2000 Peugeot 306 XSi review from UK and Ireland

Head gasket blew when the car was just two months old - replaced under warranty. No problems since.

Clutch went at just 5,700 miles - replaced under warranty after a big row.

Passenger seat adjuster handle snapped off, glovebox lid pops open, drivers seat moves around, carpet peeling away in both footwells.

Heater matrix sprung a leak at 12,000 miles. Replaced under warranty, but interior has stunk of antifreeze ever since.

Engine idle is terrible - misfires constantly and the revs fluctuate. Apparently "it's normal", as is the fact that it rattles like a diesel when cold.

Cam cover gasket replaced three times. Last time it leaked onto an engine mount and caused it to swell. Lots of other smaller oil leaks mean a top up once a week.

Air bag warning light blinks intermittently.

Banging from front suspension.

Gearbox sticky when cold.

This is my second 306 XSi and unfortunately my last Peugeot. My previous L reg XSi 8 valve did 130,000 problem free miles. This car has been one disaster after another.

It's like owning a highly strung supercar, but without the good points. Clutches and head gaskets failing before 10,000 miles are inexcusable on a modern mass produced car. This 306 proves that Peugeot might know how to build a fun car, but it still doesn't know the meaning of engineering integrity or build quality. Or customer service. The dealers have an excuse though - if all 306's are as bad as this, they must really have to work for a living!

Yes the handling is superb and yes it looks nice, but I don't care any more. It's an unusable wreck which I will be getting rid of as soon as possible.