2000 Peugeot 306: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Peugeot 306?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Peugeot 306 than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Brake pads1.9× usual
  Peugeot 306

  10% All 2000 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.2% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Steering rack2.9× usual
  Peugeot 306

  6% All 2000 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.2% of all 2000 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.7× usual
  Peugeot 306

  9.3% All 2000 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.5% of all 2000 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.

• Side repeaters2.8× usual
  Peugeot 306

  4.2% All 2000 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.8% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2000 Peugeot 306 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 Peugeot 306 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  46% 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
  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.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% 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 emissions
  22% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 Peugeot 306

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

1. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2000 Peugeot 306 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2000 Peugeot 306 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2000 Peugeot 306 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?