1994 Peugeot 306 XL review from UK and Ireland

Rear brakes needed major attention, resulting in a £180 bill.

Head gasket blew very spectacularly; several litres of oil were discovered in the cooling system. Radiator also ruined as a result. Had to be towed back from London to Shropshire, where the car was in the garage for 2 weeks. Total bill came to £475.

Electric sunroof & central locking temperamental.

Leak from off side door seal.

In my opinion, the 306 is one of the best looking 5-door hatches around.

Bodywork dents very easily, I have started parking it at the rear of the car park at work. However, the body shows no signs of corrosion and looks very tidy for it's age.

For a mere 1400 8-valve, the engine pulls very well up to 60mph, partly due to the gear-ratios which I find to be very good. The engine produces 75BHP which is identical to a friend's 1.6 8-valve astra.

The car had a K & N induction kit when I bought it, and even with the standard exhaust, this sounds fantastic, with an induction roar that turns heads!

Warning - The handling is second-to-none, but only with good quality tyres. I fitted some (new) cheap tyres to the back of the car, and the handling was terrible on corners, even though the tyres had plenty of tread. I've since changed them for some older, but better quality Michelins, and the handling is very tight.

I'm a big fan of the interior of the 306; it's spacious, comfortable & the dash is pleasant. Mine doesn't seem to have many rattles and sqeaks which are a common complaint with Peugeot's.

Despite the head gasket problem, the car has been very reliable.

For what I paid (£1495 in June 2003) the car was a bargain.