1996 Peugeot 106 Escapade level 2 1.5 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap and fairly cheerful

Faults:

The first thing to go was the reversing light switch -- just a minor annoyance.

The gearbox never was very smooth, even from new. It reminds me of Jimmy Saville, i.e. 'clunk click every trip.'

Its nose-heavy weight distribution has contributed to heavy tyre wear at the front.

The front brake discs needed replacing after about 100,000 miles.

General Comments:

I have had this car for almost 10 years from new.

It is cheap as chips, very reliable, and has never left me stranded anywhere.

However, it is quite lethargic and slows down even in low gears on steep hills.

It drives and steers like a badly- loaded canal barge. The under-steer can be corrected by loading 6 large bags of sand/cement/plaster into the boot.

The pedals are offset to the drivers left and this takes a little getting used to.

However, it is extremely frugal, and I average around 65 mpg.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th October, 2005

15th Nov 2006, 12:33

(Reviewer's update)

In the last year the alternator finally died (two deep grooves worn in slip rings). This cost about £110 for new exchange part, which I fitted myself.

The heater plugs were changed after about 6 years, although this never fully cured the lethargic cold start problem that developed (only in winter time).

The windscreen washer motor was replaced after about 7 years

The original exhaust lasted for 8 or 9 years.

Battery lasted for 8 years as well.

Both rear wheel brake cylinders needed replacing after 8/9 years.

The fuel stop solenoid on the fuel pump leaked and needed changing after 9 years.

The tyres tended to last about 2 years on the front.

The car was excellent for carrying a multiplicity of objects, this was made possible by the design of the rear suspension, so once the back seats were folded down there was a relatively large rectangular load area.

I recently part-ex'd it for £250. It had done 124,000 miles from new. Replacement parts were cheap, given that nothing major ever failed.

2nd Apr 2007, 13:16

I have enjoyed every minute of my escapade. At 88,000 miles it needed a new alternator and battery. It was slow to take off and was very noisy. I had to part with it recently because somebody crashed into it leaving it as a right-off. I would recommend this car for anyone looking for reliability and saving on fuel.

1996 Peugeot 106 XL 1.1 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap, good looking and fun... for one or two people

Faults:

Airbag light stayed on (loose conection). Main dealer was unable to spot this first time.

Switches for brake and reversing lights needed replacing.

Mechanically it's been perfect.

General Comments:

Best thing about the 106 is how it drives - precise steering, responsive throttle, light clutch and short gearing make it feel quicker than it really is.

The 1.1's quite cheap to insure and quick enough, as long as it's just one or two people on board... Passengers in the back seat may find it cramped, and they make the car struggle going up hills!

The engine's a bit noisy at speed - but there's a few different gearboxes out there. Another 1.1 (2001 model) I borrowed was much quieter than my '96 car.

Other good points: Smooth ride means it's comfortable on long journeys. Dead easy to park, even with no power steering - as visibility is superb. Door mirrors could be bigger though.

Make sure you're happy with the driving position - it was fine for me, but pedals are quite close together and you can't adjust the steering wheel.

It pays to shop around with Peugeot dealers. You might as well, there are so many of them, and I found they vary a lot in labour charges, standards of service (e.g. phoning back with accurate quotes, having courtesy cars available)

Still looks good too.

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

Review Date: 5th September, 2003