1992 Peugeot 106 XSi 1.4 petrol

Summary:

Road legal go-kart!

Faults:

The usual expendables (exhaust, tires, clutch, wiper blades).

Stereo packed up.

Head gasket went at 73,000 miles which proved costly as it had already been bodged before.

General Comments:

When things were going well this has got to be one of the most fun cars to drive going. Performance with acceptable insurance when I bought it. Low to the floor, it always felt very quick and had a motorised go-kart kind of feel. Handling in the twisties was awesome, but long sweeping slip roads bit you hard if you backed off the power and you were left you wondering if the back was going to over-take the front (later ones were better so I'm told), but I guess here the fault is as much with me.

I bought from a main dealer and hence had some warranty, but they weren't good at putting things right and when the head-gasket went the warranty had expired, and the dealer was adamant that the previous bodged repairs were nothing to do with them (although it later transpired that they were). The low-ish mileage, condition and full service history looked to be a sign of happy times, but it would appear that mine had had a hard time from a previous owner combined with the above bodge. I got things fixed but never felt happy with the car and sold it shortly afterwards. Hope it didn't cause the next owner problems, but I was honest enough to tell him the history.

Comfort-wise she didn't really suit me as I prefer long legged seating positions, but the bucket seats certainly kept you in place. Heavy footwear also made things interesting with the pedals so close together.

I'd definitely have another, but with a performance motor I'd be happier with a new one next time so I guess it will have to be the GTi. Also I need more space so it'll have to sit alongside a less exciting estate. I'd recommend one to anyone, but give it a very good check over.

In addition to the reliability problems the insurance was the final nail in the coffin when it doubled on renewal. Incidentally, this was despite being over 30 with 5 year's NCB and no points. I sometimes think that insurance companies are just out to stop us having fun.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th October, 2001

12th Nov 2001, 03:22

Agree totally with all your comments on the car. I've had my 94 model for almost a year, and apart from a couple of minor problems, I'm well impressed.

Surely this is one of the best kept secrets in motoring. The archetypal French "warm hatch" - moderate power coupled to a chassis so balanced and capable that the car can be made to embarass much more powerful and expensive machinery along a twisty lane. I love this car because it has genuine soul and ability, both of which outweigh niggles like the rattly interior and a relative lack of grunt.

I must admit, I'm surprised you had problems with insurance. I'm only 25 (with full NCB) and the car is parked on the road within the M25 (just!). Even so, I pay "only" £390 fully comp.

I will keep this car until it dies!

22nd Sep 2008, 20:15

I own a 92 XSi, and have had it for 7 years. It has been a fantastic motor and the 1.4 100bhp engine has got a lot of poke, especially between 40 and 60 mph.

The handling is great and is awesome on the country roads. However it does get a little tiresome on the motorways, as it sits on about 4000 rpm at 70mph, and you find yourself looking for the next gear.

And it has about as much torque as a North Korean hair dryer; as soon as you put someone in the passenger seat, the acceleration and brakes really take a turn for the worse. But apart from that, it is an awesome car with a great set of extras above the base model phase 1 106. Electric windows and mirrors, leather steering wheel, great set of alloys, slightly questionable upholstery (rectified on the later 1.6 XSi).

If you can find one that hasn't had some burberry clad 18 year old called Terry attempting to 'do it up' then you are lucky. These are hard to come by now, and thankfully don't have the GTI badge, so don't incur the same look of disapproval from the insurance companies.

1992 Peugeot 106 XSi 1.4 injection

Summary:

Great fun, and cheap to insure

Faults:

The speedo went crazy the first time I drove the car. Speedo head replaced. Also the water and oil temp gauge were replaced due to bad readings.

The oil seal on the camshaft failed causing oil to leak over the timing belt (lucky I spotted that one).

A new radiator was needed because someone had hit the car from below which bent the radiator causing it to leak.

And the boot keeps leaking whenever it rains...

General Comments:

A great little car. This car is often overshadowed by the GTi and the Rallye. In fact the XSi is almost as fast as the 1.3 Rallye with the added benefits of electric windows/mirrors and extra sound proofing.

Cheap insurance and a joy to drive and own!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th October, 2000

1st Jan 2001, 16:51

Yeah, I would have to agreee with you totally. I have recently went out and bought an M reg XSi in immaculate condition and I am currently modifying to my own intended spec. I have to say, for a small 1.4 litre engined car it sure does shift, not only on motorways but it is a dream to handle around London where driving literally becomes a hassle at times, not a pleasure.

6th Mar 2001, 06:35

I have an 1995 XS which you hardly hear about, had a few few probelms with the temperature and over heating but solved the problem when I changed the pipe and fixed the fan switch.

The 1.4 engine without modification does shift quite well, however it would go better with a bit of modification, but at the moment I can't be bothered and the problem is I'm a girl and have to take stick from other lads.

8th Dec 2001, 18:00

Agree with all the positive comments. My 94L XSi 1.4 is a fantastic little go-kart which I just love getting in and caning the wotsits off. One of those cars that just begs to be thrashed everywhere.

Build quality is crap but the important bits go on forever. It's economical, cheap to insure and pretty quick if you keep the revs up. It will also out corner almost anything else on the road.

One of the best kept secrets in motoring IMO.

23rd May 2003, 07:58

I just bought an N-reg Peugeot 106 1.1 Aztec for my first car and have noticed that the radio is larger than a normal size radio. I haven't looked at it in detail by taking the cover off. It is a standard Peugeot radio. I wondered if any of you have tried fitting a new radio and had one of the original Peugeot radios at first?

James.

1992 Peugeot 106 XR 1.1 petrol

Faults:

Occasional Starting Problems.

General Comments:

For the size and price this is an excellent car spoiled by heavy steering and a poor local dealer Dixon's Wakefield.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd November, 1997