I have had my Peugeot 306 for almost a year now, and have had absolutely no complaints, apart from the fact that the windscreen got chipped on the first day (Thank you Mr. Micra, wherever you may be), and it now has a crack across 1/3 the screen on the passenger side mind you, and also a nasty knock a month into driving it. (Courtesy of Mr. Anglian Water, thank you too!) So apart from a frantic and painful first month of new ownership I have had no problems at all, with it and mine is 9 years old, and 3rd hand!
My Peugeot was one of the first 306’s to be made, so just missed out on the standard sunroof and electric windows, but I am not in the slightest bit bothered, as I got mine for a very reasonable price of £2100, with a mere 56,000 miles on the clock, a CD player thrown in for free, perfect service history, and a funky blue gear stick left from the previous owner! Not a problem as
my favourite colour is blue!
The good thing about the 306 is that it is an extremely popular car, obviously not as popular as something like a Fiesta, but popular nonetheless. The fact that I have been driving one, I seem to notice a lot more driving around, or perhaps I subconsciously look out for them? But as I was saying, the fact that they are popular means there are lots of 2nd hand ones around to be snapped up, so finding yours should not be all to difficult. In general, hatchback prices are very reasonable considering how good the car is; saloons are cheap but more desirable sports versions and scarce estates are pricier.
The 306 has many redeeming features to its name, such as good fuel economy, especially on the 1.4 models, and the diesels, the insurance is fantastic, my car is only in the group 4 insurance range, which is good for young or first time drivers. Insurance is usually the killer when it comes to choosing your first car, so this is ideal. Also parts are quite cheap to come by, I know, as I had to repair mine after Mr. Anglian Water hit my front right wing. I managed to fix that, the bumper, and headlamp and indicator, get it all sprayed for under £300.
Something that many people notice first about the 306 when they first drive it is superb chassis and suspension, giving outstanding grip and a smooth, well controlled ride; precise steering and effective brakes, which inspire great confidence in the car.
The only quirk I have about the car is that being 6”3 leg room isn’t amazing, its almost perfect in the driving seat, but I found that I was too tall with most cars that I tried before this one so they are not alone! Other than that leg room isn’t too bad, I haven’t actually been in the back of my car, or anyone else’s 306 for that matter so I can’t comment too much on that, although I haven’t had any complaints from fellow passengers in the back. I personally find the ride comfort very good, and is fine over long distances.
The 306 is a desirable car, for looks, especially in its day and age it was the best looking hatch back around, obviously other have passed it by now, but it still doesn’t look dated like other cars from the time of its origin, but it still hold its certain French ‘chic’ today, especially the Cabriolet and the S16 and Gti models pull of a lot of street cred.
The 306 is also very safe car to drive, with good crash resistance – receiving three stars on the NCAP test; ABS on some early cars, (optional on all), then standard on all from 1999; airbag on most by 1994, mine being 1993 doesn’t have one. All models come with an alarm and immobiliser, and mine has remote central locking too, which is, or was standard on all models from mine upwards, only the XN below mine being the exception.
Spec (this is for the 1.4L model): Price: New - £12,000 - 10,000 2nd Hand - £6,000 - 2,000 Engine Capacity: 1360 cc (1.4L) BHP: 75 Top Speed: 100 mph (I have got it faster!) 0-60mph: 12.8 (Again I think I have got it faster) Fuel Economy: Urban 29.2mpg Cruise 48.8mpg (Miles Per Gallon) Speed 39.3mpg Dimensions: 399cm Long 169cm Wide 138cm High Boot Space: Seats Up: 340 Litres Seats Down: 623 Litres Seats: 5 Fuel Injection: Yes Service Interval: 12,000 miles Insurance Group: 4
Things to check for when considering buying a 306: The bodywork: Stands up to minor knocks quite well but check for badly resprayed accident damage. Engine & Gearbox: Avoid noisy or smoky diesels without full history, they probably have very high mileages; oil and coolant leaks; can be a bit noisy when cold; defective accelerator linkage gives jerky throttle response. Other things to look out for: Minor electrical problems‚ especially electric window lifts; uneven front tyre wear; suspension or shock absorber wear on high mileage cars or sports versions.
Overall the 306 remains one of the very best small family ranges thanks to its excellent handling and ride, sturdy construction and practical interior layout. It is by no means the most modern car in its class, but it's still a contender. A wide range of engines, bodies and equipment levels means that there is a 306 for almost everyone, from no frills family hatchbacks to roomy estates, desirable sports models and elegant cabriolets. Peugeot have now introduced their new model the 307, which is a hybrid cross between the 306 and the 206, which was released last year.
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Unfortunately my Peugeot 306 died a nasty death last summer and I have been car-less since, still lookingt o get another one though once I finish uni next year.
keza1 07.03.2004 19:09
i have a peugeot 306 the new shape in silver, i love it but i find it quite noisy to drive.
It looks good great though!
weirdstop 30.03.2003 23:03
thanks for a good op. i am looking into buying a second hand 306 but am undecided on the 1.4 or the 1.6 i now think either will do :)
Advantages: good road handling.I feel very safe driving it. spacious, good looking Disadvantages: very expensive to repair and maintain, gear changes, brakes, uncomfortable seats on long journeys
graceygrace 14.12.2003 (14.12.2003)
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Review of Peugeot 306 1.4
Advantages: Spacious small car, very easy handling, good on the petrol, nice little run around Disadvantages: reputation as a lads car, quite common and easy to loose in a car park
janeybabs 30.05.2003 ·
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Review of Peugeot 306 1.4
Advantages: Such high spec for so little money. Low insurance group but it still has enough poke to nip out and overtake! Disadvantages: Some body roll when cornering at higher speeds. Would be nice if it came with an alarm as well as an immobiliser.
Fiona1 17.07.2000 ·
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Feb 5th, 2002
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