2001 Peugeot 406 ST 2.0 16v from Brazil

Summary:

Very Good Car!! Cheap to run and to buy

Faults:

Speed sensor went of randomly. I had it replaced.

When engine is on idle the revs keep oscillating in a range of 0.100 RPM (every one say it is normal for this engine) (Not a problem, just annoying)

Rear suspension really noisy when going too bad roads, the trunk act as a sound box. (Not a problem, just annoying)

General Comments:

Exceptional griping on bends!

Very “cozy” interior, feels very “Zen” on the road.

Packed with nice gadgets for a low the price.

Nice top speed for 138hp engine with auto gearbox (210 km/h real, 223 km/h on the dash)

Engine a bit thirsty 15 L/100km and road 10 L/100.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th September, 2007

2001 Peugeot 406 TS6 3.0 V6 from Denmark

Summary:

Overlooked wolf in sheep's clothing

Faults:

Brake discs warped several times.

"Anti pollution fault" appearing on info display, seems to be the 3 cats have gone.

Engine warning light coming on randomly.

Almost no air coming from A/C system.

Heavy brake wear (That's a french car thing).

HT leads, 4 times - replaced under warranty.

ABS gear faulty.

Middle-piece of exhaust rusted.

Can't think of anything else.

General Comments:

The 406 V6 TS6 is a seriously under-estimated car, at least in Denmark. It comes with all the toys, including half-leather seats and automatic climate control.

The V6 24v electronic valve timing unit is a true gem. It feels very smooth through the entire rev range and never lacks torque or power.

Handling is just right. The car is lowered 40mm in the front and 30mm in the back, sitting on 17" alloys with 225/15 Continential Sport 2 tires. There's NO body roll what so ever, and the car just does everything you ask it too. Make no mistake, you can certainly feel that this is a rather heavy FWD 4-door sedan, but the only times I hear the tires squeal is between gearchanges, putting down the power. There's just UNLIMITED grip.

Only downside to the handling is the very overpowered electronic power assisted steering. It certaintly lacks feel at lower speeds, but it is speed-variable and will tighten up at higher speeds. Never the less, it's only a matter of getting used to it!

The performance is just excellent, with a stated 0-60 figure of 8,1 seconds, although I feel it is closer to 7, maybe even slighty sub 7.

The car will do 245 km/h with ease, it just keeps on pulling and pulling with that Porsche-like V6 sound - that would make sense since Porsche actually helped PSA design this very engine!

What can I say? This car is the perfect succesor to the 405 MI16, only with more power!

It looks great, drives great and sounds great!

Everything you would expect from a Peugeot, same goes for reliability where as always the electrics and brakes are failing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th December, 2006

2001 Peugeot 406 GTX 2.2 HDi 16 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Quirky French diesel car that plays big saloon games with big saloons

Faults:

Emissions control ECU failed at about 58,000 miles - fixed under warranty from supplying dealer.

Throttle position sensor failed at 60,000 miles - fixed by independent specialist - paid for by dealer, and very very economic (£40)

General Comments:

Peugeot's 2.2 litre 16 valve HDi diesel engine is a peach. It's so very very quiet and so very torquey and lively.

A cautious ECU remap has increased the performance from lively to plain FAST.

It's quiet, quick and comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th July, 2006

23rd Jun 2007, 13:22

Still rate this car - now have 85,000 on the clock and it drives as beautifully as ever. I highly recommend the ECU remap to anyone if done properly. A recent rolling road test revealed 192bhp and over 320 lbft of torque.

26th Aug 2007, 18:29

As an ex-406 owner I can only recommend you SELL IT IMMEDIATELY, because in two or three years time you'll just have scrap metal.

8th Jul 2010, 16:24

I've owned 4 406s:

* 1996 2.0 turbo SRi

* 1996 2.0 turbo executive

* 1997 3.0 V6 estate

* 2001 2.2 SRi.

I've loved every single one of these cars despite some niggles, usually occurring as the cars passed 100,000 miles. I've found that the 406 responds very well to careful modding. Peugeot enthusiasts tell me that the 406 engines in particular tend to be de-tuned, leaving lots of scope for more power and better straight-line performance.

My dad has owned a 406 1.9 TD and a 406 2.2 TD, and now drives a 407 136 HDi SE Luxury Pack. This tells you something about how much we rate Peugeots, the 406 in particular! We've also had a 306 TD and a 206 1.6, and neither of those two offered anything like the smile-inducing driveability of the 406s.

I would recommend everyone to avoid the lesser engines though - ie the 1.8 petrol and both of the 90bhp diesel versions. The 406 was heavy for its day (though it looks like a lightweight next to today's cars) and those engines simply cannot cope, and since you need to rev the nuts off them to get anywhere, you are not saving fuel.

To be honest, with the cars being so cheap these days, there's no excuse not to go for the most powerful HDi you can find, or either the 2.0 turbo, 2.2 or 3.0 V6 petrol engines. Yeah the V6 really drinks fuel, but the car is cheap, so it makes up for the fuel consumption.