1996 Peugeot 406 SRi from UK and Ireland - Comments

* 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.

Hi just to say that the sri turbo does come with air con, not just air con, but climate control.

My SRi turbo doesn't have air con. The 1996 models were poorly equipped compared to those from 98 onwards.

Hi I also have a pug 406 and a beast it is. its done 56k and I've maneneged to get it to 198 bhp at the wheels, about 220 at the flywheel, I've read the comments on this car and I can tell you that I have reached 146mph myself so for those that don't think it is possible I'm telling you that it is 0to60 in 6.2 with good tyres oh yea by the way it's a 96 sri and yes it does have aircon and climate control don't think that I cud of bought a better car for the money it's a wolf in sheeps clothing with out a dougt...thanks,jcpugturbo.

By disconnecting the turbo waste gate your turbo will not go off and it will be on at high rpm to the end. the engine is fitted with a revlimiter...6000rpm max. I have an excuetive 2.0 turbo and am gonna put a. xu10j4r pug 306 2.0 16v and than put my manifold and turbo in that... at least...190 bhp to 200 and I will be right next to scooby riadh1@fsmail.net if you need help?

I owned one of these and I find its the perfect mix of a family car along with some power to keep you smiling when you're not carting the family to your local supermarket. Also the engines are tunable which is always good but the only issue is that you can't buy a Haynes manual for it as this model isn't covered in the 406 edition. obviously for mechanical purposes anyway. Also if you own one then pray that the turbo doesn't go wrong as its £1000+ for a new one or you have the alternative of having your turbo reconditioned but that's still a £4-500 job at least. Also make sure if your buying one that you check for a faulty head gasket IE check for creamy liquid in the oil and white smoke from the exhaust as again it's a nightmare to change the head gasket without a manual so it will be a garage job again £££!.

All in all I think it's a fantastic car and if you can get one with the black leather interior, heated seats and climate control then you are onto a winner.

P.s I can vouch for the car doing over 130mph as I done 140 in mine when standard!