1993 Peugeot 106 Key West 1.4 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap and cheerful, great first car

Faults:

The clutch cable snapped on a roundabout, after the car had been sitting for a few years.

The gearbox linkages went shortly after the clutch cable went, which I believe could have been caused by someone trying to help.

The sunroof is slightly dodgy about sealing.

General Comments:

The car is very comfortable. It can be rather bumpy on back roads, but the bumps become very soft. Unfortunately, as mine had been sitting for a few years, and was somewhat abused by children, it developed a few leaks. These can be worked around though.

The car costs nothing to run, and I've been able to get 85mpg out of it, on a long run, taking it easy. It definitely won't win any races, and is on the shortlist of the slowest cars recently produced in the western world.

It handles very nicely, and goes exactly where you point it. Obviously with a big heavy diesel engine at the front, it's not perfect, but it certainly doesn't have any handling issues.

It's very easy to park. The lack of power steering may put off some, but it's not that heavy a car, and it's very manageable.

Very good brakes. No ABS though.

Cheap to run, cheap to buy, and cheap to insure. It's easy to work on, and never really has any problems. An excellent first car, or runaround for anyone.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th September, 2008

1993 Peugeot 106 XLD 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Slow but good looking

Faults:

Passenger door very rarely opens from the inside, got to wind window down.

Radio worked fine in previous car but in the 106 it randomly changes frequency when I start the car up which is annoying.

The reverse light hasn't worked since I bought it and it isn't the bulb as that's been checked.

General Comments:

It accelerates slowly.

Has a top speed of about 70, that is flooring it in 5th gear on a flat road.

Its okay on fuel but nothing special considering the performance it lacks.

It does have a nice shape however and the dash board was well designed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2008

1993 Peugeot 106 XN Graduate 1.1 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Avoid like the plague!

Faults:

Clutch needed replacing after one week.

Drivers seat collapsed and needed replacing.

Exhaust needed replacing.

Both doors and sunroof leaking.

Roof at rear under boot-lid rotted through, needed welded.

Rust under rear arches.

Rear brake line burst.

4 set of brake pads and 6 discs (calipers were seized).

Chassis rotted and needed re-welding.

Alternator pulley burst coolant pipe leading to oil leaking into water due to overheating.

3 new alternators.

2 new starter motors.

Right window wiper motor replaced twice.

General Comments:

Quite possibly the most unreliable car I have ever heard of, build quality is atrocious, road and engine noise is appalling as are the brakes.

Handling is fun, but very dangerous (spun six times, even at slow speeds) and is actually very nippy for a 1.1.

My advice? Stay clear at all costs, it's your life on the line.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th January, 2006

30th Jan 2006, 19:41

!!UPDATE!! I am about to sell the car, but have to repair the handbrake cable as it has snapped (again). The front left wheel bearing needs replaced to. At least the ready-to-explode engine is still holding itself together.

12th Mar 2006, 19:30

You were just plain unlucky with your selection of the car. Mine is superb for what it is meant to be. It's 13 Years old and 115,500 miles into its life and will continue on for another 115,000 miles. There is no rust on the car, but agree with the handbrake comment. In the last 9000 miles, I have replaced the Brake shoes, Handbrake Cable and have had to tighten it several times.

6th May 2007, 08:39

I think that the 106 XN graduate that I have is an amazing little motor! It's got 90.000 on the clock and still runs like new! I think that you were very unlucky to have a poor "version" as mine is utter brilliant!

15th Nov 2009, 16:34

Had my 1993 106 XN for 8 months. Not a single problem. Had the timing belt changed when I bought it just to be sure, and changed the oil at its first service. It's got about 150000 miles on the clock, and apart from some peeling of the laquer on the body paint and a handbrake that needs a service, it runs perfectly and starts first time every time in all weathers.

I know a bit about cars, but not much at all. I just make sure I look under the bonnet now and then, check the oil, water and that's it! It's a lovely car to drive and is cheap to run.. I think you just need to find one that's been looked after and then you're in for a treat. I have heard such bad things about french cars, but my 106 has not lived up to anything like that. I love it. Going to enjoy it till she's had enough! Hopefully in 100000 miles time!