Peugeot 306 opinions

[CraigE]

Looking at a Peugeot 306 Convertible for my daughters first car and looking for opinions on these for reliability and pitfalls. Have seen 2 for around $7k.
I know there are a few Peugeot gurus on here.
Thoughts please as we have never had a Froggy car, but my daughter did like the first one we looked at today. Going tomorrow to look at another and maybe and Astra convertible.
Also looking at a Kia Sportage, any pitfalls with these.
Thanks
Craig

[justinc]

Be warned Craig these had a nightmare of a reputation for poor/ incorrect hood operation and stupid electrical faults. In fact, a P38a would be less problematic...:wasntme:

BUT, a reliable and frugal, spirited engine and quite a joy to drive. Pretty unsafe in a prang though as they stiffened the vehicle floorpan to make up for the lack of turret thereby you are not only loosing the 'safety' of a roof assembly/shape, you have a floorpan etc that doesen't deform much:(

I would possibly look at a 307HDi or similar they are quite a good model, and cheap too.

Astra, well make sure it has had regular servicing as these engines are disposable, and the Kia, well unless it is a few years old then give it a miss too, the early Korean offerings were again, a disposable waste.

JC

[DeanoH]

Craig, My nephew, driving a Peugeot 306 wagon had a high speed (combined 150 Km/hr+) head on with a dickhead in a Corolla driving on the wrong side of the road. Both vehicles were write offs. The Corolla was an absolute wreck including the body 'capsule', creased roof, doors jammed, dash forced up etc. The Pug on the other hand had the engine and gearbox under the vehicle and was destroyed from the windscreen forward but the body 'capsule' was intact and in one piece internally. The Corolla driver was seriously injured, my nephew walked away with seat belt rash. My poorer (but relieved) sister replaced the car with an identical one. Buy the Pug.

Deano:)

[inside]

The pick of the 306 is the HDI model. One thing Peugeot do well is diesel engines just ask the D3 and D4 owners. Avoid autos the French hate autos and you'll likely have problems.

Something like this would be worth a look. 2001 HDi for 8K with only 135K on it. 2001 PEUGEOT 306 XT HDI N5 MY01 Sedan Cars For Sale in VIC - carsales.com.au (http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/details/peugeot-306-2001-12236328?base=1216&vertical=Car&Range=Price:Min,Max~0.5&eapi=2&sort=default&cr=0&__N=1246%201247%201252%201282%204294963814%2042949 62979%201216&silo=Stock&find=hdi|CarAll)

[juddy]

I used to have a Astra coupe turbo 2ltr, fantastic car, just need to get one with a full service history. Still look good theses days too the convertibles., I think they even did a turbo convertible here too.

[Tote]

I had a mate that had a 306 GTI6, very nice car, sporty and comfortable on a trip. Might be hard to find a good one though.

Regards,
Tote

[DeanoH]

This one looks nice!

2004 Peugeot 206 T1 MY04 GTi Blue, Very Low Kms 5sp M Hatchback | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2004-Peugeot-206-T1-MY04-GTi-Blue-Very-Low-Kms-5sp-M-Hatchback-/260997671192?pt=AU_Cars&hash=item3cc4ac6918)

Deano:)

[CraigE]

Going down to Welshpool tomorrow to have a look at a couple. Daughter likes the convertible, but we will see. Like the fact that they are reasonably priced twin air bags etc and I never thought I would say it but look good. The one we looked at today looked like it may have hood issues.
The one we are going to have a look at is a Peugeot specialist.
She really would like a wrangler but looking at at least $10k for anything decent over here and I am on a bit of a budget, she also likes the L322, but a bit above my budget. May get her to look at a P38 as in WA they can still drive a V8 on her Ps. Will be having a look around to see what she like.
She quite liked a Jaguar XJS we looked at today for $10k a bit rough but I would think pretty safe any thoughts on these also looked at a few BMWs.

