2000 Peugeot 406 LX Family Estate 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Good car let down by poor performance

Faults:

Engine Management System - The car performed very poorly from new and often stalled on pulling away. This was traced to a wrongly programmed engine management system, which had to be replaced.

Replacement Engine - After going through flooded road (only a few inches deep) water was sucked into the engine which had to be replaced at my cost. The dealer reported that several engines are replaced each year, because the air intake is so low.

CD Radio has a mind of its own, often refusing to turn off, even after the ignition key is removed. The RDS radio often displays the wrong channel and the remote control on the steering column gave up a long time ago.

General Comments:

Ride, comfort and handling are almost perfect, especially for a car of this price and class.

This model has climate control which works extremely well.

Even compared with more modern cars the quietness of the passenger compartment is remarkable.

All the positive points are let down by the poor performance and fuel consumption.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th September, 2002

13th Nov 2002, 13:14

I also experienced the same problem with turning the radio off, or rather I couldn't. The cause is a faulty diode which I was informed by my local dealer was subject to a recall several months earlier. Peugeot are aware of the problem & will replace it free of charge.

17th Jul 2004, 19:55

Anyone can tell why the Engine auto-diagnostic warning light stays on while the Engine is running on the Peugeot 406.

In reply to 17th Jul 2004, 19:55

29th Jun 2013, 04:35

Why does the engine management light stay on all the time when the engine is on?

2000 Peugeot 406 GLX 110 HDi

Summary:

Excellent car

Faults:

Fuel cut off device failed at 5000 miles

Scary when on the motorway.

New front discs at 48 k

Headlamp bulbs x2.

General Comments:

Superb motorway mile muncher. Great handling for such a big car on the back roads. I can easily clock up 700 miles in a day and 2500 k in a week.

Reasurring brakes.

Quiet at speed.

Excellent stereo.

Smooth power delivery-not as urgent as the VW unit, but smoother delivery.

Regular 46-49 MPG.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th June, 2002

2000 Peugeot 406 Executive Estate 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Great on perfectly smooth roads

Faults:

Coolant leak from temperature sensor.

Erratic idling speed, stalling, cutting out at low speed. Should have been fixed under warranty, dealer unable to locate fault, and unwilling to substitute parts on trial and error basis. Peugeot customer service dept's only answer was constant referral back to dealer. Probable ECU fault based on other users comments regarding Marelli ECU.

General Comments:

Previous 2.0 model had superb ride and handling. New lighter alloy engine and adjusted suspension spoilt it, bumpy ride with lots of lateral instability on rough (typical UK road) surfaces. Consequently harder to steer at speed. Current diesels and V6 don't have this problem, drive just like older models.

New engine more economical, but combined with higher gearing has poor acceleration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2002

2000 Peugeot 406 Coupe S 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Stands out from the crowd

Faults:

Two large cracks in front bumper after minor shunt. Very expensive to get replaced and re-sprayed (approx 1000GBP).

Broken rear seat access cable in drivers seat - replaced under warranty. (Actual replacement was botched by dealer and required a completely new seat!)

General Comments:

Really nippy after 2500rpm, worryingly sluggish below that limit though.

Best looking car in the company car park.

Very thirsty - short journeys "expensive", much happier on a motorway cruise.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th March, 2002

6th Jul 2005, 06:48

Being a little slugish under 2500 rpm is not a problem, as long as it's not severe. All 2 litre naturally aspirated engines are a little slugish at low rpms, but it should pickup pace very nicely at middrange. The 406 coupe, pininfirina styled design is the best car to come out of a french car manufacturer, and I still like it, it's a brilliant piece of design. Wan't serious power, no sluggishness? go for the 210bhp 3.0 V6 version!

13th Aug 2008, 14:54

I think it was just because it was a big heavy car for the engine. I ended up trading it in for a RX8 so finally experienced proper acceleration. I still miss my 406 coupe and would have it back, just for the smooth drive and economy (never realised how good I had it till I got the 20MPG RX8).

I think the late model 2.2l diesel 406 Coupe is probably the best trade off in looks and performance, though I did pass an old V6 a few months ago and wondered if I could ever afford a second car..