Peugeot 306 Hatchback (1993 - 2001) 1.4 Meridian 5d (AC) (98) (1998/S) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I couldn't afford much else.

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

Tatty, tired out.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Absolutely not. It has put me off all 306s, indeed all Peugeots for the rest of my natural life.

What are you likely to buy next?

I bought a Vectra after 15 months of owning the 306.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,300

When did you buy the car?

August 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not really - very high mileage should really have set the car under the £1000 mark.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It was my first car.

What was the dealer like?

Bought it privately - seemed an okay chap.

What's it like to drive?

Superb when it worked. Cornering was excellent and put my student friends' convoy of one-litre Corsas to shame on the numerous A Roads on the way to college. Slow for a 1.4 though, 0-60 took over 14 secs.

What's it like to park?

Easy, power steering an advantage here.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Almost from day one, the car started spluttering and losing power, idling eratically etc. Peugeot ran a diagnostic test (for £80!!!) and said the ECU needed replacing (for £850!!!). Eventually sent it to be repaired at independent company for £140. About a year later whenever it rained heavily, the engine started to struggle and deteriorated quickly to a point where it would do no more than 5mph in 1st gear only, before finally overheating and not starting for another couple of hours without stalling. Disgusting. The mechanic had never heard of anything like it in his career.

What's most practical about your car?

It had 5 doors, one of which made an almighty noise as you opened it.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Front fog lights brings it as close to a premium model as it can get.