[CraigE]

The Kia is an older Sportage automatic and for $3k may Be worthwhile as it would be her first car and disposable.;)

Be warned Craig these had a nightmare of a reputation for poor/ incorrect hood operation and stupid electrical faults. In fact, a P38a would be less problematic...:wasntme:

BUT, a reliable and frugal, spirited engine and quite a joy to drive. Pretty unsafe in a prang though as they stiffened the vehicle floorpan to make up for the lack of turret thereby you are not only loosing the 'safety' of a roof assembly/shape, you have a floorpan etc that doesen't deform much:(

I would possibly look at a 307HDi or similar they are quite a good model, and cheap too.

Astra, well make sure it has had regular servicing as these engines are disposable, and the Kia, well unless it is a few years old then give it a miss too, the early Korean offerings were again, a disposable waste.

JC

[R2D2]

Pugs are great to drive but steer clear of the convertible.As mentioned earlier the hood is, well, ****! Leaks like a submarine with a screen door if its more than a couple of years old. The body shake is not funny on dodgy roads. Astra is nice but chews through brake pads and disks.The engine is also known to go bang when it drops a timing belt.Even if it is changed at Holdens REVISED intervals :mad:. If you want something that size and style you have to have a look at the class leader MX5. You could find one with a hard top at least.Very reliable all round.
As you mentioned other vehicles that are larger, why not go for a Commodore. Tuff,reliable and you can buy parts at the milk bar!
You could buy a 03-04 VY with bells and whistles for less than 8K.
You can buy a lot of car for that kind of money in Melbourne. Why not fly over and buy a car and drive back! Would have to be cheaper than buying one over there from what i can see and a fun road trip.:burnrubber:

Good luck with your choice.
R2

[BigJon]

I am with R2D2 on this. I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would buy an expensive to maintain, unreliable, potentially unsafe (small), imported car for their offspring to drive when there are loads of safer (bigger) cars available for similar prices.

[justinc]

I am with R2D2 on this. I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would buy an expensive to maintain, unreliable, potentially unsafe (small), imported car for their offspring to drive when there are loads of safer (bigger) cars available for similar prices.



Some With DSC, TC, dual airbags and ABS etc etc too. Much as I dislike Commodores and Falcons they have SOME decent safety features, and are cheap to buy.

JC

[wally]

We have a 307 HDi. It's great to drive, extremely economical and so far 100% reliable - can't fault it.

[clubagreenie]

Dbl post

[clubagreenie]

Avoid both (in fact any euro) Pug & Astra convertables. Their issue is the hydraulic hoses for the roof operation are a odd size and cannot CANNOT CANNOT CANNOT CANNOT CANNOT CANNOT be replaced with ANYTHING other than original. I'll elaborate for retention of info for future generations.

The ID of the hose is 2.7mm (marked as 3mm but after manufacturing some fittings & crimp collars to this size they aren't 3mm). Used to work in hydraulics and once a week (about a year after they came onto the market) would see a poor downtrodden soul wandering into the drive carrying a solitary hose. Initially tried replacements using the original fittings removed from the hoses silver soldered into fittings for the standard hoses I could supply (in 2 or 4mm). 2mm would result in slower operation of that part of the roof that the hose supplied, destroying the roof as one customer found out. Also the pressure at the pump would go into bypass during operation and they are only a plastic internal pump and melt down with heat.

4mm was the the same (without the pressure issues) but in faster operation, again would kill the roof and the larger hose could not be flexed into the ridiculously small area required.

The hose is manufactured by Parker Hydraulics in Italy but even Parker Aust cannot got hold of it or the fittings as it is an OEM product and is used virtually worldwide for these applications. Hoses from both Holden and Peugeot are available as a set only and run about a thousand dollars last time I heard.

