1998 Peugeot 306 XSi review from UK and Ireland
"The definition of a hot hatch make sure you find a good one"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Warped front disc's x3 23,000 - problem with wobbly alloy causing brake to 'knock-on' - 'solution' puting it to the rear fixed it.
Stepper motor 45,000 - erratic idle.
Engine rebuild - not cars fault stupid dealers not tightening up plugs after 40,000 service.
Water pump - this went at about 50,000 miles.
Exhaust - holed at 55,000.
Broken engine location point in chassis (don't know when) - mount punched through 'chassis' only identified after engine out.
Gradual Coolant loss - from the start never solved.
General comments?
Handling - fantastic, the only car I think that drives better is a Subaru STi. Steering feel much better than an STi's. The car felt safe at speed, you never felt out of your depth. This is what Peugeot do best - leave the normal hatchs to VW..307 : (
Living with it - not so good, lots of problems despite being fastidious with oil, tire pressures, coolant, letting the car warm up etc. Fuel consumption so-so for a 2.0 petrol. Looks like a proper hot hatch. Took some getting used to the 'elastic' rear suspension - a lot of passive rear steer, the harder you cornered the more the back end helped.
Looks - fanastic, the body really hugs down over the wheels - very little air between body and wheels.
Problems - from ex 306 owners and this site I'm not the only one to have problems. Clutch pedal is way too heavy.
16 (135 BHP) valve is the car to have over the 8 valve one.
Ride and steering a litter hyperactive on the motorway.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 3 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 21 miles |
| Most recent distance | 58 miles |
| Previous car | Volkswagen GTI |
| Date of Entry | 18th December, 2004 |