1998 Peugeot 406 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An absolute turkey!

Faults:

Indicator stalk wouldn't work. Replaced, now doesn't work again.

Driver's door window stuck shut, replaced door motor, now stuck again.

Radio packed in within a month of me having it.

Outside temperature sensor gauge no longer works.

Absolute nightmare to start in the winter - can take half an hour before the car will fire.

Back exhaust replaced twice.

Intermittent loss of power when motorway driving.

Constant ABS warning light on dashboard, which the garage now tell me to ignore because they can't find a reason for it.

General Comments:

I bought this car second hand, thinking I had a bargain as it was in beautiful external condition, and the mileage was so low. After three years ownership, the outside condition is still immaculate, but now I know why the mileage was low. It clearly spent most of its time in the garage being repaired, just as it's spent most of its time in my ownership at a garage. The mechanic actually commented on how immaculate the engine was when I lifted the bonnet, and said, 'You clearly don't drive it often.' 'Chance would be a fine thing,' I replied.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th April, 2011

1998 Peugeot 406 SRi Turbo 2.0 turbo petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Smooth, comfortable and rapid!

Faults:

Crankshaft pulley misalignment (160000 miles) - manifested itself as a lack of power and misfiring, as the timing was out and became impossible to set!

Rear anti-roll bar drop links replaced (162000 miles).

Hydraulic clutch failed (157000 miles). Pedal stuck to floor, new clutch assembly kit cost nearly £600 with fitting!!).

Odometer backlight has failed (170000 miles), although doesn't bother me!

General Comments:

I purchased this car for my partner as I already had a rather tired, but dependable, 406 LX 2.0 16v, and I was very impressed with it.

I spotted the SRi Turbo for sale at a local Land Rover dealer as a part exchange. It was up for only £595, and on inspection had been looked after very well.

I was instantly impressed on the test drive, and purchased the car for £500 the same day, I inherited the car a few months later when my partner decided it was not economic enough for her daily commute.

The SRi feels somewhat different from the basic 406's - the ride is firmer and the steering slightly heavier in its feel and response; it's very much a driver's car. Despite this, I feel the more basic versions are a tad more communicative and ride better, although the SRi is still a hugely enjoyable car with a fantastic ride handling balance.

I love the SRi's torquey engine; it pulls like a turbo diesel from 2000rpm, but does not suffer from the 'brick wall' effect that seems to plague many diesel engines around 4000 rpm. The turbo spools up very quickly, and it pulls very strongly from 2000rpm to just over 5000rpm. There is nothing to gain by red-lining this car, as after 5000 rpm there is no more power to be gained!

The interior is well laid out, and all of the controls are easy to find. Mine has digital climate control, which is very effective.

The only negative aspect of the interior is the ghastly seat trim - red jags on grey cloth, what were they thinking!?

There is plenty of space in the car, and a large, if shallow boot.

I can't think of a better daily driver, it's all the cars I need in one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2011

1998 Peugeot 406 Si 3.0 V6 from South Africa

Summary:

Sports car in disguise with Toyota reliability

Faults:

Climate control display.

Drivers electric window gets stuck.

Camshaft oil leak.

Fuel had to be replaced twice.

Power steering pump.

Icy road warning sounds all the time, even when it's hot.

Central locking motor.

General Comments:

Very spacious.

Love the look of the car; the low front and high boot line.

For a french car, it has been very reliable, and has only let me down once.

Porsche in disguise. It's seriously quick and shockingly fuel efficient for a 3.0 V6.

People are shocked when you come flying past them on the freeway.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2010