Peugeot 106 (1991 - 2003) 1.4 Quiksilver 3d (00) (2002/52) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Probably a bit boy racer but I don't care. I think the Quiksilver model looks great as it's got the GTI looks without the insurance costs.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They all like it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. It's a nice little car but the 1.4 engine is disappointing - you neither get performance nor decent fuel economy. Best to stick to either the 1.1/1.5D for economy or the 1.6 GTI for performance.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'd love a Toyota MR2 MK1.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£850

When did you buy the car?

October 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes for a relatively rare car. Didn't come with any service history but I rang the Peugeot dealer the car was originally bought from and it turned out that the car had been serviced there every year since purchase by the previous owner.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I needed a cheap first car that was in a low insurance group, but I wanted something a bit different so this suited me.

What was the dealer like?

Nice enough.

What's it like to drive?

It's fairly nippy but not as much as you'd expect from a 1.4. Fine for pottering around town but certainly not meant for motorway cruising with lots of noise entering the cabin at high speeds. It's at its best on a twisty country road, where the great handling is most noticeable. It's also a fairly smooth and comfortable ride given the cars size and age. The gearbox is horrid: very vague, lumpy and easy to fluff gear changes - this might just be a problem with my car though.

What's it like to park?

Excellent - its small size, light steering and excellent visibility make it easy even getting into the tightest parallel spaces.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing wrong so far - I drive quite a lot of miles and it starts every time and chugs along nicely. In terms of the engine, as long as it's looked after properly these cars can last a long time. If the drivers' seat is adjusted then the airbag warning light will come on for a while but this isn't really a big issue. Aside from that it's just the usual rattles and creaky trim that you'd expect from a 14 year old French hatchback.

What's most practical about your car?

Nothing. Very difficult to find a comfortable driving position - the seat isn't very adjustable, nor is the steering wheel, and the pedals are very close together and offset. I'm 6'2 and my legs are right up against the steering wheel which made it awkward getting to the brake pedal until I got used to it. Boot is tiny, rear legroom is non existent, but people don't buy this car for its practicality.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The Quiksilver 106 is one of the more well-equipped models with electric windows, CD player and the like. But at the end of the day it's still a very basic car. It's nice to have a sunroof!