2000 Peugeot 306 HDI review from UK and Ireland

My drivers door windows fell out.

The air conditioning unit failed causing the interior of the car to flood.

The CD Player stopped working.

The gearbox failed and had to be replaced.

The automatic windscreen wipers failed.

I have owned my Peugeot 306 for almost 6 months now and absolutely love it.

Although a diesel, it is still seriously quick and would leave most cars you see on the road in its tire-tracks. Peugeot have done a fantastic job with the 2 litre HDI Turbo charged engine, it always has more grunt to offer.

The car can achieve a fairly high mpg if driven modestly, but there is a noticable drop in mpg if you like to exercise your right foot a lot.

As the car is essentially a GTi replica (minus the engine), it has all the same specifications and bodywork that the GTi enjoys.

The car is a joy to drive and in my opinion is one of the best handling cars on the road. In terms of enjoyment and being a 'drivers car', it would score 10 / 10.

However, I have been besieged with problems from the very day I bought the car - and am sorry to say that this was the case with my last 306 as well. It seems that many 306 owners are admitting to poor build quality and reliability.

My problems have ranged from a window falling out to a complete gearbox failure. Thankfully for me, the warranty is still running on my car, so it has not cost me anything.

Overall, a fantastic car to drive that will turn heads where-ever you. However, be prepared to put up with the poor build quality and the problems that it will bring.

Although my 306 is staying mine for the near future, my next car will not be another 306!