USED Peugeot 406 Saloon (96 - 04)

My car

I owned the 1.8 Rapier variant for a year, and I hated it from the day I bought it.

The main gripe was its sheer lack of power. Indeed, it was so bad I took it back to the dealer as I thought there was an engine fault. They just told me it was not a sports car, and what did I expect from a family saloon? Well, I certainly expected it to out-accelerate my Dad's 950 cc Ford Fiesta!

The other issue I had was a clutch that felt so heavy and dead that my leg would be aching within ten minutes of setting off. Again the dealer fobbed me off saying it was just the way the cable ws routed, and they were all the same.

This was the worst car I have ever owned, and I would not drive another one if it was given to me as a gift.

My car

I've owned the 406 1.9TD GLX for the past 2 and half years now, and have done over 80,000 miles in it. I can honestly say that it is THE most reliable car I have had now, and has only needed new tyres and brake pads in all that time. Although as everybody says it is daunting at the pump when it gets to £65 (96.9p per litre)and still not full, but if I drive it well i will get in excess of 750 miles, and if I drive it not so well will still get around 500 miles from the tank.

If you want a car that is reliable and will eat up the motorway miles, this is it.

My car

I Live in Sri Lanka but my car, which is a 2001 GLX model, was originally used in Britain.

Driving-wise, it is absolutely fabulous, almost perfectly adapted for the roads here. The quality of tarmac here is awful - about 75% of the roads resemble cart tracks but the 406 is composed and comfortable at all times (although the engine could do with more grunt). And it is very entertaining when you find the right road.

It has done around 51,000 miles but still feels solid and robust. The only real complaints are fuel consumption and parts costs... still, I'd rank it as the best car I've ever had.

My car

My Peugeot 406 is on the whole a roomy and responsive car. I average 45mpg and after 12 months of ownership I have only had one part needing replacement as well as routine servicing.

The only disadvantage I have found is that the power steering is heavy and the cigarette lighter is badly placed. The HDi engine is a joy, and even in the severe winter weather it has started first time.

The boot is large and the seats are adequate with plenty of adjustment options. The CD player controls behind the wheel avoid any distractions whilst driving, and despite its overall length, I find it easy to park. When this car is up for replacement, I may consider another, or possibly a 607.