Item: Used Peugeot 406 Coupe 1996 - 2004
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

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Coupe

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 Peugoet 406 Coupe is good if you want something different

Used Peugeot 406 Coupe 1996 - 2004

Running costs depend on which model you buy. The 3.0-litre will do 30mpg if you are lucky, and the diesel could well manage 40mpg and over.

Build quality on all models is dodgy. Don't be surprised if you get a few squeaks and creaks and switchgear that works irregularly. If an indicator stalk breaks, don't worry, because <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/peugeot">Peugeot</a> has constructed more robust replacements. Cambelts on diesels need to changed every 96,000 miles and on petrols every 80,000 miles.

Don't forget this is regarded as a high-performance car and you can expect a few hiccups along the way. It's a Pininfarina-styled car, and their owners have Pininfarina-style driving ambitions - with some possibly nasty damage as a result. That said, many have come from fleets, so you can pick up a well-looked after example inexpensively.

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The Peugoet 406 Coupe is good if you want something different

The 3.0-litre V6 is the wise choice - there's little point in the 2.0-litre petrol, which is pretty gutless.

However, if you want to keep costs down, you might opt for the 2.2-litre diesel, although it wasn't available throughout the car's life. It has just enough grunt to keep you amused, although it's not fantastic in town. Like every model in the range, it works best when stretching its legs on an open road.

Overall, it pays to buy the newest model you can. The car was introduced in 1997 with the 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre petrol engines, and had a miled face-lift in 1999, when the 3.0-litre got more power - up from 194bhp to 210bhp.

In 2000 ABS was fitted as standard - a good thing for a car with this much power, and ESP was added to the 3.0 V6. Sat-nav was introduced as standard on 2.0SE model and then in June 2002 the 2.2 diesel arrived.

Later, the black and silver 'specials' were introduced which included half-leather trim, 16-inch alloy wheels and an uprated stereo system.

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Strong performance</li> <li>Good balance between ride and handling</li> <li>Excellent build quality</li> <li>Decent practicality</li> <li>Sophisticated interior</li></ul>

Coupés are all about style, but while practicality undoubtedly takes a back seat to aesthetics, these cars still need to be easy to live with on a daily basis. It’s this that distinguishes a coupé from an out-and-out sports car.

Fortunately, there’s a wide range of style-focused models available, and you don’t even need to spend silly money to buy or run one.

For a blend of&nbsp;rock-solid resale values, punchy engines and an interior to die for,&nbsp;the Audi TT is a brilliant option. But the Mercedes CLA offers plenty of style and substance to match, while the Aston Martin DB11 will give you serious performance.

Avoid anything that smokes and be suspicious of absent history. Rattling engines and electronic glitches point to a world of pain. Pay more, get more, and try to find an ex-fleet car.

If you hear a clonking from the front corner, the anti-roll bar may need replacing. Watch out for leaky radiators with signs of rust and worn hoses.

On 406 models, which share the same platform, there have been a number of recalls. In 1998, there were concerns about road wheel failure and in 1999 some examples had difficulties with the bonnet safety catch.

A year later there were faults with the brake assemblies and in 2001 Peugeot recalled 406s because of issues with the rear suspension fixing bolts and chafing on the brake servo vacuum pipe.

There were a few engine problems in 2002, and water had been discovered in the cooling fan on some examples. In 2003, 406s were recalled because of incorrect wiring on side airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners.

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The Peugeot 406 Coupe is a breath of fresh air. To make it, the standard 406 got a makeover from Italian designers Pininfarina and the results were largely successful. It doesn't quite have the charisma of, say a Fiat Coupe, but its clean lines are tasteful and sleek.

Once inside, though, the deisgn is disappointing. The seating is uncomfortable, the switchgear looks cheap and the dashboard is plasticky. The control stalks are spindly, too, and only the chrome surrounds on the dials point to something other than a normal mass-produced saloon.

At least, there's plenty of headroom, and you can seat two in the back with few dramas. It has a sizeable boot, too.

Once you turn the key, things get better. A satisfying, yet friendly thrum at low revs turns into a healthy growl once you get over 4000 revs. The handling is positive and there's plenty of grip around demanding corners, while the smooth suspension easily absorbs lumps and bumps.

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Used Peugeot 406 Coupe 1996 - 2004 review

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