2011 Peugeot Partner 1.6L Diesel · WN11 AAJ

The most recent MOT on 3 October 2025 was a pass, but it carried several advisories and the previous day’s re‑test recorded a failure for a fractured off‑side front coil spring and a non‑functioning off‑side position lamp. Over the last three years the vehicle has repeatedly shown an oil‑seal leak, progressive front brake‑disc wear and corrosion of the near‑side front coil spring, while the 2025 failure introduced a serious suspension fracture. The pattern indicates a maintenance trajectory that is deteriorating rather than stabilising, with the emergence of a major structural defect and recurring electrical faults suggesting that remedial work has not kept pace with emerging issues. At 76 482 miles the car averages just over 5 000 miles per annum, which is considerably below the typical usage for a fifteen‑year‑old commercial van. The low annual mileage can be a positive sign of reduced wear on drivetrain and engine components, but it also implies the vehicle may have spent extended periods stationary. Prolonged inactivity can accelerate rubber hardening, battery sulphation and corrosion of suspension bushings, especially where the near‑side front coil spring is already noted as corroded. The modest mileage therefore does not preclude hidden wear, particularly on components that are age‑sensitive rather than mileage‑dependent. A prospective buyer should focus on the front suspension and braking system. The fractured off‑side front coil spring must be replaced and the near‑side spring inspected for further corrosion; any play or clunking when compressing the front axle over a bump would indicate worn bushings or weakened springs. The front brake discs, repeatedly flagged as worn, should be measured for remaining thickness and examined for scoring; a shudder or pulsation under hard braking would confirm the need for resurfacing or replacement. The oil leak advisory, although not excessive, warrants locating the source—typically a valve‑cover gasket or oil filter housing seal—and confirming that oil levels are stable and that there is no contamination of the exhaust or under‑tray. The exhaust smoke note, together with the “engine smoky” comment, suggests the engine may be burning oil or running rich; a short test‑drive should be used to listen for excessive smoke, rough idle or loss of power, and a compression check would be prudent. All external lighting—off‑side position lamp, stop lamp and registration plate lamp—must be verified as operational and the wiring inspected for corrosion or poor connections. Given the vehicle’s age and low utilisation, additional age‑related checks are essential. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or age‑related perishing, especially on the front right tyre that was previously close to the legal tread limit; uneven wear could also point to mis‑alignment or worn suspension components. The 12 V battery, now fifteen years old, should be load‑tested to confirm it can hold charge, and the electrolyte level inspected if it is a conventional lead‑acid unit. Verify that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended service intervals, as fluids degrade over time even without mileage. Finally, request a full service history and look for evidence of timely replacement of wear items; the presence of recent suspension work, brake servicing and oil‑seal refurbishment would mitigate some of the concerns raised by the MOT record.