1995 Peugeot 306 Slalom 1.9 diesel

Summary:

Handles beautifully - not the fastest, but a superb car to own and driver

Faults:

Very little has gone wrong with this car.

It recently sailed through the MOT with very little work - I think I need a new light bulb and a set of back tyres!

General Comments:

For a straight diesel, this car is quite nippy, especially good at higher speed (50mph+) and the gear ratio's are excellent for getting away.

The handling is superb, I never realised how well it handled until I borrowed a Discovery and then another car. It takes the corners brilliantly. This has to be the best feature of this car!

Seats are comfortable, although the interior is a horrible colour (green) and the Slalom is a very basic model - no central-locking, electric windows, etc. As a note, most 306's are fitted with a Peugeot radio which requires an expensive adapter is you want to change it.

Power-steering was a great addition to me from my 106 (1.5D) and this is a much more solid, comfortable and easier driver than its smaller brother.

Economy - I couldn't believe it when I found out this car is a lower insurance group than my 106! Only group 4! However, I do have to pay the higher road tax band in the UK (an extra £50) and I can only get about 40 miles-per-gallon; but I don't drive it gently!

Overall, I would definately recommend this car. It makes a great second car for me. It might not be the fastest car in the world and its pretty basic - but it's an easy drive and more than adequate for most. Reliability is great and Peugeot's famous diesel engines are efficient, powerful and last forever. Great car - 4 stars!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2003

1995 Peugeot 306 S16 2.0i 16v

Summary:

A rare beast!!

Faults:

Needed a new radiator when I first bought it.

Nothing else so far!

General Comments:

I only bought this car because I got it for a bargain off a friend of mine. It was sat on his drive with no tax and no MOT and was looking a bit shabby so I got it for £1200. Well it's the best £1200 I've spent in my life! After replacing the radiator (I knew about this when purchased) and sorting out minor things and giving it a full valet I'm totally amazed by this machine. It's an absolute rocket, although you have to keep it above 4000rpm to really get the most out of it. The handling is fantastic, my previous car was a 309 GTI and I never thought I'd drive a car that handled better, but the S16 handles like it's on rails, it's truly amazing. It's got the looks, performance and street cred - I just can't understand why they're so rare?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd June, 2003

1995 Peugeot 306 XND Alipine diesel

Summary:

Easily the best secondhand car I've ever owned

Faults:

CV Joints and drive shafts replaced.

Nothing else bar servicing.

General Comments:

It looks good and being incredibly easy to drive, takes the stress out of commuting. This is due to the readily available amounts of low rev torque and the relaxed, but nimble suspension.

I bought the car for my fiance for a cheap and reliable run around, but since she acquired a company car I've "inherited" the wee green beastie.

Motorways are a breeze, town driving a joy and should I need to carve up a few corners on the local country roads then I can do so in the 306 with confidence.

I'm fully aware that it's no super-sports GTi/Turbo/Go-faster machine. It's just that the 306 sets out and achieves more than average competence in all areas of motoring, be it ownership, reliability, maintenance, value for money, or just simple driving pleasure.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th May, 2003

1995 Peugeot 306 s16 2.0 16v petrol DOHC

Summary:

A superb, fast hot hatch!

Faults:

New clutch straight away - £300.

Slight Exhaust Blow - Still present.

Elect Passenger Wing Mirror doesn't work, window works when it wants, maybe the junction box.

Front + rear disc's.

Front Headlamp - Very Cheap.

New Battery.

New front Tyres.

General Comments:

Well going from a 1.4 Escort to a car like this was bound to be a huge improvement. However, I've now had the car 6 weeks and have already spent £350. I feel that there is still a lot more to be spent.

Undoubtedly it's a great looking car, the sportier bumpers with front bottom fog lamps certainly give it the edge over most other 306's. Inside, it's neat and tidy, the half leather seats make it look appealing.

I cannot fault the car handling-wise, it just sticks to the floor like glue. You really have to boot it to get the thing to lose grip. You can throw it into a bend at 70mph+ and still come out smiling. Maybe this is why the tyres need renewing already.

Very fast if you rev it high, although it really doesn't feel like 155bhp. Below about 4000rpm you may have to wait a bit for it to get going. You can sit in third gear, put your foot down and just wait for it to reach 90mph+ One weird thing is that sometimes the car seems a lot faster than others even though all conditions are the same. 0-62 timed at 6.8 in 2nd gear even though its meant to be 8.1. Max at 134mph Not too bad at all. Managed to beat a Corrado G60 in a straight line race believe it or not!

Brakes are very poor, but this could be due to a small servo. Never the less, the ABS is there ensuring you won't skid. Always have to give the handbrake a good yank if parking on a hill.

This car drinks petrol if you abuse it, but if you keep the revs down it's just the same as any other 2.0 litre car.

Overall I am very impressed with the cars performance and practicality although I fear there are some problems yet to come. It could benefit from a performance air filter/exhaust and maybe even a chip. But hey which car couldn't?

Insurance breaks my back cos I'm 19 - £2800 but it has to be done.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th March, 2003

20th Mar 2003, 05:25

If your insurance is high, it might be worth checking CIS (Co-operative Insurance Services, www.cis.co.uk), if you aren't already with them.

I'm 19, and have a Rover 620, and the premium is much lower than any other company.