1996 Peugeot 306 XTdt 1.9 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Car engine stalling with air-conditioning activated when driving in hot weather (Australia) - dealer was unable to fix, although fortunately this problem seems to have cleared up on its own.

Warm engine starts: engine idles very slowly and only returns to normal idle speed after driving for a couple of minutes.

Spring vibrates in front left strut, causing a very annoying resonant vibration. Dealer "fixed" this problem by wrapping the base of the spring in some rubber hosing, although now the vibration has returned as rubber has worn/aged. With only a month of my warranty to go I hope to get a more permanent fix.

Rust under rubber roof seals above rear doors on *both* sides, when car only a year old! Repainted twice.

Fitted with an old model CD stacker.

Some rattles and creaks from dashboard area.

General Comments:

Tow bar interferes with exhaust pipe, resulting in loud rattle.

At times, car performs well although even with turbo, sometimes lacks performance (ie even in peak torque rev range).

Diesel "knock" very loud in cold starts.

Climate control air conditioning causes greatly reduced power during urban driving.

A very relaxing, comfortable car to drive, although frustrating with lack of power during some urban driving. More enjoyable to drive when not in a hurry.

Front tyres have worn fairly quickly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th October, 1998

16th Sep 2004, 05:15

There must be something wrong with the engine. I've had an Xrdt for over a year now and one of the impressive things is that with another four people in the car, with air condition on and going up a fairly steep hill I managed it on third gear with no struggle!

You should check that the turbo is in good working order and that your engine is not leaking oil from broken gas kits!

9th Dec 2005, 04:32

First off - when was it last serviced / air filter (s) changed - it makes a big difference.

Second - make sure the intercooler is properly seated on its gaskets and in good condition - if not guess where the air goes!

Obviously if the turbo's had it then there is only one solution...

Mine pulls like a train, fully loaded, just me, it doesn't matter.

1996 Peugeot 306 XSi, 5 door 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Radio malfunction. Speedo packed up twice. Plastic air filter tubing doesn't fit properly from new. Some interior rattles. Two door hinges almost siezed after only 1 years use. Remote key fob failed. Dealer service poor.

General Comments:

Not as well built as previous VW Golf GTI. Seats not as comfy despite lumbar adjustment. Performance feel not as good as I expected. Think styling is very good still. Ride very good. Brakes feel poor. 'Turn-in' good but handling can feel floaty over bumps. Body roll and anti dive under braking well controlled.

Five doors make for big car feel. Engine sounds rough not sporty which is a shame. Still fun to drive though.

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

Review Date: 29th June, 1998

8th Dec 2001, 18:04

If your car feels floaty over bumps, the dampers are shot. The 306 has its faults, but the chassis is not one of them. Body control is normally first class. As is everything else about the handling.

1996 Peugeot 306 Cabriolet 2.0i petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Radiator leak, head gasket blown, water pump failure. All within 3 months.

General Comments:

Unbelievably bad customer care from main Peugeot dealership - Warwick Wright, Chiswick, London.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th April, 1998