1994 Peugeot 306 S16 review from Australia and New Zealand

Bottom of the intake manifold blew out. Apparently if both diaphragms in the variable system fail this can lead to pressure build up. Approximately $1500.00 to fit a second hand manifold and new diaphragms.

Clutch cable broke. About $200.00 to fix including tow truck. The clutch was very heavy before this was replaced and is now much easier to drive.

Muffler replaced with non-original part. $400.00. Peugeot part at the time was $800.00.

Replaced a faulty coil pack at $230.00 plus labor.

Rear brake light, right hand side failed. Later found it was half full of water due to dirt and crud building up around the drain hole.

Another manifold diaphragm. These are about $120.00 plus labor.

Replaced timing belt and while doing this water pump and bearings. Total cost inc labor $1800.00.

Overheating problem. There was an air bubble in the system. Has been bled several times, but still comes creeping back.

Rear brake pads replaced.

Another coil pack died. To fix including labor $265.00.

Left hand rear brakes failed 2 months after replacing pads. Pads had come out of the caliper one just sitting there and one lost on the road. New pads and brake kits for both rear wheels. $235.00 including labor.

Items yet to be fixed.

Clutch is now slipping. Cost estimated to be $1000.00 to replace.

Climate control electrics have short. Working intermittently. There is a short that sometimes turns the fan on full. A good bash with the hand solves this for a while.

Heater fan makes a very irritating squeak/squeel. Even when its not on it still turns.

Broken headlight which was broken by mechanic while changing timing belt (but the swear they didn't do it).

Windscreen that was stained with an oily substance by car wash. This will not come off no matter what I try so it looks like a new windscreen. Perhaps due to leading brand rain inhibitor combining with chemical in wash and wax?

Noisy indicator relay.

Front discs will need to be replaced soon.

Clock stopped working for a week or so and has since returned, but the outside temp display is reading about 20c above actual.

And one last thing. The local youth in the suburb I used to live in decided that my car would look good with a shopping trolley on the bonnet and the roof so it is pretty scratched up and dented.

As you can see above I have had my fair share of problems. Last year I spent almost $5000.00 in repairs and I am not including things like tires and tune ups.

Admittedly I drive the car quite hard, but then isnt that what its supposed to be built for?

I paid around $13,000.00 for this car almost 2 years ago. When I went to trade it in a couple of days ago and they offered me $2,000.00. Not impressed.

All the bad things aside I do love the little thing. It is quick for what it is and it handles like a dream. I have taken it on 2 long journeys (luckily it never missed a beat) and it was very comfy.

Obviously I have had some rip off merchants work on the car. Currently on the fourth mechanic with fingers crossed. The little things like scratches, broken headlight etc have dragged the resale value down and will be expensive to fix.

In summing up. The car is a lot of fun to drive, but I can no longer afford the repair bills or having it off the road almost every month. Buy one only if you are a fan of the brand with a restoration in mind.