Best one we had was a concrete pumper who came in a purchased a hose just specifying the length and fittings, didn't say what it was for. Took it home and soldered it to his convertible fittings and plugged it in and away he went. Had the slow operation issue and destroyed his roof, on his 2009 F430 Ferrari. So he bought it back on a tilt tray and tried to get us to pay for the replacement roof. Funny part is the Ferrari hose is about $80- and could be bought individually. The roof was just short of $80k fitted (no insurance).

Sorry to run off topic but there is no option on these and can be why they are cheap to buy, usually the roof is down for when you go to inspect (if its down some I guess wouldn't question if it works).

Apart from that the pug diesel is an excellent engine, economical and quiet. Memory though the auto can have some issues if not serviced regularly. A friend had an Astra and had an issue with the A/C//heater fan switch. Was quoted $1200- plus fitting, a month wait for parts and 4 days to replace. Ebay, $80- and a day in the front yard had it fixed.

[Chucaro]

I sold my Defe and we bought a 505 for $1100 to use it until I can find a good Peugeot 406.
I love Peugeots, having previous to this 505 a 504, 205 and two 505. They are great cars and IMO a 505 is far superior than any Falcon, comodore or any jap car. The 406 is awesome and the auto gearbox is cheap to fix.
Do not touch the 407 with auto. The gearbox it is sealed like the BMW and VW and cost up to $ 6000 to replace.
If you can find a Peu diesel in a reasonable good condition go for it.:)

[BigJon]

IMO a 505 is far superior than any Falcon, comodore or any jap car.

:Rolling::Rolling::Rolling:

I love this forum.

[Chucaro]

:Rolling::Rolling::Rolling:

I love this forum.

Oh well Big fellow, how long took GMH and Ford to have a sedan with disc breaks and independant suspension 30 years or so after the european car manufacturers.?
Peugueot have it on the very early 504 models when for GMH and Fords having power asisted breaks was a step foward on some models. :D
I used to have Cortinas Gt models and they were not even close to a 504 in handling and safety.
Now, I can fix my 505 with little money and go to places safe and cheap where any new car can go at an extra cost and risks. :D

[CraigE]

Very interesting thanks. Not possible to place a restrictor in the hose to get the 2.7mm effect. Not something I would do without expertise. Just throwing it out there. Not the same I know but we used to do that with orifice plates in mining industrial pumps.
For the right price I am not over concerned as I expect it to only last her a couple of years.
A little surprised with the safety, I thought Pugs were very safe when compared to similar model Commodores etc.
Cheers
Craig

Avoid both (in fact any euro) Pug & Astra convertables. Their issue is the hydraulic hoses for the roof operation are a odd size and cannot CANNOT CANNOT CANNOT CANNOT CANNOT CANNOT be replaced with ANYTHING other than original. I'll elaborate for retention of info for future generations.

The ID of the hose is 2.7mm (marked as 3mm but after manufacturing some fittings & crimp collars to this size they aren't 3mm). Used to work in hydraulics and once a week (about a year after they came onto the market) would see a poor downtrodden soul wandering into the drive carrying a solitary hose. Initially tried replacements using the original fittings removed from the hoses silver soldered into fittings for the standard hoses I could supply (in 2 or 4mm). 2mm would result in slower operation of that part of the roof that the hose supplied, destroying the roof as one customer found out. Also the pressure at the pump would go into bypass during operation and they are only a plastic internal pump and melt down with heat.

4mm was the the same (without the pressure issues) but in faster operation, again would kill the roof and the larger hose could not be flexed into the ridiculously small area required.

The hose is manufactured by Parker Hydraulics in Italy but even Parker Aust cannot got hold of it or the fittings as it is an OEM product and is used virtually worldwide for these applications. Hoses from both Holden and Peugeot are available as a set only and run about a thousand dollars last time I heard.

Best one we had was a concrete pumper who came in a purchased a hose just specifying the length and fittings, didn't say what it was for. Took it home and soldered it to his convertible fittings and plugged it in and away he went. Had the slow operation issue and destroyed his roof, on his 2009 F430 Ferrari. So he bought it back on a tilt tray and tried to get us to pay for the replacement roof. Funny part is the Ferrari hose is about $80- and could be bought individually. The roof was just short of $80k fitted (no insurance).

