1996 Peugeot 405 SRi review from Kenya

Clutch went out at 150k, poor driving.

Blew gasket at 170k.

Damaged sump at 180k (aluminum sumps don't do too well on Kenyan rocks), the car at was never the same even with repairs.

Door handles a bit fickle... French design.

Lights...had to replace at 140k.

Electronics and electricals a bit fickle, mostly due to age and shock.

The stepper motor system is not the best design.

The Pug drive stick requires Van Damme to use, a softer Japanese type would be desirable.

The 405SRi is an fuel efficient, fast machine, with lots of comfort. It is best for intercity travel, does not do too well in rough road sections (if you travel in Kenya you will know what I mean by rough) due to its weight, which tends to affect things.

It handles pretty well for a front drive car. The fuel injection system was able to achieve 13km/litre, which is quite decent for the engine size (2lt) and age.

The trick is to get a Haynes Maintenance Manual, service it more frequently than proposed by the manufacturer and urban and semi-urban transport. Finally fiddle with the water cooling system to have the fans run all the time at slow speed, that will ensure the engine remains cool at all times.