2001 Peugeot 206 Style 1.1 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Can be economical, but poor quality overall

Faults:

Shocks, springs, wheel bearing, exhaust, trim breakage, faulty windows, faulty radio, door seal leaks, oil and coolant leaks, faulty battery and alternator, and so on.

General Comments:

A comfortable and popular little car, this 206 we had in the family a while ago was an OK car, but the build quality left a lot to be desired.

Pretty new and low mileage when we bought it for a nice price, the car was average in reliability. Most things got fixed for cheap by our friendly local garage (no point going to Peugeot with an older car, as all main dealers seem uninterested in my experience) but the car had more than its fair share of problems, felt very flimsy. I wouldn't like to have bought one new.

The car drove OK, 1.1 petrol did a good 46 mpg, but was very slow, you had to be brave on motorways.

We finally sold it at 10 years old. Doubt it is still around, but who knows. They were a popular sight in the early 2000's, but you do not see many anymore. Had the car been better built they may have rivaled Ford and Vauxhall. But it was better than a Fiat Punto quality wise, but only just.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th March, 2023

2001 Peugeot 206 XS 1.6 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

The stylish exterior hides a mechanical 'can of worms'

Faults:

Left rear suspension replaced (great expense).

Exhaust system replaced (great expense).

Worn power steering belt replaced (expensive).

Right front steering rack end replaced (expensive).

Intermittent starting problems ($70 NZ just to plug into a diagnostic computer).

Left rear lens leaks and fills with water every time it rains - metal contacts rusted and rear lights, indicators only work intermittently. Always having to remove the light to drain it. No indication of where the water is entering.

Erratic auto gearbox.

Drinks petrol.

General Comments:

Pretty looking car, but starting to become unreliable.

Suspension and steering components wear quickly even after light use.

Nice and smooth when it's running (which is not often), but too scared to drive too far in case it decides not to start (again).

Unrefined, clunky auto transmission.

All the problems listed occurred after 18 months of ownership and careful, light use.

I'm not able to recommend this vehicle unless you don't mind always having to repair or replace something (usually at considerable expense).

Mechanics, auto electricians and other motor professionals groan when you mention you have a Peugeot.

Parts are hideously expensive 'just because it's a Peugeot'.

Yes, the Pug 206 is an attractive looking car, but underneath that stylish body lurks many problems. Best avoided - save yourself the heartache and expense, and go for a Japanese car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th October, 2013

18th Oct 2013, 19:31

Clearly you were unaware that Peugeot stands for Poorly Engineered Useless Gallic Excuse Of Transport.

22nd May 2014, 06:39

It may stand for it today, but Peugeot used to make good, tough, reliable, bullet proof vehicles.

15th Jun 2014, 02:47

Rule number 1: don't buy a French automatic. Oops...

2001 Peugeot 206 GLX 1.4 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good little first car

Faults:

Brake shoes in the rear slipped the pads.

Rear windscreen wiper needed replacing.

Consumables like bulbs (especially the rear number plate).

General Comments:

I bought this car for my step daughter as her first car.

I bought it in the UK, and drove it back to County Cork, and it did not miss a beat.

As a first car, I think it's a very good one. For us it has been used as a mix of the step daughter's personal storage device on wheels, and as the second family car.

I think it's quite nippy as a 1.4, seems to be good on the road, and quite economical as a whole.

I found the 600 mile drive from the UK to Ireland was OK, but not that comfortable compared to my SAAB. As it's the GLX, the seats are a wee bit more padded. They do have a habit of attracting dust, but then again it is run by a 19 year old, so keeping it clean is not the top of her priorities (like filling the tank with petrol :0) ).

Servicing and parts are cheap enough, as they are plentiful! Home service is easy enough as long as your hands are not too big.

It's not a Bentley, just a basic car. As with all vehicles, if you have well maintained example and keep up the maintenance, it will do you proud.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th January, 2013

4th Oct 2022, 15:52

They were good little cars. Reliability varied, but my 206 was OK as well, so long as you service it on time.

Incidentally, mine frequently blew bulbs as well, always rear tail lights and number plate light. Auto-electrician had a look - and said "It's just typical French car electrics!"