2009 Peugeot 307 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Peugeot 307 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Peugeot 307 diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Brake discs2× usual
  Peugeot 307

  27.5% All 2009 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Steering rack inner joints6.7× usual
  Peugeot 307

  14.8% All 2009 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 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.

• Headlights2.6× usual
  Peugeot 307

  18% All 2009 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.2%, against 3.7% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Track rod ends3× usual
  Peugeot 307

  14.9% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.4% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

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

• Diesel smoke emissions5.6× usual
  Peugeot 307

  5.6% All 2009 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 0.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2009 Peugeot 307 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Peugeot 307 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  41% 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.

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Steering
  18% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  11% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Peugeot 307 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 discs? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2009 Peugeot 307 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.7× as often on the 2009 Peugeot 307 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2009 Peugeot 307 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?