2006 Peugeot 407 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Peugeot 407 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Peugeot 407 petrol than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Peugeot 407

  25.1% All 2006 cars

  14.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.1% of all 2006 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.

• Ball joint2.1× usual
  Peugeot 407

  13.5% All 2006 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 3.1% of all 2006 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.

• Anti-lock braking system6.3× usual
  Peugeot 407

  7.6% All 2006 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 1.2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2006 Peugeot 407 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Peugeot 407 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Brakes
  36% 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
  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.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  13% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 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 1.8× as often on the 2006 Peugeot 407 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2006 Peugeot 407 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 6.3× as often on the 2006 Peugeot 407 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?