1997 Peugeot 306 td 1.9turbo diesel

Summary:

Nice car, turns heads

Faults:

From new I have had endless trouble with the driver's electric window. It has smashed when winding it up, dropped out whilst driving, and totally come off the runners.

The passenger door seal does not fit tight and I can hear road noise, this gets louder the faster I drive.

The passenger door also leaks when I have it power washed.

I feel there must be a factory fault for the window to break so many times.

The tyres also seem to need replacing very quickly.

General Comments:

The car looks great, feels great, but the window problem really lets it down.

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

Review Date: 24th April, 2002

8th Jul 2002, 10:32

Window electrics were a problem for my neighbour, too, who also has a Peugeot 306.

I myself have had a 1999 Peugeot 306 estate for a couple of years, and from the very start the level of road noise has been high. The noise appears to be transmitted up from the wheels into the cabin, i.e. it isn't due to poor door seals.

Overall I'm very happy with the car. I enjoy the way it handles, and it's very comfortable. Does anyone have any ideas about how to tackle the noise?

Adrian Hall

Surbiton.

1997 Peugeot 306 Dturbo 1.9 turbo diesel

Summary:

Terrible build quality mars an (occasionally) very entertaining little hatch

Faults:

Poor build-quality means for many rattles and squeaks : dash, doors, vents, passenger seat, and driver-side window glass are all very annoying, especially with the vibrations at lower revs. Cover above the passenger side foot-well constantly falls off.

Air whistling through near-side mirror. Even the excellent stereo won't drown this out.

Front-left wheel bearing went at 65000 miles.

Pre-heating system is currently very dodgy and unreliable.

Fuel gauge becoming increasingly inaccurate.

General Comments:

The car can be great fun to drive, but only when it behaves itself. On about 50% of drives, the turbo seems unresponsive, sometimes almost non-existent. The close gearbox doesn't help this. On the occasions where the turbo does reveal itself however, the kick is very satisfying, and 3000-4500 revs in third gear is impressive. 70 to a ton on the motorway seems to fly past in an instant. The handling is uniformly good.

Economy isn't that bad - not as good as many of the dealers figures, but still pretty good. 45mpg is common.

Prices (and service) from Peugeot garages are ridiculous, so be very wary!

I just wish this car had more all round comfort and solidity.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th November, 2001

29th Sep 2002, 12:56

People always winge about the noise that sounds like airflow from the left wing mirror. Funnily enough, the turbo happens to be on that side of the bonnet and what your hearing is the turbo fan spinning; creating a whistling sound. wind down your left window, does the whistling stop when you release the throttle and start up again when you accelerate??? Yes is the answer. Sorry for droning, but it winds me up.

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1997 Peugeot 306 GTi-6 2.0

Summary:

Leaves other GTis standing

Faults:

Engine has been known to cut out at high revs in low gear.

Paint chips very easily.

Doors get dented in car parks with frightening ease! Make sure to leave plenty of space between you and inconsiderate others!

Can be VERY reluctant to go down into 2nd gear.

General Comments:

Has about the largest turning circle I've come across for a car this size. It takes a bit of getting used to!

Fuel consumption is an eye opener. Around town 25 mpg is good going, but things improve on a motorway trip, even at relatively high speeds.

It is fantastically quick once the revs get above 3,500.

Excellent fun to drive and comfortable with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th July, 2001

27th Aug 2005, 12:22

The torque the engine produces doesn't increase above 3500 rpm - the acceleration should be smooth and flat from 1500 rpm. all that happens around 3500-4000 is the 16v kicks in and the noise increases. Is your car OK?

23rd Apr 2006, 05:10

You will find that the bhp is nearer the top end of the rev range, so it feels like its geting quicker.