1997 Peugeot 306 Meridian TD review from UK and Ireland

Serious structural corrosion of the rear nearside inner wing. Be warned, this is invisible as it occurs behind a muddy wheelarch and interior trim.

Leak from sunroof into the roof liner that's proved impossible to trace.

Peugeot have often been criticized for poor build quality, certainly the 306 doesn't compare to an Audi or VW, but at 146,000 and ten years old this one runs very nicely without too many squeaks and rattles. Everything works after a hard life, so that's not too bad.

These cars really do handle well, but the price you pay is a harsh ride that's unforgiving on poor road surfaces.

The PSA 1.9 XUD turbo diesel engine is a superb match to this car, nice amount of torque and turbo power. But, especially at this sort of mileage, not as economical as I would expect from this engine.

Bodywork dents easily, but generally doesn't rust unless seriously abused. However the roof gutter holding the door top seal does rot, eventually the car will leak.

Also my car is suffering serious structural corrosion of the rear nearside inner wing, including the seat belt mounting, as a result of Peugeot's bizarre decision not to fit a wheel arch liner (they're fitted to the other three).

Despite looking tidy and passing an MOT, it's unsafe and unroadworthy.

Hopefully I've just been unlucky. But if you're considering buying one of these pay very close attention to inside the rear nearside wheelarch. Put your arm high up and have good poke.