Peugeot 504 (1988)
1988 Peugeot 504
CarHunch analysed 278 real MOT records for the 1988 Peugeot 504. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1988 Peugeot 504 is in serious trouble: just 19.2% pass first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and petrol models are even worse at 4.1%. While the dangerous defect rate of 6.1% isn't extreme, these vehicles are simply falling apart—they're failing MOTs at six times the normal rate.
At 66,000 miles median mileage for a 36-year-old car, these 504s have actually been well-preserved, yet they're still averaging 0.63 failures and 1.7 advisories each. If you're considering one, budget for serious remedial work before it's roadworthy, and get a pre-purchase inspection from a specialist who knows French cars of this era.
What to check before buying a 1988 Peugeot 504
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 504
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 (68%) | 189 | 4.1% | 0.13 |
| Diesel (32%) | 89 | 51.1% | 1.7 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1988 Peugeot 504 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 1988 Peugeot 504 vehicles fall between 57,329 and 94,401 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1988 Peugeot 504
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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49.6%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
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27.6%
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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27.6%
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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26%
Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated
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22.8%
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded
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22%
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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21.3%
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded
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19.7%
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1988. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Peugeot 504?
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