Faults:

Leaking coolant hose, which was extremely difficult to replace (one end was right behind the fuel pump. Nimble fingers required!).

General Comments:

Extremely comfortable, especially for rear passengers.

Handles like glue on corners (thanks to Goodyear rubber on all four wheels).

Nippy for a small turbo diesel engine (for a big car).

A better ride and build quality than a Rover 75!

Faults:

Air-conditioning ceased to work.

General Comments:

With reference to the above fault, the main dealer could not tell me where the control unit for the air-con is.

This was after having the car in the garage for 9 hours! Neither could they tell me what was wrong with it!

As for performance, it is pretty quick and economical.

Comfort, on a par with a Xantia.

Peugeot really need to look at the dealer network, it is the worst I have ever had the misfortune to deal with.

Faults:

Rear brake master cylinder failed.

Rear brake compensator failed.

Water pump failed.

Rear nearside door - central locking failed.

Right rear suspension - new bush needed at 54000 miles.

Light in clock failed.

On/off switch on radio broke off.

Immobiliser keypad broke off.

Remote fuel release flap reluctant.

General Comments:

That list of faults seems quite long, but over the life of the car (it's now basically 5 years old) probably not too bad. Drivetrain has been faultless.

Criticisms are the front seats (too soft) and sluggish 2nd gear performance in this 1.8 version.

Still impressed with its refinement, ride, handling, spaciousness and styling.

Dealer servicing is expensive though.

Faults:

Cambelt snapped at 28000 miles/2 years - engine wrecked. Repaired by Peugeot despite being out of warranty.

Petrol leaks (several) causing petrol to be sprayed over a hot engine!

Speedo doesn't work in warm weather.

Worrying noise from the starter motor.

Losing water - head gasket?

Engine management light comes on frequently, accompanied by rough running. No fault found by the dealer.

General Comments:

Well specced for the price.

Nice car to drive.

Nice car to look at.

Dodgy build quality.

Poor reliability.

Faults:

Anti-roll bar bushings on the back axle needed replacement.

Radio seems to turn itself after traveling a long time.

Leaking radiator, slightly.

Tyres wearing uneven (left) due to pot-hole's in Irelands roads.

Replaced a few bulbs.

Door's need to be adjusted in to reduce wind noise.

General Comments:

Very comfortable on the Irish roads.

Fairly good fuel economy for a TD.

Very reliable (compared to a Renault).

When fitted with spoiler, fog-lamp's and set of alloy's, it's a classy looking car.

Faults:

Nothing really, but as this was a company car, I rather got the impression that the local dealer used to "find" things to replace... for example, at 60,000 miles, I reported a slightly slipping clutch. Dealer instantly decided this unit needed replacing and presented my employer with a bill for £500! Unfortunately, the unit was badly fitted, and snagged the speed sensor cable which caused the car to fail in a big way while I was on a business trip in Belgium. After contacting the dealer (who was less than sympathetic) Peugeot head office offered a free service for any other car in my family.

Other things - engine was making a curious noise which I reported to the same dealer - they decided the car was unsafe to drive, and took the car off the road... but left me to find my own way home. Not good.

Lots of little niggles that the dealers have resolved, but costs are high for servicing and general maintenance. If you can do routine maintenance yourself, then do so, and save yourself a lot of money.

General Comments:

I loved to really drive this car... on a quiet backroad, in good conditions, the 406 is a joy to drive... responsive handling, excellent ride, good weight distribution, good performance (although go for a 2.0 litre as the 1.8 is underpowered when travelling with chums), and good brakes. Steering is direct and well weighted, gearbox is full of useful ratios, boot is huge.

Downside - earlier models are sparcely equipped, but the build quality is good and the car feels solid, especially on long motorway drags where comfort is high, and cabin room is good.

I want another, preferably a 3.0 V6... but at 24mpg, I may have to think again.