1997 Peugeot 306 D Turbo 1.9 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Dynamically superb all rounder
Faults:
Rear axle mount bushes worn (common problem with aging 306s). This is not as big a job as you'd imagine. A competent home mechanic would have no problems doing this.
Intercooler pipe split.
Passenger door check strap broke off.
It's been 100% reliable.
General Comments:
These things are an astonishingly competent all rounder.
For such an old car, the handling is amazing, feels secure and well planted at all times, with minimal body roll.
Performance is excellent, even by today's standards.
Fuel economy rarely below 50 MPG.
The boot is huge.
Negatives? As with most Peugeots, they have the stupid under slung spare wheel, which I hate. The mechanism rusts up from the road dirt.
Build quality, if this car is anything to go by, seems very good. It's now 15 years old, and everything still works fine. The paint finish is still good. The interior still unworn.
There has to be a reason why elderly 306s are still a common everyday sight on the road - they are just a damn good car.
If I'd known how good they were, I'd have bought one years ago.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st October, 2012