Peugeot 309 (1987)
1987 Peugeot 309
CarHunch analysed 1,187 real MOT records for the 1987 Peugeot 309. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1987 Peugeot 309 passes its MOT first time in just 65.3% of cases, well below the UK average of 80%, which reflects the age-related wear you'd expect from a 37-year-old car. Dangerous defects show up in roughly one in ten of these vehicles, so structural and safety issues aren't endemic, but they're worth checking for in any individual example.
These 309s are running at a median 84,145 miles, which is reasonable for their age, yet they're accumulating an average of 1.42 failures and 3.8 advisories per test—suggesting cumulative corrosion, worn components, and systems that need regular attention. If you're considering one, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on brake lines, suspension, and electrics, and budget for at least minor remedial work before it will pass comfortably.
What to check before buying a 1987 Peugeot 309
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Peugeot 309
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (83%) | 991 | 65.3% | 1.48 |
| Diesel (17%) | 196 | 65.6% | 1.13 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1987 Peugeot 309 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1987 Peugeot 309 vehicles fall between 63,634 and 109,554 miles.
1987 Peugeot 309 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 19 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (33% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1987 Peugeot 309
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
27%
Oil leak
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17.3%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
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12.9%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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12.7%
Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded
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12.3%
Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded
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11.3%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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10.8%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
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9.6%
Brakes imbalanced across an axle
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1987. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Peugeot 309?
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