Faults:

Indicator stalk wouldn't work. Replaced, now doesn't work again.

Driver's door window stuck shut, replaced door motor, now stuck again.

Radio packed in within a month of me having it.

Outside temperature sensor gauge no longer works.

Absolute nightmare to start in the winter - can take half an hour before the car will fire.

Back exhaust replaced twice.

Intermittent loss of power when motorway driving.

Constant ABS warning light on dashboard, which the garage now tell me to ignore because they can't find a reason for it.

General Comments:

I bought this car second hand, thinking I had a bargain as it was in beautiful external condition, and the mileage was so low. After three years ownership, the outside condition is still immaculate, but now I know why the mileage was low. It clearly spent most of its time in the garage being repaired, just as it's spent most of its time in my ownership at a garage. The mechanic actually commented on how immaculate the engine was when I lifted the bonnet, and said, 'You clearly don't drive it often.' 'Chance would be a fine thing,' I replied.

Faults:

Crankshaft pulley misalignment (160000 miles) - manifested itself as a lack of power and misfiring, as the timing was out and became impossible to set!

Rear anti-roll bar drop links replaced (162000 miles).

Hydraulic clutch failed (157000 miles). Pedal stuck to floor, new clutch assembly kit cost nearly £600 with fitting!!).

Odometer backlight has failed (170000 miles), although doesn't bother me!

General Comments:

I purchased this car for my partner as I already had a rather tired, but dependable, 406 LX 2.0 16v, and I was very impressed with it.

I spotted the SRi Turbo for sale at a local Land Rover dealer as a part exchange. It was up for only £595, and on inspection had been looked after very well.

I was instantly impressed on the test drive, and purchased the car for £500 the same day, I inherited the car a few months later when my partner decided it was not economic enough for her daily commute.

The SRi feels somewhat different from the basic 406's - the ride is firmer and the steering slightly heavier in its feel and response; it's very much a driver's car. Despite this, I feel the more basic versions are a tad more communicative and ride better, although the SRi is still a hugely enjoyable car with a fantastic ride handling balance.

I love the SRi's torquey engine; it pulls like a turbo diesel from 2000rpm, but does not suffer from the 'brick wall' effect that seems to plague many diesel engines around 4000 rpm. The turbo spools up very quickly, and it pulls very strongly from 2000rpm to just over 5000rpm. There is nothing to gain by red-lining this car, as after 5000 rpm there is no more power to be gained!

The interior is well laid out, and all of the controls are easy to find. Mine has digital climate control, which is very effective.

The only negative aspect of the interior is the ghastly seat trim - red jags on grey cloth, what were they thinking!?

There is plenty of space in the car, and a large, if shallow boot.

I can't think of a better daily driver, it's all the cars I need in one!

Faults:

OK. So the most major fault with the car is the total and catastrophic failure of the engine. Reading some of the Peugeot car forums that are on the web, this is apparently a common fault with Peugeot's DHX variant 1.9 turbo diesel engine, and is supposed to be attributed to their failure to upgrade the con rods when they shoved the Turbo onto their previous non-turbo 1.9 diesel. Basically the con rod on the Number 1 cylinder failed (due to what looked like metal fatigue) and punched a hole through the front and rear of the cylinder block.

Unbelievably, the engine still ran afterwards, but since the con rod had also destroyed the oil pump and punched its way into the sump, I imagine it wouldn't have been for very long. This fault occurred at 144000 and cost me £1500 for a second hand engine, including delivery and fitting. I managed to sell much of the remaining good bits of the old engine like the head and turbo to finance the newer one.

Had to replace N/S/R brake cylinder at around 140000 miles miles.

Replaced N/S/F lower ball joint and suspension control rod at 165000 miles.

N/S/F wheel bearing replaced at 155000 miles.

Both engine mounting movement limiters replaced at 170000 miles, plus O/S engine mounting at 150000 miles.

Power steering pump now very noisy when cold, but not worth replacing now the car is this old.

Electrics for heater blower stopped working at 155000 miles. Rewired the lot and then they started working again about 5000 miles later!?!? No explanation for this - traced all wiring for faults without success.

O/S drivers window regulator temperamental at times - cures itself?!?

Both bungs below rear seats letting in water when going through puddles at about 120000 miles. Had to seal up with silicone sealant.

Drivers footwell fills with water when parked facing downhill - cannot find entry point so I park facing uphill now.

Radio display light failed at about 155000 miles. Not replaceable without changing the radio.

General Comments:

A very durable car, and very comfortable to drive. Even better to ride in.

Lots of leg room in the rear.

The powerful diesel engine makes for a reasonably enjoyable ride and good acceleration.