Peogeot 306 1.4: Good starter car?

Question

I've been looking at all the relevant webistes, and I've found the Peugeot 306 1.4 surprisingly cheap to insure, pretty much on the same level as a lot of smaler city cars/hatchbacks, such as the Ford Ka, Fiat Punto, and the like.

I certainly like the look of the car, and it's no doubt better to have a crash in than, say, a clapped-out Fiesta. Plus, the extra room would probably come in handy when I'm a free taxi service, so to speak.

I know that French cars have a reputation, and I've done a bit of reserch on this thing, as someone who keeps tabs on the happenings of the car world, so what's your opinion/experiences on this car?

Answer 1

It's a great car, but I'd go for the 1.9 turbo diesel as the fuel economy is better and insurance is around the same. I have a lot of friends driving them and I drive one myself. The only real problems with these cars are the electrics (electric windows, mirrors etc. tend to go) and the trim (the bits of rubber/plastic around the edges of the car). Other than that, they run well, drive well and have a bit of power for getting up hills (I live in Gloucestershire, we have a lot of hills!).

I'd recommend my car to anyone, it's a nice design and is holding together really well.

Answer 2

I have had a Peugeot 1.6 Cabriolet since new for 6.1/2 years and have found it to be the best car I have ever owned. I was a bit nervous with it being French etc etc but honestly it has been as sweet as a nut. The engine has been reliable and problem free.
I have had it regularly serviced and it has only needed one new set of tyres and a back box ( hit a sleeping policeman at 35mph ) There is 80,000 miles on the clock but you would never know it.
Fuel consumption is low, very economical. Even the automatic roof works as it did new.I will keep this car even if I eventually buy a new one. I reccommend the 306

Answer 3

My first car was a Peugot 306 1.6 Auto. I loved it. It was so smooth and felt like I was driving a much bigger car. The only thing that went wrong with mine was the the central locking system packed in. Rather than replace it (which would have been pricey), I disconnected it and used just the key instead. I'd still be driving it today but at over 100,000 miles the timing belt went. According to the service record it had been replaced when it was supposed to, but the garage had obviously falsified the service record as it was the original belt and had never been replaced. I'm now driving a 206 1.4 Auto which I also love to bits. BTW I repaired the 306 and sold it on. I still see it running around town from time to time.

Answer 4

i have a 306 sedan and it is quality. it can be fun to piss around in but you do have to find out what the problems are gonna be when you get it. some can be lived with. but others such as bad electrics can be very annoying. make sure it is a turbo diesel tho because otherwise it may struggle to move on any type of incline.

Answer 5

Now I've never had a experience driving this car, but have studied on it, and it doesn't seem like a bad car, actually it would fall under the category of one of the good somewhat unheard of cars for me (the U.S. doesn't see many of those). Also you have to look at what you are going to use it for, a daily commuter or a tuner. If you are looking for a tuner, your best bet would be the Peogeot 206 when it comes to French cars.

Answer 6

Here's a tip when owning a French made car: never drive further than you can walk back.

Answer 7

Matey at work has a 206 as his first car, and he loves it. 306 not much different, so I guess yeah... good car choice.

Answer 8

Yes mate. well built, economical cheap to insure as you say. Ideal first car.

Answer 9

Peugeot's a great also very comfy.