Item: Used Peugeot Partner Combi MPV 2001 - 2008
Author: Steve Huntingford

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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

PARTNER COMBI

The Peugeot Partner Combi is a family-friendly, flexible alternative to an MPV for those who don't mind the van looks

Used Peugeot Partner Combi MPV 2001 - 2008

As the Combi is based on a commercial vehicle, parts shouldn't cost too much when it comes to repair (fleets wouldn't buy them if they did). It has more equipment than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/berlingo/estate/review/n17319">Citroen Berlingo</a>, so will cost a little more.

Running costs aren't too bad, either, and servicing is cheaper than for the Citroen Berlingo. Data from Warranty Direct suggests that <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/peugeot">Peugeot</a>'s repair costs are below average, too.

There's little to choose between the 1.4 and 1.6 petrols and 1.9 diesel for fuel economy - all sit close to the 40mpg mark. Much more frugal is the 2.0-litre diesel which achieves close to 50mpg on average.

Residual values might not match those of the Citroen but should be respectable - these cars have proven popular.

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The Peugeot Partner Combi is a family-friendly, flexible alternative to an MPV for those who don't mind the van looks

The Combi range has used a variety of engines during its history, culminating in 2006 in a sole option, a 1.6 HDi. which replaced the 2.0-litre turbodiesel used previously.

When it was launched, the car was available with either a 75bhp 1.4-litre petrol or a 70bhp 1.9-litre diesel. A 1.6 Escapade model was introduced when the car had a minor face-lift in early 2003. This has raised suspension, foglights and a skid plate to protect the engine, but it's no off-roader.

As far as we're concerned, the best are the 2.0-litre diesel or the 1.4-litre petrol, which is almost as economic as the 1.9 diesel, but much quieter and quicker.

Remote central locking is standard on every model, as is a driver's airbag and a radio cassette player. Revised models got electric front windows, a single CD player and a passenger airbag.

Quicksilver models were discontinued in 2002, but include fixed glass roof panels, rear roof air vents, aeroplane-style overhead lockers and metallic paint.

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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>

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.

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.

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.

The Partner Combi is built for tough use, and chances are it will have had some, whether from kids, dogs, or those trips to the tip. Look out for scuffs around the load bay and rips in the upholstery. Some of the plastics don't feel of the highest quality, so they may have suffered some wear, or even given up altogether. The glovebox lid, for example, is a weak point.

The mechanical parts are tough, though, and proven in other Peugeot vehicles, but you're still best off looking for an example with a full service history.

The rear suspension is likely to need work after 50,000 miles, as the car may have suffered some pivot wear. Another age-related fault to watch out for is that the sliding doors can start to stick.

In 2002 a recall of some diesels attended to water getting into the operating circuit, which affected engine and brake performance.

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The Peugeot Partner Combi is very like the Citroen Berlingo - that's because they are essentially the same car.

Both share the same 'van with windows' look, and offer an astonishing 624 litres of space in the boot, as well as room for five passengers. Both also offer a drive which is surprisingly unlike a van's - sure-footed with comfortably supple suspension.

The high sides mean it kicks up wind noise and leans a lot in corners, but you don't buy one of these to tear up the racetracks.

We'd avoid the 1.9 diesel, which is really noisy, but the other engines aren't too bad unless you work them very hard.

The upright seating position will suit some, and visibility is excellent, but it's not ideal for long journeys. Sliding doors mean access to the rear is simple, and it's reasonably comfortable for three in the back. Where the Combi shines is on the way to the tip or on holidays, thanks to the enormous loadbay.

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Used Peugeot Partner Combi MPV 2001 - 2008 review

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Used Peugeot Partner Combi MPV 2001 - 2008 review

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