2006 Peugeot Partner 1.9L Diesel · WN06 WNL

The defining mechanical story of this 2006 Peugeot Partner is a pattern of corrosion-related advisories and a history of brake and suspension defects that warrant close physical inspection. Over its recorded MOT history, the vehicle has accumulated a notable cluster of structural concerns, particularly around the rear suspension mounting points and brake pipework. At the most recent test on 2026-01-11 it passed, but with advisories for a corroded rear exhaust box joint, an oil leak, and perishing on both rear inner tyres. More significantly, the 2023 test recorded corrosion at the offside rear inner suspension mounting area on the sill and panel, corroded rear brake pipes, and a slightly noisy nearside rear wheel bearing. A dangerous failure was also recorded at the 2024 retest, with parking brake efficiency less than half the required value, alongside a re-test the same day that passed but retained the brake pad advisory. Earlier, the 2022 failure highlighted major brake system defects including a leaking rear brake valve and defective brake load sensing valve linkage, plus headlamp aim issues and deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage dust covers. Taken together, the record suggests a vehicle where rear-end corrosion and brake hydraulic components have been recurring pressure points, with the most recent test stable rather than worsening but still carrying unresolved advisories. The recorded mileage of 222,020 miles across roughly twenty years equates to an annual accumulation of around 11,100 miles, which is broadly typical for a working van of this age. The MOT history itself shows testing gaps, with no recorded tests between April 2016 and April 2021, suggesting a five-year period where the car may have either been off the road, used on private land, or not subject to annual testing. Mileage jumps across the recorded tests appear consistent with steady working use rather than any dramatic spikes or towbar-fitted anomalies, but the high absolute mileage means that consumables such as suspension bushes, brake discs and pads, CV joints and exhaust components will be nearer the end of their service life than not. For a vehicle that has covered over 220,000 miles, attention should focus on whether the chassis and load-bearing components have been subjected to the stresses associated with that workload, particularly given the corrosion advisories already on record. For a prospective buyer, the rear suspension and braking system should be the priority inspection areas. The corrosion advisories on the rear sill and panel mounting areas from 2023 should be examined physically for perforation, with particular attention to whether the corrosion has progressed from surface marking through to structural metal loss. The rear brake pipes were flagged as corroded in 2023 and the dangerous parking brake failure in 2024 indicates that the handbrake mechanism, rear shoes or cables should be tested on a hill to confirm the vehicle holds firmly without excessive travel. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn suspension bushes, and feel for any pull to one side under braking. Check for binding or dragging at the rear wheels when the handbrake is released, which could point to seized caliper slides or cables. The slightly noisy nearside rear wheel bearing noted in 2023 should be evaluated with the vehicle on a lift or jacked up, spinning the wheel by hand to detect any roughness or rumble. Other flagged components deserve specific checks before purchase. The oil leak noted at the latest test should be traced visually to its source, as engine and gearbox seals on high-mileage Partner units commonly weep from the crankshaft or sump area. Both rear inner tyres were flagged for perishing, so inspect the sidewalls and tread edges carefully for cracking regardless of remaining tread depth. The front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in 2024 and should have been renewed by now, so verify recent pad and disc condition through a physical check. The deteriorated CV joint boot recorded in 2022 should be inspected for splits or grease loss, as a failed boot leads to joint failure if unaddressed. Suspension arm bushes and anti-roll bar linkage joints have appeared repeatedly as advisories since 2021, so a thorough check of any knocking through the front end over speed humps, and excessive play in the steering, would be prudent. Given the combined picture of age, mileage, recorded brake defects and structural advisories, this Partner is best evaluated with a pre-purchase inspection from a garage familiar with light commercial vehicles, rather than relied upon solely on the MOT record.