2009 Peugeot 307 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Steering rack inner joints7× usual
  Peugeot 307

  15.5% 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.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Peugeot 307

  27.3% All 2009 cars

  14.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, 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.

• Headlights2.5× usual
  Peugeot 307

  17% All 2009 cars

  6.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, 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 ends2.5× usual
  Peugeot 307

  12.3% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, 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.

Common 2009 Peugeot 307 petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  44% 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  37% 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
  35% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% 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 an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Peugeot 307 petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 7× as often on the 2009 Peugeot 307 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2009 Peugeot 307 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2009 Peugeot 307 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?