Used car guide

1997 Peugeot 106 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Peugeot 106 first registered in 1997 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 267 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 267 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

267MOTs of 1997 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
65%pass first time (all 1997 cars: 65%)
3,800typical miles a year
42%had brakes flagged

Common 1997 Peugeot 106 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Peugeot 106 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    42% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    34% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    29% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    27% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    18% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Rust and bodywork
    17% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Peugeot 106 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Peugeot 106?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Peugeot 106 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
20031,779Tyres 29%
20023,157Lights and electrics 32%
20012,838Brakes 32%
20001,514Lights and electrics 32%
1999664Suspension 30%
19981,813Brakes 30%
1996630Brakes 36%
1995472Suspension 35%
1994451Brakes 28%
1993210Suspension 33%
1992171Brakes 37%
1991–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Peugeot 106 cars first registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score