1999 Peugeot 306 Meridian review from UK and Ireland

I took my "T" reg 306 Meridian in for its 20,000 service and to repair a faulty/fan motor which worked on and off for months before completely packing up prior to its service two weeks ago. The car had only clocked up 16,000 miles, but as we plan a round trip in Ireland in March 2001 I thought I'd get the fan fault fixed and have it serviced at Vilton Cars Barnet, Herts.

During the service I got a call informing me that they needed to investigate further as the cause of fault had not been identified. Three hours later and with the clock running at £50/hour labour costs I was told that a burnt-through wire had been found and replaced. It was hurriedly mentioned that I could also pay for further diagnostic tests to be made or collect it as repaired. The car had been tested on the open road twice and so I felt that collecting it in working order with the fan wire replaced was OK.

However, the next day the same faulty fan problem re-occurred. First it worked only intermittently and now it's mainly broken - but then when you think it is dead it bursts back into life!

The dealers at Peugeot Vilton Cars then said that if we took it back they would charge us all over again and that it could take 5 hours + parts! Bearing in mind I'd just spent £360 the day before on service and repairs I blew my fuse!!

I contacted head office and they talked to the dealer and the dealer called me. Because the car is newish and has low mileage and regular service intervals I might qualify for a discretionary "Goodwill" cashback from HQ. But then I might not - in which case I may have to pay a total of over £700, or 10% of its secondhand value!! No wonder automakers are reaping such vast profits out of the aftermarket. I'm now convinced that dealers actually wreck new cars deliberately to boost their margins so they qualify for their year end bonuses. I should have taken it to the bloke up the arches to start with!

Peter J.