A lot of flash for little cash!
Faulty air control valve at 12000 miles.
No other faults.
Fantastic car! very very economical and a real joy to drive and own. A lot of car for the money, drives like a Mercedes! Build quality on this phase 2 model is excellent not a rattle or squeak to be heard.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th February, 2003
A competent all-round estate car that combines economy with good performance.
This car has satellite navigation and it wasn't working on delivery. It took five days to fix the fault (a pinched wire in the satnav loom) but the dealer was very good at providing another 406 estate as a courtesy car.
Another electrical gremlin has involved the CD autochanger with remote controls. Occasionally, when turning on the radio it has self-set the volume to 18, blasting out so loud that it upsets the neighbours, nearly blows the speakers and, on one occasion, nearly caused an accident.
The front seats are electrically operated and within a few thousand miles the driver's seat springs made a hole in the cover and then damaged three pairs of trousers by plucking them. The dealer, via Peugeot UK, arrange financial compensation.
The economy of the engine for this size of car is fantastic, expecially with so much torque under your right foot.
I have been able to achieve 69.9mpg driving at 50mph on the motorway, but more realistically achieve 55.5mpg at a steady 65mph. Pushing along it is still possible to achieve 47 mpg at illegal cruising speeds.
The handling and ride are superb, soaking up bumps without much trouble.
The estate has lots of usable space and is a better option than the saloon when taking a family on holiday.
Front tyres on diesels often wear quickly, but the standard fit Goodyear tyres saw out 24,000 miles before replacements were needed.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd July, 2002
Not good enough Peugeot you are way behind
Car stopped while being delivered. Comm 2000 electrical unit replaced.
After two weeks 500 miles electrical faults; Lights and wipers coming on at intermittent intervals.
Exhaust blowing out at manifold.
Airbag warning light on constantly.
3 months on dealers haven't sorted anything.
Drives well, but too unreliable.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 13th June, 2002
Potentially a great car for varied every day use, but let down by minor and serious quality problems
Uneven braking causing the front discs to be replaced 6 times - Problem still not cured!
Nearside rear view mirror fell off at 22,000 miles. Heating element never worked from new.
Nearside rear window inoperable at 20,000 miles. Sill not fixed at 24,000 miles after three attempts.
Generally I love the car. It's a great distance 'eater' and provides plenty of room for my family and luggage when we go away.
Its quite quiet for an estate (I have owned four previously) and is without doubt the best riding of all these.
The gear box (5 speed manual) shifts well enough, but has a whine in 2nd and 3rd. I can't wondering if this is trouble in the future.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 25th May, 2002
Top up your gearbox oil or refresh with new oil. NEXT...
I agree with you! My friend's car had the same problem after he changed the oil! It was a bad choice of oil! Then he changed it again to the oil recommended by Peugeot, and now everything is OK!
Not sure about what Peugeot says: to change the gearbox oil every 20 000 km! My Toyota needs a changes every 70 000 till 100 000 km!
Well, really the 406 is a nice car!
Reliable family package
Wipers started to stop half way through its cycle (middle of the windscreen).
There's a weird rattling sound coming from the exhaust when under power (started after visit for service)
This car handles like a wheelbarrow! It takes off well, but the gearbox and delivery to the wheels is not up to scratch. It's not made for quick driving of any type.
On the plus side if you buy this car for easy driving then the sound system is for you. If you like loud music or just clear sounds then you won't be disappointed! Great sound system!
With air-conditioning and speed sensitive power steering this makes a great family car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th April, 2002
Top-class mile-eater
Nothing so far.
Astonishingly well spec-ed, this car has got the lot, and the classy cabin is spacious and comfortable.
However, the performance of the 2 litre engine, when mated to the "smart" auto box is nothing to write home about - it's a galloper, not a sprinter.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 18th April, 2001
11th Feb 2005, 00:07
I was drawn to this section by comment on faulty air control valve. It may not be the correct place to write, but its presence here may prompt some help. My 406 diesel estate has developed a problem with the heater. It has been into the garage on three separate occasions to have parts changed concerning air control. Each occasion they tell be that the problem has been solved. The work was under guarantee at the time. The problem is that there is no change to the fault. It is either stone cold or roasting hot. You can actually hear an air valve opening and closing while driving with the accompanying changes in temperature extreme. The truth is I do not feel that there is the correct data about to diagnose. If it is not in the immediate book of words then it can't be fixed.
C Bashford.