1998 Peugeot 406 L review from UK and Ireland
"A good all rounder, but better for a DIY mechanic if you want to keep fault costs down"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
OK. So the most major fault with the car is the total and catastrophic failure of the engine. Reading some of the Peugeot car forums that are on the web, this is apparently a common fault with Peugeot's DHX variant 1.9 turbo diesel engine, and is supposed to be attributed to their failure to upgrade the con rods when they shoved the Turbo onto their previous non-turbo 1.9 diesel. Basically the con rod on the Number 1 cylinder failed (due to what looked like metal fatigue) and punched a hole through the front and rear of the cylinder block.
Unbelievably, the engine still ran afterwards, but since the con rod had also destroyed the oil pump and punched its way into the sump, I imagine it wouldn't have been for very long. This fault occurred at 144000 and cost me £1500 for a second hand engine, including delivery and fitting. I managed to sell much of the remaining good bits of the old engine like the head and turbo to finance the newer one.
Had to replace N/S/R brake cylinder at around 140000 miles miles.
Replaced N/S/F lower ball joint and suspension control rod at 165000 miles.
N/S/F wheel bearing replaced at 155000 miles.
Both engine mounting movement limiters replaced at 170000 miles, plus O/S engine mounting at 150000 miles.
Power steering pump now very noisy when cold, but not worth replacing now the car is this old.
Electrics for heater blower stopped working at 155000 miles. Rewired the lot and then they started working again about 5000 miles later!?!? No explanation for this - traced all wiring for faults without success.
O/S drivers window regulator temperamental at times - cures itself?!?
Both bungs below rear seats letting in water when going through puddles at about 120000 miles. Had to seal up with silicone sealant.
Drivers footwell fills with water when parked facing downhill - cannot find entry point so I park facing uphill now.
Radio display light failed at about 155000 miles. Not replaceable without changing the radio.
General comments?
A very durable car, and very comfortable to drive. Even better to ride in.
Lots of leg room in the rear.
The powerful diesel engine makes for a reasonably enjoyable ride and good acceleration.
Search for New and Used Peugeot 406s available in the UK
Click here to advertise your car
Recommended reviews
|
| 1999 - 406 Executive 2.1 turbo diesel Multi purpose, very reliable (now), purring diesel |
|
| A poorly constructed unreliable joke |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 turbo diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 118000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 175000 miles |
| Previous car | Peugeot 306 |
| Date of Entry | 27th April, 2009 |