1997 Peugeot 106: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1997 Peugeot 106s, from 387 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 387 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1997 Peugeot 106s than on all cars registered in 1997.
- Exhaust emissions (catalyst)3.5× usualPeugeot 10615% All 1997 cars4.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 14.7%, against 4.2% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.
By area
The share of 1997 Peugeot 106 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes34% 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.
- Suspension28% 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 electrics25% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions24% 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.
- Tyres22% 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 leaks14% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 483 | Tyres 27% |
| 2002 | 872 | Brakes 33% |
| 2001 | 773 | Suspension 31% |
| 2000 | 401 | Lights and electrics 34% |
| 1999 | 185 | Suspension 30% |
| 1998 | 518 | Brakes 30% |
| 1996 | 184 | Brakes 36% |
| 1995 | 146 | Suspension 32% |
| 1994 | 130 | Brakes 29% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1997 Peugeot 106s registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score