Faults:

My 309 is sometimes hard to start when cold, and can run hairy (jolts and splutters) for the first few minutes before warming up. After driving for some time, the engine runs on after turning the key, which can probably be blamed more on my mechanic's fumbling with the carburettor than the car's own fault, but he did find it difficult to work on. I have taken to dropping the clutch, because letting it run on is bad for the engine.

The paint on the boot lid is slightly sun damaged, although it is difficult to see because the car is silver.

The 309 isn't exactly pretty, I suppose it has an oddball look, typical to aging French cars.

General Comments:

I bought the 309 as a cheap means of driving to university, but I have grown rather attached to it over the 14 months of ownership. It is really fun to drive, the engine is peppy and the handling superb. It clings to the road, and I can overtake much more expensive cars through round-abouts. It has good acceleration in town, but is slow to reach higher speeds on the open road.

Perhaps the best thing about the car is the ride quality. It has always been Peugeot's strong point and the 309 doesn't disappoint. Passengers have commented on how well it sits on the road, and how smoothly it travels for a car resting on 21 year old suspension.

It is economical too, and I have driven all the way to university with the fuel light on. That's about 40 minutes of travel.

Faults:

A few issues with jamming front calipers. Otherwise faultless.

General Comments:

Although it looks like grandmas shopping car, I have found this car to be very reliable and comfortable.

Motorway speeds can be held all day without too much strain. 400 mile non stops are a regular occurrence, and she ticks over beautifully at the end.

I have been very surprised by this car, which is why I have kept her for so long. I can even shock the boy racers in the twisty stuff, such is the feedback from the chassis. The car is softly sprung like all the French stuff, but when the body roll reaches the end, the grip is tenacious. It is worth spending the extra money on good tyres however

Faults:

Starter motor failed at about 115000 miles. £10 for a used replacement.

One light bulb goes every couple of months.

General Comments:

Fantastically reliable car; Used every day and starts every time whatever the weather. Economical; £10 petrol for every 100 miles and uses very little oil. Parts are cheap, plenty of used available.

Very easy to drive, all the controls are light and it can even be quite good fun at times.

Starting to get a bit tired over the last couple of months now, rear suspension getting softer and seats sagging. The rattles are increasing too.

A newer model which is just as well looked after would be a good first car or for anyone on a budget.

Faults:

The car was running sweetly I crashed the car and had it repaired and modified more than before. going well then the throttle body snapped and the revs were stuck at 8000 rpm. not for the fainted hearted.

General Comments:

My car is lowered 100mm all round 15 inch alloys body kit you can't get a better looking car if you ask me. goes sweet fully tuned with engine mods. the handling is so good just sticks to the road.

Bucket seats add a good race feel and hold you in. the inside is not over the top just right.