1996 Peugeot 406 SRi review from UK and Ireland

* Timing belt not replaced by previous owner, timing went out by 3 teeth just after I bought it.

* Broken left wing mirror, happened before I bought it.

* Broken front drop link and possible other suspension wear, happened before I bought it.

* Tracking out of alignment due to above problem.

* Exhaust blowing as car is too low for rough ground and gets damaged (have owned another 406 before this and had the same problem).

* Car was rallied and not properly maintained by previous owner, another common problem with performance 406s.

The car is lighter than the executive (the only other 406 with a 2.0 turbo engine) but has almost no kit - front power windows, power mirror and power sunroof only, no air con or leather or CD player. It's as raw an experience as you can get in a car noted for its comfort.

The suspension bangs and rattles more noticeably than in less aggressive models. It reminds me of the Xantia Activa (although nowhere near as noisy). Cornering lacks the amazing stability of the Xantia Activa, but it's still impressively sharp and will keep up with most other front wheel drive cars through the bends. People who say a 406 turbo is not a sporty car don't know what they are talking about. I'm not pretending it's a Prelude, I'm saying it handles really well.

The acceleration is ferocious from around 2,500rpm and the turbo comes in at 3,000rpm. Expect wheelspin in poor conditions and understeer if you push *too* hard. Good quality tyres are recommended. At 150bhp and 173lb/ft this car is vastly more powerful than the hot hatches of its time.

The car could still do with a lot more mid to high range power. It all comes in early. There's nothing from 4500rpm to the redline, only noise. However, the car can reach 60mph in second gear. You can get power easily through tuning and I am led to believe this shares the clutch and gearbox from the V6 which can stand up to about 230bhp?

This is a car designed for coming out of corners quickly, and its ability to do so will surprise the nay-sayers if they ever have a go.

Interior trim is horrible - grey with red jags - what were Peugeot thinking??

Fuel economy is horrible and it's Group 13 insurance. (The 205 GTi is only group 12.) It's not a car you can run on a shoestring budget. Fuel economy does improve on long runs. I make regular 600 mile journeys in it and it costs the earth, but I just cannot bring myself to swap the car for a turbo diesel. It's too much fun on the open road, and there's something about it that puts a smile on my face even when I'm feeling bad. Word of warning - BMW and Merc drivers will try to race you on the motorways, thinking they can beat you.

Be very careful when buying a sporty 406 as irresponsible owners rally them then sell them on without bothering to make repairs or even perform maintenance. If you can find one in good condition it's a car that you will probably want to buy before you've finished the test drive. However, the Executive is just as good in terms of performance and it's much better value for money considering you get air con, leather etc.

The car is the most beautiful saloon on the road. Compare it to the snub-nosed BMWs and bland A4s of its time. The 406 looks like it costs twice what you paid for it.

1/4 mile time is around 16.5-17 seconds by all accounts for any standard 406 turbo. Top speed is 130mph although many owners on 406 and Xantia forums claim they can hit 147mph - this is bull.

I know this is a long review, I just hope it helps.