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<p dir="ltr">Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.</p>


PEUGEOT

<p>The Peugeot 806 is a decent MPV, but it doesn't offer the quality or the flexibility of the best in the class</p>


Used Peugeot 806 MPV 1995 - 2003

<p>Our favourite version, the 2.0-litre diesel, is the costliest, but you'll claw back some of that at the pumps, because it returns a healthy 42.2mpg on the combined cycle. The 1.9 diesel can only manage 34.9mpg, the 138bhp petrol 30.7mpg and the 123bhp petrol just 26.6mpg.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/peugeot">Peugeot</a> dealers have higher labour rates than many rival manufacturers, including <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/citroen">Citroen</a>. This can make maintenance and accident repairs a little pricey, although you can save big money by shopping around. According to data from Warranty Direct, independent Peugeot specialists charge about half as much per hour as their franchised counterparts.</p>

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The Peugeot 806 is a decent MPV, but it doesn't offer the quality or the flexibility of the best in the class

<p>The 806 was initially offered with a 123bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine or a 92bhp 1.9-litre diesel. A more powerful 2.0-litre petrol with 138bhp was introduced in May 2000 and a new 110bhp 2.0-litre diesel replaced the old 1.9-litre unit at the same time.</p>

<p>The 2.0-litre diesel is best because it's smooth, has buckets of pull and doesn't become coarse as the revs rise. As a bonus, you get a CD player and cruise control, items that weren't fitted across the range before May 2000.</p>

<p>Still, every 806 is equipped with electric front windows, remote central locking, and heated power door mirrors. Most models have climate control, too, with the entry-level LX trim the only one to make do with air-con.</p>

<p>The standard front airbags are welcome, but disappointingly side and curtain 'bags weren't even available on high-specification cars. On the security front, deadlocks, marked parts and an engine immobiliser help to deter thieves.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all the family and their paraphernalia</li> <li>Comfortable ride for everyone inside</li> <li>Seats with plenty of adjustment and versatility of layout</li> <li>Engine that can cope with a full load of people and luggage</li> <li>Excellent efficiency to avoid big fuel bills</li></ul>

<p>Practicality is king in the MPV market, which has taken a hit as buyers have turned towards trendier SUVs. There are still plenty of decent offerings to suit most budgets, though, with Citroën fielding a particularly strong line-up. The French manufacturer’s Berlingo offers bags of space for not much money and you can easily haggle off thousands of extra pounds in discounts, too.</p>

<p>Citroën also scores with the larger Grand C4 Spacetourer, which offers seven seats, lots of oddment space and appealing running costs for something so large. A similarly priced and even better option is the Volkswagen Touran. Meanwhile, if you prefer a premium badge, there's always the BMW 2 Series Active and Gran Tourers or Mercedes B-Class and V-Class.</p>

<p>But for something sizeable that's still decent to drive, we’d recommend you check out the Ford Galaxy, which can offer three rows of seats and decent luggage space at the same time. It’s not that much pricier than the smaller S-Max.</p>

<p>Peugeot has tended to perform better than its Citroen sister brand in our reliability surveys, but it still has some way to go before it can compete with the best.</p>

<p>In the case of the 806, it's electrical gremlins that tend to let the side down, with central locking, immobiliser and air-conditioning faults the most common. If any of these are acting up when you take your test drive, it's best to walk away.</p>

<p>Engine coolant leaks have also been known to cause expensive damage and Peugeot has issued five 806-related recalls over the years, so check that any recommended work was carried out. For example, some cars built between September and October 1995 needed their ECU replaced to prevent it triggering the airbags at the wrong time.</p>

<p>There was also a chance of premature handbrake wear on cars built between March and July 1998, while the other three all concerned potential brake problems.</p>

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<p>Aside from the badge on the nose, the Peugeot 806 is, essentially, the same car as the Citroen Synergie. Six-, seven- and eight-seat versions are available, and you get twin sliding rear doors to ease access in tight parking spots.</p>

<p>The 806 also gives owners a massive 3283 litres of luggage space with the second row of seats folded forward and the third row removed. However, there's little room for luggage when you're carrying a full complement of people, so be prepared to travel light on family trips.</p>

<p>The rear seats are very heavy to lift out, while the interior can suffer from rattles and creaks. The dash-mounted gearlever is awkward, too, but at least the swithchgear is logical and simple to use.</p>

<p>As for the drive, the ride is supple and the 806 is a quiet car to travel in. But, if you want something to drive just for the hell of it, you'll be disappointed you're not in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/galaxy/mpv/review/n142">Ford Galaxy</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/sharan/mpv/review/n17262">Volkswagen Sharan</a>.</p>

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Used Peugeot 806 MPV 1995 - 2003 reliability

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Used Peugeot 806 MPV 1995 - 2003 review

Peugeot has tended to perform better than its Citroen sister brand in our reliability surveys, but it still has some way to go before it can compete with the best.,In the case of the 806, it's electrical gremlins that tend to let the side down, with central locking, immobiliser and air-conditioning faults the most common. If any of these are acting up when you take your test drive, it's best to walk away.,Engine coolant leaks have also been known to cause expensive damage and Peugeot has issued five 806-related recalls over the years, so check that any recommended work was carried out. For example, some cars built between September and October 1995 needed their ECU replaced to prevent it triggering the airbags at the wrong time.There was also a chance of premature handbrake wear on cars built between March and July 1998, while the other three all concerned potential brake problems. 

What to look for when buying a Peugeot 806 1995 - 2003, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

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Used Peugeot 806 MPV 1995 - 2003 reliability

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