Sorry to run off topic but there is no option on these and can be why they are cheap to buy, usually the roof is down for when you go to inspect (if its down some I guess wouldn't question if it works).

Apart from that the pug diesel is an excellent engine, economical and quiet. Memory though the auto can have some issues if not serviced regularly. A friend had an Astra and had an issue with the A/C//heater fan switch. Was quoted $1200- plus fitting, a month wait for parts and 4 days to replace. Ebay, $80- and a day in the front yard had it fixed.

[CraigE]

[/B]


Some With DSC, TC, dual airbags and ABS etc etc too. Much as I dislike Commodores and Falcons they have SOME decent safety features, and are cheap to buy.

JC

JC,
Thanks for the info, just how unsafe are the soft tops in comparison to the hard tops and equivalent year vehicles?

[CraigE]

A Commodore is also on the list as we are a Holden orientated family apart from 4x4s. However a bit big maybe for first car.
Anyone got any thoughts on a Jag XJS 2000 model. She rather liked that for under $10k.
Going to have a quick look at a Kia Sportage I think 2000 or 2001 model auto for $3k ono. If it last 2 years at that price I would be happy. Any real pitfalls with these.

[lane]

What are the km's on the vehicle? Anything nearing 200,000 means it is going to cost you alot of money. Having had three 306's, and talking to other pug owners, under 200 they're fine after, well. After about 220 everything progressively falls apart, and I mean everything. The glue holding the entire interior together melts, stuff behind the dash disintegrates, (it's only a 12 hour job for a mechanic to remove and replace the dash, three of us did it in 14 :eek:) engine ancillaries are all failed/failing, window mechanisms, brakes, electrics, and all sorts of things you didn't know even existed. Maybe we've had three lemons but I'd rather think not. We've still got one 306 that is not worth selling so we keep fixing it, recently, having been filling up the power steering fuid from empty to full every day, had a look and discovered a little steel pipe was cracked, took it to mechanic as we couldn't fix it. So they take 4 days and 3 hours labour to fix that and when we go to pick it up they showed us the ram is leaking too:mad:
Having said all that they ARE a fantastic car to drive just get one that has low km's or been garaged all it's life, they don't like the sun. Parts are reasonably priced too. Just my two cents worth, hope it helps.


Lane

[justinc]

JC,
Thanks for the info, just how unsafe are the soft tops in comparison to the hard tops and equivalent year vehicles?

I was mostly concerned with ROP, the hardtop being the pick and structurally better to protect the occupants due to most likely having better deformation to the vehicle and leaving the passenger cell unharmed.

At least that is my thoughts, these vehicles were too old to have a sophisticated pop up roll bar etc like I believe a Z series BMW has?

JC

[BigJon]

Oh well Big fellow, how long took GMH and Ford to have a sedan with disc breaks and independant suspension 30 years or so after the european car manufacturers.?
Peugueot have it on the very early 504 models when for GMH and Fords having power asisted breaks was a step foward on some models. :D
I used to have Cortinas Gt models and they were not even close to a 504 in handling and safety.
Now, I can fix my 505 with little money and go to places safe and cheap where any new car can go at an extra cost and risks. :D

You said a 505 is better than any Falcodore or Jap car. That just isn't the case. In fact, it is so far off base as to be laughable, hence my post.

[rovercare]

Very interesting thanks. Not possible to place a restrictor in the hose to get the 2.7mm effect. Not something I would do without expertise. Just throwing it out there. Not the same I know but we used to do that with orifice plates in mining industrial pumps.
For the right price I am not over concerned as I expect it to only last her a couple of years.
A little surprised with the safety, I thought Pugs were very safe when compared to similar model Commodores etc.
Cheers
Craig

Or a flow controller, sounds an easy fix

[Chucaro]

You said a 505 is better than any Falcodore or Jap car. That just isn't the case. In fact, it is so far off base as to be laughable, hence my post.

