2003 Peugeot 206 XSi 1.6

Summary:

Nice, but too many faults

Faults:

Brake pads replaced due to squeal.

Rattle behind dash in cold weather and when engine cold (not fixed).

A/C Compressor replaced.

Center console display occasionally stays lit (Not fixed).

On occasion, cannot lock car remotely (not fixed).

Whine from gearbox around 40mph / 4th gear. Appears to be gear whine so not serious, just annoying.

Occasional poor selection of third gear (not my driving!!).

Clutch bite point high - apparently unadjustable (always has been).

Radio sometimes refuses to respond to buttons (not fixed).

Floods very easily if it doesn't start. first time in cold weather (rare), but when it does, can be very difficult to start.

General Comments:

What could be a great little car let down severely by build / engineering quality.

On the plus side, when it's working well great fun, not the quickest thing around, but for the money and all that... Keep the revs high and 2nd / 3rd gears are a joy coupled with reasonable handling always puts a smile on my face.

Dealer has been helpful to be fair, but due to numerous visits they have learnt that I do bite and don't let go, so we now appear to have an "understanding".

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th April, 2005

25th Feb 2015, 11:56

Good, honest reviews. I agree with the comment that the cars are good to drive but fatally weak in electrical department, and this lets most of the models in the Peugeot range down.

2003 Peugeot 206 CC 1.6 petrol

Summary:

Nothing short of equilibrium on wheels- a design breakthrough!

Faults:

Nothing thus far.

General Comments:

I love this car! It is the perfect hybrid between a convertible and a coupé.

It handles like a dream, and the slight noise of the hood during deployment is completely inconsequential when one considers the comfort and safety of it being a hard top!

The roof doesn't leak on my version either, and as I park it on an exposed driveway on the top of a very wet hill in Wales, it's certainly been tested!

The boot space is surprisingly impressive for a convertible also, even with the hood down there is ample room, and with the hood up it is positively vast for this type of car!

With regard to the back seats, okay, they aren't huge, but for the type of car this is they are uncharacteristically comfortable, and, at the end of the day, this car isn't marketed as a saloon- it's a roadster, and I'm just pleased there are proper seats in the back at all!

Overall, with the exception of individual unit malfunctions (my car has yet to exhibit any of the unfortunate problems expressed in other reviews, leading me to believe they are isolated faults, not design flaws), anybody who criticises this design is missing the point of this car, and it's "fun and yet still practical' ethos.

Well done Peugeot!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2005

4th Aug 2005, 08:59

I had nothing, but problems with the car. I had problems with something to do with air getting in the engine which makes a water sound, common from the right side of the car. And the exhaust coming loose.

The dealer has been very unhelpful and saying these parts aren't covered.

16th Sep 2005, 08:33

Those brakes will squeal eventually have no fear!!

Still it is a great car to drive especially the 2 litre version which I have. Get those rear black plastic hoops changed for chrome ones - it really looks 10 times better.

9th Oct 2005, 13:31

Hello, I am afraid that I the squeaking has now arrived! Don't get me wrong, I still love this car, but the brakes began to squeak about a month ago. They were fixed, then started again, and although this was fixed, I can now hear another squeaking from one of the wheels which I really do not like. This is a great car, but do expect bugs to appear if you buy it new.

30th Mar 2009, 15:01

Hi, thank for all your comments. I was considering buying this car, but having read many negative reviews, I have changed my mind. The leak problems? It supports the fact that I very rarely see anyone driving their CC with the roof down. There definitely must be a problem with the roof.