2000 Peugeot 406 V6 Estate review from UK and Ireland

Battery went flat caused by electrical problem with Satellite Navigation. Fixed by dealer. New battery.

Alternator failed. New alternator under warranty.

Small coolant leak on radiator. New radiator under warranty.

Air con failed. Leak found and repaired by dealer.

All the problems were fixed efficiently under warranty by main Peugeot dealer.

Despite a few reliability issues, I have grown to love this car. Peugeot's latest 3 litre V6 is an absolute gem, produces 210 bhp and gives the car a tremendous turn of effortless speed. Its performance regularly surprises BMW and Mercedes drivers who assume that it's a sober humble family estate. A real Q car! It is a very quiet (virtually inaudible at idle), smooth and refined engine and the fuel economy is pretty reasonable with an average of 28.5 mpg over the last 5000 miles. The older pre 2000 194 bhp engine was considerably less economical.

The ride and handling are typically Peugeot - a very comfortable fluid ride combined with a very neutral handling balance. For a front wheel drive car, it seems less understeery than the norm, probably in part due to the passive rear wheel steering.

Practicality wise, the car is excellent, with loads of space whether the rear seats are up or down.

The seats are very comfortable and general refinement is excellent.

Negatives? The build quality is only so so, certainly not up to the best German standards.

I would never buy a 406 v6 new as the depreciation is awful - far worse than the other models in the range. But as a secondhand buy it is outstanding. It is a far nicer drive than the smaller petrol engined and diesel 406's. For a 17 month old car with less than 20,000 miles on the clock, I paid about 45% of the new list price.