1997 Peugeot 406 GLX review from UK and Ireland

Passenger airbag cover coming away from dashboard all round - Poor design.

Rain sensitive wipers now faulty - relay problem I believe, have to use wipers on continuous wipe.

Outside temperature sensor not working.

Control knob broken off the fan speed slider.

Rubber lower door seal constantly coming off - now superglued to the bodywork!

Radio On / Off button missing when I got the car.

Top radiator hose to thermostat elbow damaged and leaking - does not use a conventional jubilee clip, but a weird kind of push fit with a securing circlip.

Catalytic convertor split and leaking - £185 to replace at Kwik Fit.

Clock bulb blew - had to replace.

Rear nearside door central locking solenoid failed - will not unlock or lock door automatically.

Steering rack gaiter now torn off - another costly repair.

Radio display intermittent - sometimes does not come on, switching ignition off and back on required to get it back up again.

Drivers outer door handle sometimes requires a good tug to open door.

ABS failed (as I found out the other day when I needed it, and as a consequence ploughed into the kerb and buckled a wheel.)

Battery failure - replaced for £10 from a scrap yard and still going fine!

Water pump dribbling - replaced on cambelt change.

I purchased this car on eBay in July 2007 for £600 and got what I paid for - a 10 year old 406.

The car had not been particularly well maintained, and I have had to spend some money to put most of the niggles above right. The car has only done just under 90K, which is low for its age, but 10 years takes its toll and the neglect was showing.

I used to think that 406's were boring and very dated (facelifted 405 - original shape dates back to 1987) and the early models use the dated (1981 launched) XU petrol engines - so no groundbreaking technology here either.

Then I drove one - and was smitten. They are a superb driving car! I bought my 406 and spent some money on it, and it is now a very reliable car that I do 300 miles a week in to and from work.

Most cars 10 years old are entitled to have age related wear and the 406 is no exception, but my 2.0 16v has as much poke now as the day it was new - Superb acceleration, smooth suspension and superior noiseproofing make it like driving a Jag!

Peugeot should have included alloys on the GLX as standard as they would really have enhanced the looks and performance, but I bought a set of Halfords Trims (Peugeot dealer wanted £45 for EACH Trim! - OUCH) and the wheels look a treat. Air con would have been a nice standard accessory, but not for 1997 models - you had a choice between an electric sunroof - OR - A/C, but not both - Mine lacks A/C, but you only use it a few weeks of the year and most cars 10 years old have faulty A/C anyhow.

The bodywork has NO rust although it is stone chipped in places, so this is a tribute to the paint quality and rust protection, and the car leaks in no water either.

It handles great with light steering and good braking, and the boot is very large (although it would have been good if the 406 had been offered as a hatchback like the Mondeo)

90% of 406's have been company cars, so they must be good for that very reason - otherwise companies would not buy them - How many Lagunas or Xantias have been used by companies as rep mobiles?

I also own a 2.0 1997 Mondeo Ghia X, and I still prefer driving the Peugeot over the Mondeo!

The 406 is a great mile muncher, and I am keeping mine till engine failure, when I will scrap it.

A great old bird; wrinkled and saggy, but reliable and still going!