1996 Peugeot 406 LX 1.8 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Superb handling, a joy to drive, get someone else to pay the bills
Faults:
Nothing really, but as this was a company car, I rather got the impression that the local dealer used to "find" things to replace... for example, at 60,000 miles, I reported a slightly slipping clutch. Dealer instantly decided this unit needed replacing and presented my employer with a bill for £500! Unfortunately, the unit was badly fitted, and snagged the speed sensor cable which caused the car to fail in a big way while I was on a business trip in Belgium. After contacting the dealer (who was less than sympathetic) Peugeot head office offered a free service for any other car in my family.
Other things - engine was making a curious noise which I reported to the same dealer - they decided the car was unsafe to drive, and took the car off the road... but left me to find my own way home. Not good.
Lots of little niggles that the dealers have resolved, but costs are high for servicing and general maintenance. If you can do routine maintenance yourself, then do so, and save yourself a lot of money.
General Comments:
I loved to really drive this car... on a quiet backroad, in good conditions, the 406 is a joy to drive... responsive handling, excellent ride, good weight distribution, good performance (although go for a 2.0 litre as the 1.8 is underpowered when travelling with chums), and good brakes. Steering is direct and well weighted, gearbox is full of useful ratios, boot is huge.
Downside - earlier models are sparcely equipped, but the build quality is good and the car feels solid, especially on long motorway drags where comfort is high, and cabin room is good.
I want another, preferably a 3.0 V6... but at 24mpg, I may have to think again.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th September, 2000
4th Aug 2005, 19:14
Its interesting to note you say that the parts are unreliable and not built to last.
My 1996 406 as 167K miles on the clock. Most of it is still original!
Exhaust, breaks and tires are a given for replacement. But my car is coming up to 10 years old and still has all its original rubber, ECU, Radiator, suspension, handbrake, clutch. In fact all the major things that should not really go wrong have not. And my driving is not perfect, I can be a little harsh round the corners and fast on the motorways
My car now even sports a dent and depression up front thanks to some city driving antics. The bonnet is slightly buckled and the slam panel has been pushed back a few centimeters, yet I have done 25-35K miles with the car in this condition, through 2 winters. I've even had it to 124mph on a German motorway.
It's a superb car and is in much better condition, mechanically, than my neighbor's 4 year old Ford Focus.
I'm sorry, but from your review it sounds like you have a harsh driving style as lot of the item you list can break with excessively harsh driving. Any car is going to break quickly if you chuck it about.