1997 Peugeot 306 GLX review from UK and Ireland

The gear linkage failed resulting in late night roadside recovery and a week to get the replacement parts (the Peugeot dealership did not even have them in stock).

The electrics in the key failed (very expensive to replace).

Door window electrics were replaced before I owned the car. The mechanic didn't bother to refit the acoustic quilts and the doors are now very noisy when you close them, and rattly in general.

Poor radio reception and the control stalk doesn't work.

The engine has an erratic idling speed and has a habit of repeatedly cutting out when trying to park or waiting at lights etc. (and no, it's not due to my poor driving skills!)

The brakes seized up on one rear wheel - when it was taken to the garage they discovered the handbrake cable casing was also cracked.

Major rust patches have been discovered in numerous places, most notably under the rubber door seals and when lifting up the rear seats. This is appalling for a car that was only built in 1997.

Generally lots of niggling rattles, mainly from doors and sunroof area.

Bits of the interior trim & dashboard panels seem poorly put together.

Front & rear window washers often clogging up.

All these problems have arisen in the space of a few months.

Despite all the above faults, I still love driving my Peugeot and think it is so much better than the newer 206 or 307, etc.

It's a good all rounder, coping well with city driving and prolonged motorway cruising.

However, I have found the Peugeot dealerships to be horrifically expensive to go to if you need work done. Every time I have taken the car in for one problem they somehow always manage to discover something else that needs putting right and the bill ends up being twice what I bargained for.

This, combined with the general unreliability of the car means I won't be buying another Peugeot next time.