1995 Peugeot 306 S16 2.0 16v

Summary:

A nice hot hatch, could do with a little extra power!!

Faults:

Split pipe- caused engine to cut out at low revs.

New catalytic converter.

New rear silencer.

New disc's and pads.

New cam belt.

New engine mount.

General Comments:

This is a very nice car, its as fast as I was realistically looking for at 20 years old, looks good and although some repairs were expensive it has been relatively reliable- for a Peugeot that is!

The performance of the car is impressive, although not astounding. The power is all above 4000rpm, although once there, there is an abundance of it. The 0-60 time of around 8 seconds is respectable, although I feel the 30-70 time of this car would be far more reflective of its abilities. This is due to the fact that in 2nd and 3rd gear there is plenty of power all the way up to just over 7000rpm. Over-taking in this car is pleasantly easy.

The handling of the car is brilliant, it will fly through most bends at speeds that would match, if not show up some of its more expensive rivals. It has a tendency to over steer, but you never real feel as though your in any trouble.

The combination of this cars power delivery and its superb handling make driving on country roads extremely enjoyable.

The interior is typically French, lots of rattles at high speed and bits coming off here and there, the seats however are very comfortable and keep you tucked in through the bends. Plenty of space for a couple of mates, although practicality wasn't one of my concerns! Mine doesn't have a CD player or Air Conditioning which is disappointing.

Driven hard mine seems to drink fuel, often below 25mpg, although on the motorway it is surprisingly efficient.

I have added a performance air-filter, which has made quite a difference with the power seeming to be delivered slightly earlier and very nice exhaust note.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd September, 2003

1995 Peugeot 306 XS 1.6 petrol injection

Summary:

Cheap insurance, good performance

Faults:

Occasionally the electric windows stop working.

Drivers seat is wearing quite badly on the offside bolster and around the handle.

The car used a lot of oil, but now uses a moderate amount due to the dealer fixing the problem.

Passenger door leaked and flooded both nearside foot-wells.

General Comments:

The car has 90 horse power standard, and with the addition of a Rage cat-back system, the car was tested and now has 94 at the wheels.

This car is seriously fast for a 1.6i and even gives BMW's a run for their money, I've even beaten an RS turbo down a local de restricted bypass!

Handling is crisp and clean, the car really sticks to the road around those country lanes.

I was very surprised with the car, and it has reasonable pull in every gear.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st August, 2003

1st Feb 2005, 10:12

I have a 306 XS, and I will agree on some of the stuff you said, it is a good car to drive if a little twitchy in the wet, but I just find it impossible to like, the clutch is so stiff, the gears have the lowest ratios out of anything I have ever driven, the engine pulls well, but it sounds like its about to explode when you push it, the car does 3500 rpm in 5th at 70mph, it uses more petrol than cars offering twice the performance and the only reasons it does go pretty fast is because its so light, put 5 people in it and you will struggle to outrun a fully laden Fiesta 1.3.

1995 Peugeot 306 XSi 2.0 petrol

Summary:

I wish I had kept it

Faults:

Radiator needed to be replace in fifth year.

Front disc's and pads were replaced four time, three times under warranty.

Reverse light switch in gearbox needed to be replaced in first year.

Electrical system faults repaired after dealer recall.

Wiring fault caused by cable loom being trapped in handbrake mechanism which blew the fuse for all of the main lights, big problem as it happened at night.

Head Gasket replaced after 55,000 miles.

General Comments:

Great car to dive, almost as much fun as the 206GTi, but not quite.

Eats up front tires and watch out for the front disc's and pads.

Great to drive over long distances.

Peugeot dealer was great, repairs and servicing were great.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd July, 2003

11th Jul 2003, 11:54

I sold mine and I regret it too (see: a lot quicker than you think - 1998 xsi). Its so good you take it for granted...