1996 Peugeot 306 Spinnaker 1.9 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Sunroof rattles, after three visits to my dealer trying to get it fixed I gave up.

Two major electrical faults which were very expensive to fix.

Remote door opening buttons on keys stopped working after 18 months.

Driver door restriction mechanism broke after 18 months.

General Comments:

Good engine, excellent handling.

Poor overall build quality and soft/uncomfortable seats let this car down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd May, 1999

21st Jan 2006, 12:24

I had a 306 Spinnaker and I had major problems too.

The main problem was the central locking, the button in the key stopped working, and then you would go along and then the doors would all of a sudden lock you in.

Also if you were getting something from the boot the doors would lock and unlock themselves continuously until you shut the tailgate.

Another problem is the reversing lights never worked and the wiring has been checked several times by a dealer.

Another niggle is the drivers brake light stays illuminated when the tail lights are on.

I found it to be a nightmare, but overall satisfactory.

1996 Peugeot 306 S16 2.0 16V petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Wind noise, seized up spare wheel bolt, rear wiper unreliability.

General Comments:

Great car. Awesome chassis. Not the best build quiality but attractive interior and very good engineering. Maybe you should add a handling category?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 1999

1996 Peugeot 306 D Turbo 1.9 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Fog lights don't always work. Rear off side wheel arch trim became distorted and rubbed on the wheel during cornering, making an awful noise. Bad wind noise from near side mirror. Usual Peugeot creaks and rattles. Nothing else (yet!)

General Comments:

This is a gorgeous looking car. Performs well but takes a bit of technique to get the most from it due to the turbo lag and short power range. Handles better than you first think, it takes a little faith but is rewarded! Engine clatter very loud on cold start. Peugeot dealer is totally useless and dishonest though, shame. Still a great car.

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

Review Date: 3rd December, 1998

4th May 2004, 08:59

I'm interested that if you already have or do intend to get rid of your Peugeot 306 TD. Would you be considering a replacement with something similar? I am thinking of selling mine. Here's why.

I write mainly to echo what you say about lying dealership staff and this may be a universal line taken by Peugeot in the UK.

Getting spare parts took my roadside mechanic 2 months for a new pulley, head and valves (which is another story) but I had to buy another car to tide me over! The new pulley will never be as tight as the original and tightening is required every fortnight now.

I guess it's worth bearing in mind that, these days an 8 year old small French car is going to be subject to some difficulty with repairs and spares. Aren't they notoriously awkward to fix anyway?

1996 Peugeot 306 Slalom 1.9 diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Head Gasket blow up after 1 year from new, brake pedal sticks, took dealer 5 attempts to resolve the problem. Door hinge broke, resulting in door not staying open. Loose wiring resulting in several failures to start (all at really important times (ie Trying to catch a ferry in France to return home)).

General Comments:

Very poor service from the dealer!

The only good thing about this car is that it is a diesel and very cheap to run, but then there are a lot of other better diesel cars!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th November, 1998

14th Jan 2003, 16:26

I have had a similar experience with the 1.4 petrol version. Needed a new head gasket at 20K miles, and am still getting oil leaking into the water. Front brakes bind and overheat due to rust on the calipers preventing them from sliding properly - why? They are bound to experience wet and salt.

24th Nov 2003, 12:42

I have just recently bought a 1.4 slalom, it has had several owners, done just over 78,000 miles, N reg, and I have no complaints about it at all. The engine sounds great, there are no faults or leaks. I have no negative issues with this petrol hatchback as of yet. :-)

7th Jul 2006, 16:00

I recently bought a 1.4 petrol version of the 306 Slalom, and it is fantastic. 100% total reliability in starting and running, excellent fuel consumption, and the best thing I can say is the corner hugging capabilities of this car. 100% confidence in cornering where it feels it will stick to the corners at good speed. No complaints about this car whatsoever.

4th Jan 2007, 08:37

I have just bought a 1996 1.9D slalom and it has been absolutely brilliant. For its year it is very good condition, everything is 100% percent functional and fuel consumption is brilliant. Highly underestimated.

23rd Dec 2007, 03:48

1996 306 1.9d slalom

Excellent cheap car, 50mpg, but lacks in power for overtaking with it having no turbo.