Faults:

Front Brake Pads wearing out very rapidly.

Interior roof console fell out.

Seats started to get very saggy.

Gearbox Finally died at 72K.

General Comments:

The Peugeot was in many aspects a good solid reliable car, but regular dealer servicing was a must. The Peugeot dealer was fantastic, courtesy car provided every time and the car was cleaned inside and out every time it went in.

However after 66k it was going in more frequently due to a patchy service history.

The car was really great fun to drive except the gearbox which was dire!!! and sightly detracted the fun.

The seats were poor, no side support and long distances were painful.

Faults:

Immobilizer caused problems with the ignition relay, so car would not start.

Split CV joint, so I had to replace the whole drive shaft.

General Comments:

The car being a four door handles very well, very high levels of grip compared to some!

The power assisted steering is weighted just right which enables precise high speed lane changes.

Its the most comfortable car I've owned being an XT model giving me no back pains compared to all my old cars.

The engine being a 1.8 really does give some speed at high rev's even though it's an 8valve.

I would recommend the 1.8XT model for somebody that does a lot of driving, that needs comfort and performance when needed and does not want to spend over the moon amounts of money.

Faults:

Cam belt had not been changed when it should have, so was replaced as soon as I bought it.98000.

Needed new radiator switch 98000.

Steering wheel volume controls don't work.

LCD clock has faded.

Passenger side electric windows very stiff.

Clutch needs replacing 98000.

Gears are awkward, sometimes its difficult to get it into reverse.

Engine gets quite over heated.

Steering is a bit loose.

General Comments:

For some reason, I am a Peugeot fanatic, even though this was my first one. I decided on the 306 over the 205, and being a cash strapped student and to search to find a cheapish one. The guy wanted £995, but with all the problems we got him down to £800. I am very chuffed, its ideal for college, and goes like a rocket on the open roads. Starts first time, even on these cold mornings, is very responsive. Considering its just over 10 years old it has all mod cons, power steering, electric windows, and a decent as standard radio.

Faults:

Starter motor failed after one week of ownership due to badly worn supply brushes. Dealer wanted £70 for a reconditioned starter, but fixed it myself for less than a fiver.

Clutch needed replacing after three weeks of ownership because it didn't disengage properly due to excessive wear, and prevented gears from shifting correctly. Cost £150.

Gear linkage corroded and seized. Fixed by adding lubrication.

Breather hoses perished. Cost £5.

General Comments:

On the whole, I am very pleased with this for a first car. The performance is pleasing for a 1.4, with good acceleration in the lower gears.

The handling is smooth and responsive (despite the lack of power steering), and ride is better than many larger cars. I have found the seats and driving position to very comfortable.

The interior is well finished, pleasant and appears to have stood up well to general wear and tear.

The image is a lot better than some offerings by other manufacturers of the same year, and it still looks the part ten years on.

The build quality on the whole is pretty good, although it is certainly lacking in some areas. Some engine components are of flimsy, lightweight construction, which makes reliability and issue. Most of the problems I have encountered are just down to general wear and tear, considering the car has done 75,000 miles.

The running costs are affordable, and the car will easily do around 30 miles to the gallon around town, and can be stretched to 50 on the motorways. Insurance is cheap (group 4) as is tax, although spare parts are more expensive than rival brands.

It's definitely worth paying a bit extra for one that has been looked after. Buying one that has been neglected could lead to hefty repair bills!