly around wheel arches, sills, and suspension mounting points which are common rot areas on older Peugeot 407 models. The steering rack gaiter damage recorded in 2022 should also be confirmed as still preventing dirt ingress, as a torn gaiter can lead to premature steering rack failure if contaminated.