Used car guide

1998 Peugeot 306: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1998 Peugeot 306s, from 423 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 423 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

423MOT tests in 2025
61%pass first time (all 1998 cars: 66%)
3,900typical miles a year
4.5×the usual rate for steering rack

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1998 Peugeot 306s than on all cars registered in 1998.

  • Steering rack4.5× usual
    Peugeot 306
    8.5% All 1998 cars
    1.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.1% of all 1998 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.

By area

The share of 1998 Peugeot 306 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    40% 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
    37% 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
    30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    24% 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.

  • Tyres
    23% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    21% 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.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2002129Brakes 50%
2001686Brakes 48%
2000891Suspension 44%
1999630Suspension 38%
1997289Brakes 39%
1996168Brakes 35%
1995130Suspension 36%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1998 Peugeot 306s registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score