1997 Peugeot 406 LX review from UK and Ireland

After the initial euphoria I noticed that the engine lacked power when changing up a gear and quite often hesitated as I changed gear, sometimes with a hint of a misfire, not unlike fuel starvation.

Umpteen visits to various Peugeot dealers left me extremely frustrated with them and Peugeot UK refusing to accept there was a problem with the car at all. I even considered booking myself into a mental home as they were convincing me that I was the fault and the car was perfectly OK albeit a tad underpowered.

I decided to name the car Naomi Campbell as it was beautiful to look at, but a nightmare to live with! Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about top end speed or acceleration even though my previous car (1988 Vauxhall Cavalier 2.0 GLi) was faster, but getting there with the Pug without hiccups, coughs and splutters is a fine art and winning the jackpot on the National Lottery is easier!

Other faults are few, but include door rubbers which come adrift too easily.

Also, the petrol tubing has split on 3 occasions and nearly resulted in the car being set on fire.

The ignition key battery costs a small fortune to replace and I also had a problem with the EMS refusing to start the engine because it didn't recognise the key, even though I successfully opened the car and turned the engine over.

I'd love to buy a Peugeot 307, but after the treatment I've received I'll probably buy a Volkswagon Golf.

Looks lovely, but beauty is only skin deep.