Used car guide

2008 Peugeot 307: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Peugeot 307s, from 1,458 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,458MOT tests in 2025
52%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
5,500typical miles a year
6×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Peugeot 307s than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Steering rack inner joints6× usual
    Peugeot 307
    17.3% 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.

  • Headlights2.1× usual
    Peugeot 307
    22.2% All 2008 cars
    10.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 4.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

  • Brake discs1.7× usual
    Peugeot 307
    25% All 2008 cars
    14.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.1% of all 2008 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.

  • Track rod ends2.3× usual
    Peugeot 307
    12.8% All 2008 cars
    5.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

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

  • Sidelights1.8× usual
    Peugeot 307
    13.4% All 2008 cars
    7.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 10.4%, against 6.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Better than most

Rigid brake pipes: 1.7% here, against 9.6% of all 2008 cars. Sub-frame: 1.6% here, against 7.8% of all 2008 cars.

By area

The share of 2008 Peugeot 307 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    52% 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
    46% 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
    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.

  • Tyres
    38% 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.

  • 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    14% 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.

Looking at a Peugeot 307?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20075,772Suspension 54%
20065,352Suspension 53%
20053,375Suspension 53%
20042,519Suspension 53%
20031,710Suspension 54%
20021,028Suspension 55%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Peugeot 307s registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score