Well it is a matter of opinions and all of us have the right to have one and be respected.
I will not laugh if you believe that the falcodores are better than the peugueot or if you belive that are good cars, I just not agree with it and that is it. ;)
Many of us believe that the County with a oil burner engine is the best LR in his class ever produced, it is that laughable as well or not because it is a Land Rover.

[StephenF10]

You said a 505 is better than any Falcodore or Jap car. That just isn't the case. In fact, it is so far off base as to be laughable, hence my post.

The 505 only has better ride, handling, comfort, quality and owner satisfaction. The Falcodores of course beat it everywhere else.

[clubagreenie]

Or a flow controller, sounds an easy fix

Try selling someone a $100- hose (even when it's far cheaper than original) and then saying, wait you'll need two, plus additional fittings plus a flow control valve (that's massive compared to the hose) then try to cram it all in there. Then have to explain how to set it up, without doing a flow test on the system if you could unplug everything and build a manifold to suit the speciality ends to circulate the fluid.

Much more of a headache than it's worth. Plus the pump is fitted between the boot lid hinge swing arc, the rear seat bulkhead, the inner guard (which is bulged out to fit) and when the roof comes down the hinge mechanism intrudes into the space allocated for the hoses which is part of the issue. Either they get rubbed through by the hinges if the guy who fitted them did them the right way or get broken off at the pump end fitting if they weren't bundled together and just left to their own devices. Funny part is that if you make them shorter, run them in a way that looks completely wrong they are fine.

[CraigE]

Well looked at the 306. Nice car, not bad nic, but the guy could not get the roof to retract. He reckons it had something to do with the doors being open and confusing the computer???? $7990.
Also had a look at a 2002 Astra Covertible 2002, 1 owner under 100 000kms, auto Bertone edition. $9999.
The one my daughter liked the most was a 2002 Freeloader 116,000kms. V6 auto with leather. $9999:o

[Grumbles]

Anyone got any thoughts on a Jag XJS 2000 model. She rather liked that for under $10k.

I stopped reading after this.

[justinc]

Well looked at the 306. Nice car, not bad nic, but the guy could not get the roof to retract. He reckons it had something to do with the doors being open and confusing the computer???? $7990.
Also had a look at a 2002 Astra Covertible 2002, 1 owner under 100 000kms, auto Bertone edition. $9999.
The one my daughter liked the most was a 2002 Freeloader 116,000kms. V6 auto with leather. $9999:o



PLEASE NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!:o


JC

[CraigE]

[/B]


PLEASE NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!:o


JC

Oh well day not a total loss. My daughter at least found her ball dress today.;)

[justinc]

Oh well day not a total loss. My daughter at least found her ball dress today.;)

Excellent, now THAT is a result! These things could be very stressful, glad it was quick:o

JC

[BigJon]

Well it is a matter of opinions and all of us have the right to have one and be respected.


It is not a matter of opinion, it is a matter of fact. I do respect your opinion, I also admit that it made me smile.

BTW, I quite like Pug 504s and 505s.

[3toes]

Had a 3 door 206 for a while however had to get rid of it. Probably not a problem for your daughter but they designers never intended the driver to be 6 foot tall with size 11 shoes.

Fun to drive if you can ignore the abysmal build quality and cheap fit out which seems to be based on price not suitability for the job. Owning a Peugeot makes you understand why a Ford or Vauxhall costs more to buy.

[CraigE]

Thanks for all the input.
Now waiting for daughter to decide what she wants.
Probably down to Jeep Wrangler (a bit overpriced atm) or a 99 Grand Cherokee for $4900 or near offer due to a quarter panel dent.

