1996 Peugeot 405 GLX estate 1.6
Summary:
A cheap runaround
Faults:
There has always been intermittent electrical problems.
The catalytic part of the exhaust system started blowing at around 78,000 miles, on closer inspection it had blown a lot earlier and had been repaired with exhaust sealer.
The battery died at around 82,000 miles.
The door hinges grind and squeak, even though they have been oiled/greased on numerous occasions, which in turn has split the body on both sides at the rear doors.
The trim around the tailgate has mostly fallen off.
The whole car rattles at 2,700 rpm until I thrash it, which makes it horrible to drive on a motorway (to avoid the rattle I have to drive under 60mph or over 80mph).
The remote key is unreliable, Carry a spare battery for it.
General Comments:
This car handles very nicely, and is quick if you're prepared to rev it WAY up close to the red line, but at low revs its gutless.
The Heating/air con is tops, it warms up quickly on a cold morning, and the air con is great when your stuck in London traffic on a hot day, the only downside to it is when it rains all the windows steam up like no other car I've ever owned (even after De-greasing the windows with methylayted spirits).
The load space of the estate is pretty good, I can fit a two seater sofa inside and my dogs with space to spare.
The cabin feels quite restrictive, with a heavy clutch and cramped pedals, there isn't much "out of view" storage space for things like sunglasses or Cd's.
It's very good on petrol, but that is offset by the spare part prices and frequency of replacements.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 24th January, 2003
7th Sep 2004, 10:45
I have owned an L reg(94) 405GTX turbo diesel estate since buying it in 96 with 80000 miles on the clock. It has now done 190000 miles and runs like a dream. I can drive all day without feeling tired or uncomfortable. Wonderful on motorways with plenty of power left at 70mph. Very economical and I can still get 700 miles from a 70 l tank. It has been very reliable although the water pump and a suspension bush went at 130000 miles, head gasket went at 150000 miles, radiator at 160000 miles, clutch at 180000 miles. Struggled to pass emissions a few times. Had a new handbrake cable too. Cabin heater wasn't very effective in the cold. All electric windows and sunroof are still fine and seats look like new! What a shame they don't still make them, as a lorry hit me on a round about and it is now a right off!!