Faults:

Duff outside air temperature sender.

Two ignition coils (within a week of each other).

Battery had to be replaced.

That's about it.

General Comments:

I bought this car to replace my tired 1994 XSi 8 valve, a car which I absolutely loved for its stunning handling, great looks and lovely, torquey engine. At 140,000 miles though, it was getting quite unreliable, and the chance of this mint S16 was too good to pass up.

All the strengths of the XSi are there - a chassis and steering set up that are simply incredible in their feel and sharpness, still pretty looks, and a welcome subtlety in the days of police victimisation of performance cars.

I have to say though, that I don't think it offers that much over the XSi. It's a bit quicker, although not as much so as I was expecting, but is much more expensive to insure, and much heavier on fuel. In a drag race, the S16 would be quicker, but I don't think it feels like 155 bhp worth. I've had the car checked out and it is delivering everything it should be.

The power delivery is very "top end" which means you have to cane the wotsits off it to make it go. The XSi actually felt quicker under 5,000 RPM which, let's face it is where you spend most of your time.

It's still a stunning car, but next time I would save myself some money and buy another XSi. Or a GTI-6!! Just avoid the hopeless Peugeot dealer network and find a good specialist.

Faults:

Windscreen wiper motor failed.

Power steering pump self destructed.

Clutch stiff.

Electrical niggles.

Bad main dealer servicing (Marshalls of Peterborough).

General Comments:

The driving experience is spoilt due to a very heavy clutch.

The power steering pump fell to pieces whilst travelling along the M6 motorway.

The quality of build is worse than I expected, I always thought that the 306 was a well sorted car.

Although I purchased this car with a full service history, this car still had its original air filter in from new, it was completely blocked resulting in 40 MPG!

Faults:

Coolant leak at 45000km.

Axle stabilisers broken at 50000km.

Unreliable brake system, front brake-callipers appear to jam when the brake discs have warmed up - resulting in continuous squeaking discs when driving!

Driver's seat covering is slowly coming off.

Coolant leak at 85000km.

Odometer failed at 85000km.

Rubber axle-sleeves burst at 10500km.

Electric sun-roof fails to close properly in hot weather.

Headlight adjustment motor fails to work properly in cold weather.

Starting problems in damp weather.

General Comments:

This is my first and last Peugeot!

Faults:

Split coolant hose.

Broken remote locking "plipper".

Alarm a bit temperamental.

General Comments:

One of the most underrated cars in existence.

Despite moderate power, the engine is wonderful - one of the torquiest and most responsive petrol units I've ever driven. The car can be driven ridiculously quickly using only 5,000 RPM and it will keep up with a friend's S16 unless he red-lines his car, and even then the difference ain't that great. Feels much faster at low revs / part throttle too, and returns 5 mpg extra to boot.

Chassis and steering are an object lesson - this car talks to you and lets you push it hard in complete confidence. At the limit, the throttle can be used to steer the car almost as effectively as the steering wheel. As for understeer - it doesn't exist unless you're asking the impossible. Truly brilliant.

A few niggling problems but overall, reliability is good. This car has depth to its ability. Handling apart, it won't immediately wow you like some rivals, but I am struggling to find any current equivalent that is anywhere near as enjoyable to drive as this six year old "warm hatch".

A masterpiece.