1996 Peugeot 306 SL DT review from UK and Ireland

CV gators & brake disks all needed replacing when first acquired. (£150-odd)

Cam belt done at 77k (£100-odd)

Speedometer stopped working at 78k, required three different garages to examine and eventually fix. (£50)

Dashboard 'light are on' indicator bulb gone. (unfixed)

Glow plugs had to be replaced at 81k. (£cheap)

Battery replaced at 82k. (£60-odd)

Radiator had two huge holes and needed replacement at 84k. (£200-odd)

Fuel pump (!) replaced at 85k.. symptoms erratic revs at idle, random stopped stalling, failure to start properly even after turned over. (£400)

Power steering column just gone, leaked everywhere, clacking noise sounding in engine, as yet undiagnosed. (£probably a lot)

Rear, driver side speaker gone at 86k. (unfixed)

Starting is *terrible*.. was turning over v. badly before. Better since fuel pump mended, but now sometimes doesn't turn over at all...

Well.. it's cost me so much money now that I'm starting to feel sick about this particular car. I think I've managed to spend more than its value.

Handling is wonderful - except on very tight corners, at high speed in the wet (so basically excellent). Inspires confidence.

Top speed is reasonable given the law, acceleration is very brisk from 1st through to 3rd gear. Needs to be worked for best performance, but definitely nippy (92bhp, but feels like more)

The dashboard is very well laid out and looks good... everything is easy to find and use.

Seats are reasonably comfortable, even for extended periods. Fine for long-legged drivers.

Basic equipment on SL model is lacking, but less to go wrong I suppose (no e/w, but pas and e/s, no fancy bits really).

Boot on this one is smaller than hatchback (SLDT is a 4-door Saloon), but I've found it pretty spacious. Plenty of room in the back too, given the size.

Love the car, just wish it didn't go wrong CONSTANTLY. Never ever ever ever get one without a *full* service history. Trust me.

And the main dealer garages really are a rip-off. Don't bother trying to find cheap servicing and repairs - it's never cheap with this car. Forget DIY too.