Used car guide

2008 Peugeot 206: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Peugeot 206s, from 997 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

997MOT tests in 2025
56%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
4,300typical miles a year
6.1×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Peugeot 206s than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Steering rack inner joints6.1× usual
    Peugeot 206
    17.8% All 2008 cars
    2.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
    Peugeot 206
    23.9% All 2008 cars
    12.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2008 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.

  • Steering rack3.3× usual
    Peugeot 206
    3.6% All 2008 cars
    1.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Better than most

Rigid brake pipes: 3.2% here, against 9.6% of all 2008 cars. Number plates: 2.5% here, against 5.8% of all 2008 cars.

By area

The share of 2008 Peugeot 206 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    49% 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 electrics
    36% 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
    35% 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
    26% 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.

  • Brakes
    24% 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.

  • Steering
    20% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Looking at a Peugeot 206?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20072,184Suspension 44%
20065,011Suspension 48%
20056,657Suspension 50%
20047,049Suspension 48%
20034,901Suspension 46%
20023,631Lights and electrics 45%
20012,231Suspension 50%
2000856Suspension 48%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Peugeot 206s registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score