2000 Peugeot 206 GTi review from UK and Ireland

Exhaust (original) knocks when cold.

Intermittent engine racing when idle.

ECU warning light comes on every so often

Carpet detached from passenger footwell.

Rattles from centre console, parcel shelf and glove compartment.

Radio display packed up and radio remote stalk works when it feels like it.

Intermittently refuses to start when cold.

Plipper receiver broke.

Clutch judders

Rear quarterlight leaks in heavy rain.

Puddles of oil under the car from a leak that has allegedly been fixed twice.

This would be a corking little car but for the build quality, reliability and dealer service which belong firmly in the dark ages.

Instead of having enjoyed its considerable handling and performance talent, I have endured a barrage of continual and repetitive faults which haven't let up since the second week of ownership. If this wasn't bad enough, the dealer network's attitude and aptitude are both highly questionable. Peugeot UK aren't much better. They never return calls, and the people who answer the phone are completely disinterested.

On the plus side, it's a fast little car with one of the best front drive chassis' around. In terms of what it does I have no complaints at all. Unfortunately none of this matters at all when it can barely string two journeys together without something going wrong or falling off. This is inexcusable on a 21st century product.

I understand the odd rogue car slips through the net, but the lack of support and backup from Peugeot UK and its dealer network is inexcusable. My old 306 was really reliable, as is my wife's 106, so I never got to see this unpleasant side of Peugeot. I am counting the days until my Lupo GTI turns up next week, and the VW dealer takes this liability of a car off my hands (for half of what I paid for it!)

I will never buy or recommend another Peugeot.