Faults:
Fault with the engine management system three times, Repaired under warranty only to happen again, Resulting in miss firing when driving and total lack of power.
Local Garage fixed the problem in 10 minutes with there own system. No problems with it so far.
Found it very hard to get a after market CD changer for the radio. had to replace the original radio. There are just too many models.
General Comments:
Great styling, amazing engine.
Great car to drive on long journey's getting over 800 miles to a tank, 750 when it's time to change the oil.
The weight of the diesel engine keeps the front down, but will cause the back to lighten up dramatically under braking, Which I found out to my own disappointment. It caused me to hit a tree. caused minor damage, but kept on going.
Lots of leg room compared too many cars out there, Parents have recently bought a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe very nice car, but for a big 4x4 there is hardly any leg room. (sorry I'm tall)
The ride is soft and comfortable compared to my old 306 it was just to hard over the bumps.
The performance of the 2L 90bhp hdi is disappointing compared to the old 1.9 TDi that was in my 306.The 1.9 could easily keep up with my mates 1.6 v-tech civic, and I still got 500 miles to a tank.
Very economical and cheap to run.
Top tip for young drivers.
If you are looking to buy this car make sure you go for the SRDT that's printed on the log book not the HDI. They are the same car, same engine and performance, but insurance companies in Ireland haven't picked up on it. thankfully was able to insure my self on it for 1800 euro per year. Compared to the 2100 euro I was paying for the 1.9 306.
28th Jul 2005, 11:01
Had a v reg for 5 years and covered 50k great engine. body is light, but that helps the performance.
The readout does fault out a bit, but only on radio. not a penny spent on anything else.
One of the best cars I have owned and considering buying a newer lower mileage one.