1994 Peugeot 306 XT 1.9 turbo diesel

Summary:

Holding it's value

Faults:

Central locking failed after a week of owning it.

Uneven tyre wear.

General Comments:

This car is a dream to drive, and the turbo diesel engine will do 50 miles to the gallon. However, the gears are a little clunky and the clutch is very heavy. Once on an open road, the car is quick, but quiet.

The remote central locking has proved to be a bit of a pain though. Sometimes when I lock the car, it will immediately unlock so it has to be done manually. Having said that, it's been fine recently. These Peugeot+'s have a reputation for dodgy electrics, but they're easily fixed.

Apart from that, I'm pleased with the car. It's got a full service history, which is very important with these 306's. If you're considering to buy one, check the history and all the electrics (chances are something won't work!)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th May, 2002

1994 Peugeot 306 S16 2.0

Summary:

A dog in wolf's clothing

Faults:

Variable intake manifold diaphragm not working when purchased.

Engine management fault when purchased and never diagnosed by three dealers over two years.

Wiring fault when purchased resulting in ABS turning off randomly - fixed after about 6 months and 10+ dealer visits.

Brake light switch changed more than once in an attempt to fix the above fault.

All ABS sensors changed at least once in an attempt to fix the above fault.

Lumbar adjustment broken when purchased.

Oxygen sensor replaced.

Knock sensor replaced.

Front suspension wishbones replaced.

One front driveshaft replaced.

Clutch cable snapped.

Thermostat broke on the motorway and the engine overheated, destroying one coil and damaging a hose.

Rust emerged on the roof and under door window seals. Dealer not interested.

Heater blower switch failed.

Radio randomly wouldn't work.

General Comments:

The handling was very good, if unnerving when oversteer occurs.

Engine very lethargic in character - unwilling to rev and very sluggish response. Probably was quite fast, but never felt it. 29mpg when driven carefully.

Dealers totally clueless about the model. One even asked me if it was diesel.

Horrendously unreliable and even Peugeot UK unable to solve the mystery Engine Management problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th September, 2001

26th Sep 2001, 15:09

Typical Peugeot. Had the same sort of experience with a 405 MI-16 and a 306 XSi.

It's true, Peugeot are the British Leyland of France. Avoid them like the plague.

14th Mar 2003, 09:19

I disagree, I've owned a 309 GTI and currently own an S16 and nothing has gone wrong with either of them apart from minor things, but you get that with every car. I suspect you bought a bit of a lemon or you didn't look after it very well.

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1994 Peugeot 306 D Turbo 1.9 turbo diesel

Summary:

Quick, fun and very cheap to own. Not perfect, but how many cars are?

Faults:

Radiator failed.

Front wheel bearings are rumbly.

Front inner wishbone bushes wore out.

New battery and alternator.

Driver's seat starting to wear.

General Comments:

Not a perfect car, but very good in my opinion. People don't buy Peugeot's for outstanding build quality.

Great fun to drive (for a diesel).

Excellent handling and ride quality.

My car has a hard life (high miles on rough roads), but has proved very durable.

A good car for keeping it's age. Still looks great when polished at 7 years old.

Nice interior (if lacking in some knobs and whistles) with supportive, firm seats.

I recently drove a brand new HDi estate, but didn't find it that much better than my 1.9 D Turbo.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th May, 2001

21st May 2002, 06:46

I have a 1.9 D Turbo. People slate it for being a DIESEL, but I am very surprised how quick they are. Currently looking to add a few improvements under the bonnet. Should be quite a nippy little car for a diesel.

2nd Jul 2002, 03:53

Update of main review above:

My D Turbo has now covered 95000 miles and is still as new. I have no intention of selling it, despite pressure from potential buyers to do so! Peugeot's are supposedly bad for becoming tatty, but a lot of that is down to owner neglect. I recently looked at a D Turbo on a forecourt that was 4 years newer and in far worse condition.

19th Jan 2004, 12:12

Another update:

Have now covered 118,000 miles. As much power as ever before and just as economical. Have driven loads of other 306 DTs and mine is more gutsy than any of them! I occasionally consider replacing it, but then clean and drive it, and there seems little point! Some noticable bits of wear to the interior showing (seat, steering wheel etc).

Such a cheap car to run. Have only needed to service it over the last 18 months. Long may it continue...!