Used car guide

1991 Peugeot 309: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Peugeot 309 first registered in 1991: we looked at the 157 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 157 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

157MOTs of 1991 cars, done in 2023–2025
66%pass first time (all 1991 cars: 71%)
2,800typical miles a year
34%had brakes flagged

Common 1991 Peugeot 309 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1991 Peugeot 309 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    34% 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
    28% 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
    22% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    19% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    13% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1991 Peugeot 309

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 309?

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 309 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2023–Too new for MOT data
1993–Too few tests
1992150Brakes 35%
1990121Brakes 36%
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–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 309 cars first registered in 1991. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score