Item: Used Peugeot 206 Coupe Cabriolet 2000 - 2007
Rating: 3
Author: What Car? Team

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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.

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.

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.

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.

PEUGEOT

The Peugeot 206 CC is extremely desirable, but it can be unreliable

Used Peugeot 206 Coupe Cabriolet 2000 - 2007

Fuel economy is good, with the 1.6 and 2.0 petrol engines giving 40.4mpg or 35.3mpg respectively. This is one area where the diesel version really shines as it delivers an impressive 57.6mpg.

The 206 was not the most reliable in its class, although things improved as time went on.

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The Peugeot 206 CC is extremely desirable, but it can be unreliable

When launched, the 206 CC came with only two engines: a 110bhp 1.6 better suited to cruising than straight-line speed and a far more potent 138bhp 2.0-litre which feels fast in comparison. However, given the nature of the car, the 1.6 is the better bet, although the engine can start to boom when you work it hard.

If you're looking to buy a newer car, a 1.6 110bhp diesel was introduced in 2005. It might not feel that fast, but it's good on motorways and has great fuel-economy.

The only automatic option was available on the 1.6 petrol engine, but it's not the most reliable and dents the already slowish performance - so it's worth avoiding.

There are only two trim levels, but even base models are well equipped, and top-end models have leather trim and climate control.

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What we're looking for:<ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so we’re after a roof that opens (and closes) slickly and quickly and good top-down cruising refinement.

There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top&nbsp;versions of existing models. Mini will sell you a drop-top version of its style-focused hatchback, if you’re after a bit of flair. The Audi A5&nbsp;Cabriolet, meanwhile, brings all of the benefits of the regular A5&nbsp;– refined engines and a beautifully finished interior. Alternatively, the much more expensive Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is one of the most luxurious convertibles on sale.

Convertible

The 206 CC suffers the same faults as the rest of the 206 family. The central locking mechanism can fail, and you should check the front footwell carpet to see if it's damp. If so, you probably have a problem with water getting into the ventilation system.

Automatic 206 CCs have their fair share of problems, with both the 'boxes themselves and the electronics which control them failing. Some owners complain of a noisy exhaust, so you should always check the condition and life expectancy of a car's system.

That folding roof also has bit of a reputation of unreliability; water leaks are the biggest complaint. So, make sure the roof works correctly before you buy a car, as repairs can be scarily expensive.

There were a fair number of recalls on the 206. So, check the logbook or contact your local dealer to check that they have been carried out.

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When the Peugeot 206 CC was launched, the only other car available with a folding metal and glass roof was the Mercedes SLK, and that cost at least £28,000. This gave the 206 CC celebrity status, and dealers couldn't sell cars fast enough. However, the type of roof is all these two cars have in common. If you're expecting a mini-Merc with a budget price, prepare for disappointment.

Build quality is questionable and it's cramped inside. Don't be fooled by the bucket seats in the back - this is really big enough for only two.

The CC might be based on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/206/hatchback/used-review/n535">206</a> GTI, but it's a cruiser, not a bruiser. With the roof up, it drives like a conventional supermini hatchback, but lower it and the body starts to flex, which ruins the handling. There's loads of wind and road noise, even with the roof up, and it's difficult to get comfortable.

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Used Peugeot 206 Coupe Cabriolet 2000 - 2007 review

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What's the used Peugeot 206 coupe like?