18th Nov 2003, 13:16

The 406 V6 is one of the fastest saloons on the road, with a proven 0-60mph of 6.9 seconds if you can only overcome the wheelspin. I'm trading in my 2.0 turbo 406 in order to buy a V6. I'm sure even my 2.0 turbo has enough grunt to embarrass a mere Calibra. I would definitely put performance 406s in a different league.

24th Dec 2004, 12:31

Just to add some comments about a later (2000) 406 V6.

My V6 has just turned 80,000 miles and never had anything go wrong... the only money spent on it has been servicing & tyres... even exhaust is original. at 80000 its just had timing belts changed, £350 with a main dealer... not bad. Radiator is starting to look quite rusty and will need replacing soon... quoted £220 at main dealer which obviously includes fitting & a/freeze, but it's an easy job on this car so £74 for a radiator from my local supplier and fitting it myself seems better.

My car is the later 210bhp engine, has outstanding performance, is exceptionally quiet and regularly cruises the German autobahns at an effortless 135mph for long distances with more power to spare. Recommend one???...well this is my 3rd 406 V6. value for money its very very hard to beat.

8th May 2005, 15:12

I couldn't agree more with the previous comments. I purchased one of the last V6's to be imported into the UK two years ago and I've rarely had so much fun with my plus-fours on!

I traded in a chipped 406 2.0 liter turbo exec for the V6 and whilst the turbo was quick, the V6 is quicker and much more satisfying to drive enthusiastically, whether on the twisty stuff or dead-straight German autobahns, where, as others have said, it will sit at 135mph all day without complaint. Naturally the fuel consumption is crap, but no one in their right mind would buy this car for economy.

The only fly in the ointment for me were the dreadfully inadequate front brakes. Despite having the discs skimmed twice they repeatedly warped, resulting in steering judder which was unpleasant at any speed and downright dangerous at high, autobahn speeds. I say 'were', because I've replaced the discs and pads with EBC competition parts which have transformed the braking, which is now more than a match for the power of that gorgeous V6 lump.

Now..if only I can lay my hands on a decent replacement air filter and new exhaust system the car will not only leave Calibras and Subarus behind, it will send them into reverse!

26th Sep 2005, 01:45

Running a 1998 406SV v6 for a month and its has been addictive! The engine just sings at 4000rpm and above and the power kicks in like a punch to the throat. Nice handling car and very comfortable. Inside there's a bit too much plastic for my liking, but the car handles and drives very well. Really good shock absorbing system to make very long drives enjoyable. Seats could be better. Now got to try and minimise those speeding tickets :- (

8th Oct 2006, 02:17

I have now a 98 406 for ten months and couldn't be much happier with it. Creamy smooth drive and cheap to buy, the engine is an absolute peach and makes up for any shortfalls the car has. Surprisingly fast and incredibly comfy this is a fabulous long distance cruiser (it even returns a decent mpg on long trips).

Problems so far:

* Brakes, yes, they're crap. Mine have warped and need replacing despite a lack of apparent wear.

* Floaty suspension – definitely on my (very short) list of things to change, along with the brakes. Then again you might like the soft ride, it's a personal choice I guess, I prefer something a little more positive round corners with this amount of power.

* The radiator and A/C condenser were both shot, but aren't that pricey to have replaced if you avoid main dealers.

16th Jan 2007, 08:29

I've got a 98 V6 Estate, I've had it for 3 years and have never had a better car (not for the money anyway)! performance is quite staggering and still enjoyable even after 3 years. I'm now looking to sell, but cannot seem to find anything to match it not unless you go into M3 territory. yes brakes do match those of an allegro, you just have to be a predictive driver. no major problems to report, but I would recommend buying one with a full dealer history. mine has 130k on the clock and should reach 200k without too many hick ups? maybe ill keep it and see?

1st Jun 2008, 01:11

The automatic gearbox is rubbish. It seems to always be in a gear that doesn't have enough oomph to get up the hill, but when planting foot it jumps into first and takes off.

Don't expect it to be the most responsive gearbox ever.

13th Apr 2009, 14:09

My 406 is a 97 R reg 194 brake. It is well fast enough, but I'm only getting 21 to the gallon according to my trip computer. I mean is 25 miles to a fiver right. Let me know what you think.

Cheers.

7th Feb 2010, 05:19

I don't know why everyone complains about the brakes in these cars - mine are amazing, very responsive (no shudder). I suggest that if they are shuddering when braking hard, to go and get the wheels balanced or aligned... but maybe (I don't know for sure) mine are custom???

8th Feb 2011, 14:14

Just got a 2002 V6 Executive. Beautiful, luxurious ride. Quite smooth and balanced. Cruise control not too responsive, and also the brakes are rather too light for the oomph under the hood. ESP light keeps blinking. Overall, nice car for its class though.

9th Apr 2011, 15:17

I have had my V6 4 years now! It's been off the road for the last 2 years, because when I was driving it, I couldn't afford to look after it; spent all my money on fuel and insurance. Also my friend took a spin in it and crashed into a footpath :( The engine top mount went, which led to the exhaust breaking. So I was driving around with a bent wheel, engine rocking back n forth, and it sounded like a stock racing car, only for the crankshaft position sensor to go.

Now after 2 years, I'm finally getting it all fixed up; all new parts exhaust, running gear, discs, pads, engine mounts, already fixed the sensor and the car started up first twist. It's a 1998 model with all the bells and whistles. My whole family have been telling me to scrap it the past 2 years, but I would not part with it for LOVE nor MONEY! Love these cars!

23rd Jun 2013, 04:15

I've just recently bought a 98 saloon V6 with 135000 on the clock. I'm very impressed with its performance or even the gentle drive round town. The torque in the engine makes it so easy to drive in a high gear at low speed.

Although I have a couple of teething problems with the ABS and another that has just appeared (loud banging from the rear axle, which I don't know what it is), this car is definitely staying with me for a couple of years.

If anybody knows what the banging could be, then please let me know.