2000 Peugeot 406 STA Grand Wagon 2.0 petrol from Finland

Faults:

Front brake disc's were worn out at 105.000 km.

Ventilation pipework for the motor base-chamber was plugged and was frozen during the cold period in December 2002 (-25C). There is an electrical heat resistor to prevent plugging, but the resistor was broken. This resulted in overpressure in base-chamber and motor oil is was bleaching all over the motor. I was lucky, that the motor did not suffer any bearing damages or other damages. Repair took the dealer two weeks because they had 30 similar cases that Monday morning! Cost: 210 EUR!

Automatic clime control works "strangely" occasionally, not speeding-up the fan as you would like it to do. Manually it works normally though!

Air bag lites are activated occasionally.

The automatic gear box changes from gear 1 to gear 2 very clumsily when the motor is cold (+5C and below). With warm motor no problem!

General Comments:

Very comfortable car. Nice to drive. The front seats could be more comfortable though, especially for long persons (190 cm). The boot is very spacious.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd January, 2003

31st May 2006, 06:43

Hello there.

The automatic gear box has this common problem! not only with peugeot, but even with some japanese cars (talking about my Toyota Carina) and Toyota fixed the problem! in fact, the problem was resolved by switching to another gearbox oil (don't remember what is the different) and they told me that it will be OK! and really it is!

Now I have 406 ST 2001 1.8 16v Petrol. till now everything OK!

The Clim system, I think it's normal! since the temp sensor (internal) is not located in a good place. but it's not a big problem!

The only problem I have with the car, is the handbrake sensor, it shows LOW brake fluid level. Peugeot said that it's a famous problem with 406 and there is nothing to do! but I did it myself. I changed the sensor (like L form) and it's OK! till now...

Good luck,

27th Dec 2006, 11:53

Hello,

I agree with you about the automatic gearbox, there are two types of oil, one for cold countries and other for warm ones. I had the same problem with my Carina (Toyota) too. and after I changed the oil, everything OK!

That was my wife's car, mine is 406 ST. Everything OK! when I bought it, I had this problem with the handbrakes sensor, I changed it myself and since that everything OK!

I bought the car, it has 75 000 km, now it has 110 000 km in about 7 months! and no problem so far.

About the Clim, I think that mine is very good working! I love it.

Good luck with your 406 s.

13th Jan 2007, 09:14

I have a peugeot 406 for almost 4 years. It is a comfortable car, but I have been having continuous problems with the automatic transmission, ABS brakes and several electric accessories and connections. I am addicted to the comfort, but sure spend a lot of $ maintaining it.

2000 Peugeot 406 V6 Estate 3.0 V6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Super smooth wolf in sheep's clothing

Faults:

Battery went flat caused by electrical problem with Satellite Navigation. Fixed by dealer. New battery.

Alternator failed. New alternator under warranty.

Small coolant leak on radiator. New radiator under warranty.

Air con failed. Leak found and repaired by dealer.

All the problems were fixed efficiently under warranty by main Peugeot dealer.

General Comments:

Despite a few reliability issues, I have grown to love this car. Peugeot's latest 3 litre V6 is an absolute gem, produces 210 bhp and gives the car a tremendous turn of effortless speed. Its performance regularly surprises BMW and Mercedes drivers who assume that it's a sober humble family estate. A real Q car! It is a very quiet (virtually inaudible at idle), smooth and refined engine and the fuel economy is pretty reasonable with an average of 28.5 mpg over the last 5000 miles. The older pre 2000 194 bhp engine was considerably less economical.

The ride and handling are typically Peugeot - a very comfortable fluid ride combined with a very neutral handling balance. For a front wheel drive car, it seems less understeery than the norm, probably in part due to the passive rear wheel steering.

Practicality wise, the car is excellent, with loads of space whether the rear seats are up or down.

The seats are very comfortable and general refinement is excellent.

Negatives? The build quality is only so so, certainly not up to the best German standards.

I would never buy a 406 v6 new as the depreciation is awful - far worse than the other models in the range. But as a secondhand buy it is outstanding. It is a far nicer drive than the smaller petrol engined and diesel 406's. For a 17 month old car with less than 20,000 miles on the clock, I paid about 45% of the new list price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th December, 2002