Peugeot 306 Hatchback (1993 - 2001) 2.0 HDi D Turbo (90bhp) 3d (SR) (1999/T) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I neither know nor care.

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

My parents still love them (the first 306 they had was the favourite of my Dad's 20-car history) and my friends in the know respect the handling and acceleration in higher gears. All but one think it looks great.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes...if only they made them new still. Still pretty, still great handlers and perfect for a 20 year old student with a Mountain Biking obsession.

What are you likely to buy next?

No idea. I'm not a fan of many of the current crop of European monobox designs...nothing appeals right now.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£2,200

When did you buy the car?

December 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I was planning on keeping my Clio for three years but due to a change in the way I used the car I swapped. I've loved 306s since my parents had a couple and always wanted one, so it was the logical choice when I needed more space and economy.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Fantastic. It takes corners smoothly and with finesse, barely rolls and is a lot of fun on a backroad. They are renowned for their handling, and rightly so. DTurbos from '99 (Ph III) on have GTi suspension specs. The engine is smooth, refined, torquey and pretty quick. It CAN accelerate hard from first or second gear but doesn't really like it. At its best overtaking in high gears or pulling onto a motorway.

What's it like to park?

Easy. The rear pillars are huge though so there is a blind spot. The end of the bonnet is easy to see, which helps.

Have you had any problems with the car?

It's French, it's old, it has niggles. The wiper motor needs cleaning, I have had to use cable ties to fix plastic trim under the healights which falls off of all of them and the handbrake isn't great. The car has been Peugeot maintained all its life however and so seems (touchwood) mechanically sound

What's most practical about your car?

Certainly not the space...I guess the boot is good and it's practical as a cruiser due to how comfortable it is. It's compact but big enough for a family as a whole.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The sunroof without a doubt. I hate aircon and the roof is a boon.