1996 Peugeot 106 XL review from UK and Ireland

Airbag light stayed on (loose conection). Main dealer was unable to spot this first time.

Switches for brake and reversing lights needed replacing.

Mechanically it's been perfect.

Best thing about the 106 is how it drives - precise steering, responsive throttle, light clutch and short gearing make it feel quicker than it really is.

The 1.1's quite cheap to insure and quick enough, as long as it's just one or two people on board... Passengers in the back seat may find it cramped, and they make the car struggle going up hills!

The engine's a bit noisy at speed - but there's a few different gearboxes out there. Another 1.1 (2001 model) I borrowed was much quieter than my '96 car.

Other good points: Smooth ride means it's comfortable on long journeys. Dead easy to park, even with no power steering - as visibility is superb. Door mirrors could be bigger though.

Make sure you're happy with the driving position - it was fine for me, but pedals are quite close together and you can't adjust the steering wheel.

It pays to shop around with Peugeot dealers. You might as well, there are so many of them, and I found they vary a lot in labour charges, standards of service (e.g. phoning back with accurate quotes, having courtesy cars available)

Still looks good too.