1999 Peugeot 306 D-Turbo 2.0 HDi

Summary:

Frugal, fun and fabulous looking

Faults:

Leaking injectors which were replaced under warranty. Other than that, no problems.

General Comments:

The 306 HDi D-Turbo is a great car with sporty looks and spirited performance that, particularly in the mid-range, gives more powerful petrol cars a fair run for their money.

Its also rather well equipped with all of the following as standard: analogue climate control, ABS with EBFD, power steering, rain-sensitive wipers, electric windows, remote central locking, CD player with steering column remote control, 4 airbags, great-looking 15" alloys, sports suspension, rear spoiler, front fog lamps and sports bumpers/side-skirts.

Fuel economy is excellent, even when driving with a heavy right foot the gauge seems reluctant to budge. Which is a good thing as the satisfying kick from the turbo at a little under 2000 revs encourages the use of that right foot. Pick-up in 2nd and 3rd gears in particular is excellent thanks to the high torque available immediately at the start of the turbo-band.

One of the best things about this car is the ride and handling. The steering is excellent with superb feedback and the sporty suspension means you can really throw the car into corners with it always remaining sure-footed.

The only minor niggles I have is some wind noise on motor-ways which seems to be a common issue with the 306, and parts of the dash look a little dated, but other than that the combination of petrol-like performance with diesel economy and sporty looks is a great formula.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th January, 2002

2nd Jan 2003, 08:45

I also own a similar 306 HDi DTurbo - can't fault the equipment, in fact mine has a sunroof as well as the air-con. The economy is not bad either 46mpg, although this is poor compared to the published figures of 52+.

What I can fault is the build quality, it seems to have a wealth of creaks and hard surfaces, particularly on the door trims. My previous 306 1.9DT was one of the first generation models and generally seemed much better built.

I also find the road manners of the HDi somewhat "rude", again in comparison to the 1.9 DT. Whilst the handling is far superior, the ride is harsh, presumably to achieve the good handling. It also has a tendency to steer where it wants to go, particularly on lorry tracks in motorways.

I'm actually thinking buying an early 1.9 DT as overall they were the better cars - and what happened to sports seat squab of the earlier earlier cars, you sit on the squab of the later cars rather than in it - poor development I believe!

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1999 Peugeot 306 Meridian 1.4 petrol

Summary:

Terrific until it goes wrong, then a complete nightmare

Faults:

Trouble starting, revs fluctuating whilst idling at traffic lights etc. stalling at junctions and traffic lights.

General Comments:

After 2 years of comparatively trouble free motoring, I put the car in for what the garage believed was an idle control valve problem. A garage bill of almost a thousand pounds later and the problem was found to be the engine management computer. So many of these have gone wrong (allegedly) that Peugeot were out of stock and my car stayed in the garage for around 6 weeks (including investigation time etc.).

I was told that there were 5 upgrades available for my ECU, but that Peugeot would not have bothered recalling the car for that fault - it was only because I had another problem with the car that the garage discovered that the ECU was faulty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th August, 2001

16th Aug 2001, 15:55

I think your garage might be pulling a fast one.

All you probably needed to do was change the oxygen sensor at the front of the engine - 80 quid and takes 1 minute to change. This is the common problem that Peugeots have.

18th Jan 2004, 03:30

I am having the same problem since six months. I changed the oxygen sensor, but the problem still exists. The other problem is that Peugeot agent in my country does not have spare parts. I have to wait until he asks Peugeot in France to send an engine computer, and that may take another six months.

22nd Mar 2005, 08:27

I have this same problem on mine, but having read other people's comments I believe that the likely culprit is the stepper motor which is what my local dealer suggested to me. The truth is it could be any of those 3 different problems, but most likely the oxygen sensor or the stepper motor. I think a trip to the garage is in order either way for me. Otherwise I have had no problems with my 1.4 touch wood.