1998 Peugeot 106 Zest 3 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Once the engine has fully warmed up, the idle speed remains at about 1000rpm or even slightly higher. This is too high, I have yet to find the cause of the problem.

Occasionally the engine just cuts out and won't start easily. It will maybe fire, but then cut out. Then after starting it again its fine.

Also, occasionally when pulling away from junctions there is a power loss- the car just creeps at about 10mph and then suddenly it regains the power and moves properly!

It can be very sluggish and jerky when cold, but warms up very slowly.

Clock bulb has blown, but it's going to cost so much money to take the dash off and fix it, probably not worth it!

Rear door doesn't close unless you slam it and in icy conditions the drivers door won't close due to it being frozen.

Clutch isn't the nicest to use.

With amazing refinement, this car puts many larger cars to shame. There is minimal road noise and engine noise is never excessive. The ride has a suppleness that I have never experienced in any other car, it just soaks up bumps and speed humps are dealt with superbly. Handling doesn't suffer either- there is never any serious body roll. Fuel economy is also good, as is performance for a 1.1 litre.

It's fairly comfortable, but all round it feels dated and build quality is well below the standards of Japanese cars. The footwell is extremely cramped and the pedals are far too small. The styling isn't really to my taste, but It looks better than an equivalent age Nissan Micra.

Being the Zest 3 model, it's got power-steering (nicely weighted) and electric windows, plus an airbag. Ours is also 5-door which is unusual and probably better to have.

I believe air-con was never an option on the 106, which demonstrated that in 2004 when production ceased this Pug was a very dated model!!

I would recommend one only if it has full service history and you aren't too tall, as it's very cramped. Also, the standard radio is the most basic I have ever come across

The 106 production in europe was halted due to the results of the euro ncap tests, I have driven a 106 diesel in spain with air con. in the uk is was probably special order only apart from the gti.

I've owned the zest 3 for the last year, personally I've only had two problems with it.

1. the foot-well is too small difficult for my size 11

2. the car could really do with extended arches, this would (in my opinion) make the car look great.

Aircon was never available on the 106 in the UK, it was neither an option or standard fitment.

I flipped a Zest 3 over in a bend and I walked out of it with a few scratches and bruises. The car withstood being flipped over, of course it was a write-off. But the fact is I walked out of it, it is a well-built and strong car.