2000 Peugeot 406 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Peugeot 406 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Peugeot 406 petrol than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  Peugeot 406

  26.4% All 2000 cars

  15%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.4% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Exhaust system1.9× usual
  Peugeot 406

  18.6% All 2000 cars

  9.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 2.8% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Sub-frame3.2× usual
  Peugeot 406

  11.6% All 2000 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.2% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.8× usual
  Peugeot 406

  6.7% All 2000 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, 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 406 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Peugeot 406 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  30% 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
  28% 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.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  21% 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 2000 Peugeot 406 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 engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2000 Peugeot 406 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2000 Peugeot 406 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2000 Peugeot 406 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?