[landy]

Hi CraigE

I was a motor tech at a peugeot dealership in the UK for 6 years. First up, I hated pugs before I worked there (I have an Austin-Rover back ground) but once you get used to the way they are bolted together they are great cars. really its a great choice for a first car. Second. I did the factory course when the convertible was released at the factory in Coventry and on the very first day the instructor said, and I quote, "you cant take the lid of a tin of beans without losing a few beans along the way" Mate, they leak for a past time and it CANT be fixed-well not for long anyway. and parts are very expensive here and thats just for service items. Any specialist parts you might need will almost write the car off. An example of that is what if some lowlife slashes the roof to steal the GPS (I've seen that on a couple of occasions) you may find the insurance will write it off.

Nino.

[Tote]

This Wrangler is in QLD but it's 10K, not sure about the paint job though.
1997 JEEP WRANGLER SPORT - JUST 4x4s (http://www.justauto.com.au/just4x4s/buy_and_sell/for_sale/4357ba80-9b0a-4f61-8aef-935516a807b9?parent_page=%2Fjust4x4s%2Fsearch&search_type_make=JEEP&keywords=Keywords&search_type_model=&search_category=&search_type_year=&search_details_lowest_price=&search_details_highest_price=&search_type_series=&search_location_state=&item_position=0)
http://static3.justauto.com.au/just_images/8313a4e9-a179-45d0-8eb7-51f0413ab63f/8313a4e9-a179-45d0-8eb7-51f0413ab63f-me.jpg

Regards,
Tote

[DeanoH]

Crikey Craig !!! Once you started talking Jags and Freelanders I couldn't decide if you were taking the mickey or had a couple too many. Heaven forbid you're fair dinkum. Best thing for the Jag is a demolition Derby, thought you had this one figured out ?
Jeeps are real good, had a mid '90's Grand Cherokee Laredo. Well designed, comfortable, auto, ABS, air-con, electric everything and well built. Mine was the 4 litre 6cyl which is a brilliant simple engine but a bit thirsty. Dana 60 diff, constant 4WD, viscous centre diff (just like my P38a), and a real pleasure to drive. Dealer spare part prices are absolutely poisonous, make LR look like pikers and Jeep Australia held absolutely no stock at all. Every thing came from Singapore or somewhere by slow boat. Jeep Australia didn't even carry a clutch kit for a Wrangler in Australia! Front axles for the newer Benz powered Grand Cherokees were $2000+ EACH. Jeep had fallen out of love with Daimler-Benz and engine/gearbox parts were horrendously priced.
As a loving (deep pocketed) dad you'll need to keep this in mind. I seriously suggest you check out spare/maintenance prices before you take the Jeep plunge.

Deano:)

[justinc]

Crikey Craig !!! Once you started talking Jags and Freelanders I couldn't decide if you were taking the mickey or had a couple too many. Heaven forbid you're fair dinkum. Best thing for the Jag is a demolition Derby, thought you had this one figured out ?
Jeeps are real good, had a mid '90's Grand Cherokee Laredo. Well designed, comfortable, auto, ABS, air-con, electric everything and well built. Mine was the 4 litre 6cyl which is a brilliant simple engine but a bit thirsty. Dana 60 diff, constant 4WD, viscous centre diff (just like my P38a), and a real pleasure to drive. Dealer spare part prices are absolutely poisonous, make LR look like pikers and Jeep Australia held absolutely no stock at all. Every thing came from Singapore or somewhere by slow boat. Jeep Australia didn't even carry a clutch kit for a Wrangler in Australia! Front axles for the newer Benz powered Grand Cherokees were $2000+ EACH. Jeep had fallen out of love with Daimler-Benz and engine/gearbox parts were horrendously priced.
As a loving (deep pocketed) dad you'll need to keep this in mind. I seriously suggest you check out spare/maintenance prices before you take the Jeep plunge.

Deano:)

thats true deano, but there is a few good jeep dismantlers about now for the earlier stuff, and there is always the good ole US of A....

jc