1995 Peugeot 306 XNd from UK and Ireland - Comments

Stereo has had an intermittent power connection. Stops working then requires the security code.

Stereo controls sometimes malfunction and require unit to be switched off and on again to rectify.

Brake discs required replacing at 50,000 miles.

Heated rear window failed, but has been successfully "bodged".

Glow plugs failed at 80,000 miles.

This car has been almost faultless. With the exception of the above, nothing has gone wrong.

It's still on it's first clutch, exhaust (entire system) and rear brake shoes. Everything still feels tight and new.

Suspension is very good, giving a nice soft ride without being too sloppy on bends.

Performance is about as good as non-turbo diesels get i.e. very poor, but it is torquey and smooth and goes well round town and on the motorway. However, overtaking on normal roads is for the brave only.

Here is an update on my original review: -

Car has now done a couple of hundred miles shy of 100,000 miles.

The intermittent fault on the stereo got worse until one day it went off and never came on again. New stereo from Halfords fitted - problem solved.

The exhaust began to blow and eventually started sagging. I decided it would last until it's next service, but regretted this decision when it snapped in the middle allowing the, still connected, rear section to pivot on it's mounting and embed itself into the middle lane of the M6 at 85 mph! Everything rear of manifold replaced for £110.

Original clutch is still alive, but feeling decidedly tired.

Suspension seems to have suddenly become quite clattery on uneven road surfaces. Not what it was (superb).

Engine still consumes absolutely no oil whatsoever. Only difference from new is that, although engine starts instantly, first time every time, from hot or cold, the starter motor needs to be kept spinning for a fraction of a second longer or the engine will immediately stall.

The switch that detects when the driver's door is open is dying and the "water in fuel" warning light has started coming on every so often.

I have mentioned almost every problem over 100,000 miles and nearly ten years. Wonderful wonderful car - just goes on forever.

I have a red Peugeot 306 XNd and think it's a good car. It's my first and I found that insurance was OK, being only a group 4 it's cheaper than it's rivals to both own and run.

I learned to drive in this car (yes I took lessons in it - no duel controls!) and found it very easy to drive - plenty of torque, good handling and a nice gear box ("big gate" as I've heard it called leaves less room for mistakes, and it's smooth too).

First gear is a little short, it will only take you up to 10mph but that's not really a problem. Other than that ... I'd add a sunroof.

I still have my XNd, it had 89,000 miles on the clock when I got it and I've just taken it over the 90k mark. The XUD engine will go further than 200k with ease, it's one of the most reliable diesel engines ever! Just don't expect blazing 0-60 times.

This car isn't quick off the mark, although it has a good top speed - 100mph can be reached easily on motorways although you should stay legal of course :)

One thing I will point out is that the gear boxes in the diesel models are taken out of the petrols, so the ratios aren't as best suited to the engine as they could be. This car could probably go faster with a 6th gear but who really cares? This isn't a performance car, more like a nice drive.