2007 Peugeot 407 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Peugeot 407 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Peugeot 407 diesel than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.9× usual
  Peugeot 407

  19.8% All 2007 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.9%, against 3.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Peugeot 407

  26.3% All 2007 cars

  14.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.2% of all 2007 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.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  Peugeot 407

  21.4% All 2007 cars

  12.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.4% of all 2007 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.

• Anti-lock braking system8.2× usual
  Peugeot 407

  9% All 2007 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 1.1% of all 2007 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.7× usual
  Peugeot 407

  11.7% All 2007 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.6% of all 2007 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 2007 Peugeot 407 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Peugeot 407 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  41% 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.

• Tyres
  39% 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
  22% 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
  20% 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 2007 Peugeot 407 diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2007 Peugeot 407 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2007 Peugeot 407 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2007 Peugeot 407 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?