Glowplugs at 90k and again at 150k.
Radiator fans failed at around the 110,000 mile mark.
Brake light switch failed at around the 135,000 mile mark.
Power steering rack started leaking at around the 150,000 mile mark.
Never broken down or failed to start.
Very reliable and very cheap runabout that's great to drive and costs pennies to run.
Good performance from the XUTD engine, and still a very smooth unit even by today's standards. Quite noisy though, particularly on tickover. Gearbox a bit clonky, but works well enough.
Handling excellent, even at this mileage. The XT suspension is quite soft, but even so there's balance and steering feel that no equivalent car made today gets close to, even if grip levels are not that high. Rides beautifully.
Interior cheap looking, but comfortable, and surprisingly quiet on the rattle front. Good seats, reasonable driving position, low-ish noise levels. Good spec for the year - car has electric windows, electric mirrors, power steering and an electric sunroof. It all works too.
After a short spell in a mk3 Golf CL TD (90 bhp), I can report the 306 to be better handling, quieter, smoother, better riding, noticeably quicker, more frugal and more reliable (yes, really)
A well looked after 306 turbo diesel will go on forever if looked after. Service it every 6,000 miles, keep on top of the little things as they go, and it will be as dependable as sunrise and sunset. The car has given me one bill over UKP 100 in five years and nearly 80,000 miles of use and that was for the steering rack. It has never failed to start, never let me down.
If you want cheap, functional transport that is still reasonable to drive, this is so much better than an equivalent aged Escort or Astra. Particularly in diesel form.
I agree with everything you say apart from your comment about the handling/steering balance and modern cars-have you ever driven a Focus TDCi whether new or old shape?
Yes I have. My wife has a mk1 Focus TDCi Zetec (115PS) as a company car. It's based on this (which is supposed to be the pick of the "modern" front wheel drive chassis) that I made the comment that newer cars can't match the older Pug.
Based on this car, and her previous 1.8 Zetec petrol, I am quite underwhelmed by the Focus in all honesty. In its defence it has particuarly brilliant steering and it can be driven very quickly along a twisty road, but it doesn't ride very well, and the weight of the diesel engine noticeably upsets the balance compared to the petrol version she had before.
The understeer, particularly in the wet, is much more determined and far less responsive to throttle feathering than it is in the 306. The Ford is a very good handling car, but the ride quality and the characteristics when you really press on suggest it doesn't have the finesse of the Pug.
I know every motoring magazine disagrees with me here, but I still think the 306 represents the peak of what's possible with a modest budget FWD chassis. With the emphasis now on safety and refinement, and the comedy kerbweights of new cars, I suspect it will remain that way for some time.
Just a quick question. I was wondering the signs you see/feel when your steering rack was on its way out... think I may have the same problem starting to occur, as I am also on 130,000 miles. Cheers.
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