2000 Peugeot 406 LX 1.8

Summary:

Good as any other, and better than some

Faults:

Electrical faults can be very time consuming to find, Dashboard pod is a weak spot, lights will stay on and indicator warning lights won't work if it's on the way out.

Brake warning fault message is common, often broken switch on handbrake, and seatbelt light flashes, usually connectors under the seats. Earth points need to be checked too. And beware of rear coil spring braking.

General Comments:

These cars are getting old now, so some faults should be expected, but if you buy one that has been looked after they are great reliable cars. Lots of secondhand parts available. Main dealers prices are very high. A good skilled D.I.Y person should be able to cope with most repairs, but the electrics are a nightmare if they go wrong.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd February, 2010

13th Jun 2010, 18:07

True, the 406 is a nightmare for electric problems. I bought a 406 and within 3 days it turned into a Christmas tree - lights staying on, brake lights staying on, false warnings ABS, low brake fluid etc.

Problem solved: I had a look at the electrical harness near the fusebox, and followed the cables going down under the seat. Peugeot have 3 plugs under the carpet, directly under the accelerator cable. These 3 plugs had been in water and had corroded badly. I replaced these plugs and car is working perfectly now. Love my 406!!!

2000 Peugeot 406 Coupe 3.0 litre petrol V6

Summary:

Great car, great to drive, under-powered and let down mechanically

Faults:

Gear linkage cable failure at 31,000 miles (plastic cup on end of cable cracked!)

2 injector coil packs failed at 34,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car is smooth, refined and quiet with excellent handling.

The level of spec is excellent with electric seats (memory for the driver), full leather trim, uprated JBL stereo and all of the other toys.

This is the uprated 210bhp version, but still feels slow when compared to my Celica (2 cars back), and very slow compared to my R33 GTS-t, which I part-exchanged for this.

Huge Coupe, can even get 6ft+ people in the back in comfort.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st June, 2008

11th Aug 2013, 07:08

I think you missed the point of this car if you compared it to a Nissan Skyline or a Toyota Celica! The Skyline is turbocharged, and unless the Celica is also, the Peugeot should leave it for dead. But these cars aren't about straight line grunt. They handle great and look amazing whilst doing it. Peugeots are comfortable and quiet to drive. Whilst they corner well, they don't sacrifice ride comfort at the cost of pure handling. The Coupe is one of the best looking cars on the road. I am considering one myself.

2000 Peugeot 406 GLX 3.0 litre V6

Summary:

A gentleman's carriage!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This is the first auto I have had, and I like it!

A 406 V6 with only 40,000 miles on the clock for just over £2,000; a bit of a bargain really.

A lovely, smooth and powerful V6 takes the hassle out of driving; lots of power to cruise and very good mid-range acceleration.

The seats are very comfortable, but I don't know if they will last as well as the Saab 9000's.

It's a very good looking car. As far as economy goes, I'm currently getting 26mpg, which I don't think is bad for a 3 litre auto.

I've just paid for the cam belt doing, which was an eye-watering £459, but what the heck, I should be set up for a few years now. I don't think the engine is going to wear out anytime soon.

This car is a bargain - if you can find one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2008

14th Feb 2011, 09:18

I've now had the car three years. I have had to buy a new coil pack, new injector, complete new exhaust (expensive) and new front suspension springs when one broke whilst the car was parked on the driveway.

It remains a nice car to drive; comfortable and unstressed. It hasn't been the cheapest car to run, but I have really enjoyed having it. Objectively, I can only see myself owning it for a couple more years at most. The cam belt will need doing again by then, and I don't know if I could justify spending £500 on one item on what would then be a 12 year old car.

To repeat myself, it's been an enjoyable car to own; when you find yourself lowering the driver's window just to hear the engine, you know you like the car!