2000 Peugeot 306 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Peugeot 306 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Peugeot 306 diesel than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Brake pads2.4× usual
  Peugeot 306

  12.8% All 2000 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.2% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Braking performance1.8× usual
  Peugeot 306

  13.4% All 2000 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 3.6% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Steering rack3.3× usual
  Peugeot 306

  7% All 2000 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.2% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.5× usual
  Peugeot 306

  5.9% All 2000 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.7% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2000 Peugeot 306 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Peugeot 306 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  51% 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
  46% 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
  31% 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
  29% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 Peugeot 306 diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2000 Peugeot 306 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2000 Peugeot 306 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2000 Peugeot 306 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?