2nd Apr 2005, 13:59
At every service the car went in for I asked for them to look at the stiff clutch, everytime they said it was acceptable as 'they all do this'.
I now drive a Golf mk4 which has a much lighter clutch.
13th Jun 2005, 16:37
I have had my 306 xsi for 3 months and all I can say is I love it!
I am an 18 year old girl learner and I drive my car as much as I can. I too thought the clutch was heavy when I first drove it, but after getting use to it I think of it as being the same in every other car.
I too though have had the problem of the diagnostic light coming on every time I turn a corner or use any of the electrics, but it seems to be a common problem. Also the problem of car doors being opened onto the body work because of the shape has too affected my body work.
Overall I think this is a lovely car and I hope to keep it for as long as I can.
30th Jul 2005, 17:19
If you're a learner girl then it's a good car to learn on. U just have to remember that few cars handle corners like it - don't think that all cars stick to road like it, very few cars have chassis as sorted as this one! Whilst I had it it was a great fun car.
18th Aug 2005, 05:01
"Stepper motor 45,000 - erratic idle"
What exactly did it do?
I'm having idle problem also, but I'm driving the year 2000 version 1400cc.
20th Nov 2005, 16:47
(author of survey)
I hate to say it mate, but I would go for a German or a Japanese car.
I've owned a Passat (also '98) and a mk iv Golf - TDi 150. Not much has gone wrong with either, also if you go for specialist you save money.
Granted my 150 Tdi doesn't corner as well as the 306 but it hasn't broken down 3 times either - on balance it's a better car!!
14th Jan 2006, 09:46
I have just brought a 306 xsi 16v, I love it except for the gear box which I think is notchy in every gear, don't know whether anyone else has suffered this. I had a golf before the 306 but much prefer to drive the 306, its great fun.
7th Mar 2006, 13:00
I bought my 306 XSI Phase 2 in September and I couldn't be more pleased. I love the acceleration, looks and as most have said, the handling. I have had no problems with it yet, although having read the reviews on this site and others I am hoping mine is as clean as it looks.
In contrast to those who have rubbished the clutch, I love it. I find it incredibly easy to drive smoothly at slow speeds and the stiffness of it merely adds to the driving experience.
Previously, I had a Golf and when looking for a new car it took a lot for me to choose something different. I now know that I made the right decision.
The only thought I have is if the XSI is this good, then perhaps I should have got the daddy of 306’s, the GTI-6.
All in all, the XSI is a fabulous car with lots of character and whilst not being a hothatch per say, you could do a hell of a lot worse.
13th May 2006, 14:53
Author of post: Re: heavy clutch.
The problem with the 306 clutch is that its cable operated. When the did the right hand drive conversion the cable got routed near the exhaust. So what tends to happen is that the cable tends to get stiff.
I drive a VW at the moment (Mk IV TDi 150). This car has a hydraulic clutch. Whilst you can't 'feel' the biting point as you can in cable operated clutches it is very light.
18th Sep 2006, 02:48
The S16 has 20-30 bhp more than the XSi so the S16 will be quicker.
If it's that important that you know the power with those mods, pay a few quid and put the car on a rolling road when possible.
4th Jan 2007, 15:46
I have a Peugeot 306 2000 xt sedan which I bought about 4 weeks ago. Yes the clutch is heavy - even the independent mechanic who checked the car for me listed it as a fault. After 4 weeks of driving which included 2 long trips (400 km each) I don't notice it. By comparison, my (76 y.o.) uncle has just bought a Mitsubishi 3000 GT twin turbo ("The Mitsubishi Ferrari") and that has a clutch that is really heavy.
The lack of lights on the clock and external temperature gauge is due to blown globes. They are easy to replace. Just (carefully) prise off the surrounding plastic trim, remove the clock/temp unit using a hex screw driver ($3 from a cheap shop), twist out the globe holders and pull out the globes. Most auto electricians who can fix Pugs can supply globes for about $2.
I am a 65 year old car nut who has owned many cars (Minis, Jags, Fiats, VWs, SAABs, Volvos, Holdens, Kias, Fords, Mitsubishis, etc). So far the Pug 306 is by far the best drive.
31st Jan 2005, 13:14
You are spot on with the clutch, its is appalling, HOW do you drive this car smoothly,
I tried driving in bare feet because my shoes were muddy, it actually hurt my feet because the clutch pedal dug into my foot, I had to push it that hard
Actually this car has very few redeming features which is why after 6 months with my first ever car, i am moving onto my second car.