USED Peugeot 406 Saloon (96 - 04)

My car

It's a very good all rounder, just like any other 406.

I get 25 mpg round the streets (on the school run) and 30 to 34 mpg at 75mph.

On the motorway doing 70mph or 80mph, it's OK, but put your foot down and that's when you are in your own world. It goes like stink.

My car

Whilst I like the overall spec of the car, my 406 Executive 2.0 HPI has from nearly new developed an engine knock more in keeping with the diesel model than my petrol.

The dealer has attempted on five separate occassions to fix the problem - even fitting a new crankshaft. I would appreciate input from any other reader who has a similar experience.

My car

The Peugeot has annoying niggles, such as the kick plate under the door which often comes off and can be heard loudly dragging on the ground at low speeds.

Although my mother had set her heart on buying a "sport SUVs", the first car she set eyes on in the showroom was the car she bought: a silver Peugeot 406 1.8 LX four-door.

The way we came to own the Peugeot is a story which I love to tell, that is if I'm in the mood to recall the smarmiest person I've ever met.

He just kept haggling us down untill he was "practically giving the car away". There was daylight robbery going on, but not on our part. He offered us £1500 less than I believed our car was worth. Something which you should all remember when buying from a dealer is not to accept any less than what you are willing to accept for your car.

Another thing which annoys me about dealers is the Pause - where you come back with an offer and the salesman sits and "considers" it for a while. In other words, he will count twenty seconds and say he will go and talk to his manager (while he knows what he's allowed to do so he goes and gats himself a coffee).

However, this aside, the Peugeot is a dream to drive and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

My car

:(