2005 Peugeot 407 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Peugeot 407 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Peugeot 407 petrol than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Brake discs2.2× usual
  Peugeot 407

  30.8% All 2005 cars

  13.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.1% of all 2005 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.

• Washers2.7× usual
  Peugeot 407

  10.4% All 2005 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.4%, against 3.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Ball joint2× usual
  Peugeot 407

  13% All 2005 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 3.2% of all 2005 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 2005 Peugeot 407 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Peugeot 407 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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
  41% 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
  36% 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.

• Suspension
  35% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  16% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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 2005 Peugeot 407 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 brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Peugeot 407 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the washers? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2005 Peugeot 407 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2005 Peugeot 407 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?