2008 Peugeot Bipper: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Peugeot Bipper?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Peugeot Bipper than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Peugeot Bipper

  19.3% All 2008 cars

  9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 4.1% 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.

• Windscreen3.3× usual
  Peugeot Bipper

  11.9% All 2008 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

• Engine oil leaks1.7× usual
  Peugeot Bipper

  19.5% All 2008 cars

  11.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, 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.

• Shock absorbers1.9× usual
  Peugeot Bipper

  14.2% All 2008 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 2.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Washers2.2× usual
  Peugeot Bipper

  8.5% All 2008 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.5%, against 3.8% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2008 Peugeot Bipper MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  55% 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
  45% 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
  40% 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.

• Brakes
  26% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  24% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% 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 2008 Peugeot Bipper

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

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2008 Peugeot Bipper as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the windscreen? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2008 Peugeot Bipper as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2008 Peugeot Bipper as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?