Used Peugeot 406 Saloon 1996 - 2004 review

The Peugeot 406 is a big cruiser with a pillow-soft ride, and it combines supple springing with neat handling and steering that gives good feedback to the driver. It's very refined, too, and keeps out most road noise even at speed, although the engines do get a bit vocal when they're worked hard. The later 2.0 HDi diesel is quieter than the older 1.9 turbo.

There are no great complaints about the driving position, with steering that adjusts for rake but not reach, and a driver's seat that adjusts for height. The dash is well laid out and attractive, too.

There's plenty of room up front, too, while the rear has good space with a full three-point belt for each passenger - only lanky types may find the rear a bit cramped. Last, but not least, the good sized boot can be extended by dropping the rear seats, and loading is reasonably easy.

The 406 gained only two stars for occupant safety when first tested by Euro NCAP, but this improved to three when Peugeot submitted a revised model in 2001.

Repair costs are a bit of a worry. Suspension, brakes, cooling systems and electrics are all concerns as the car's mileage mounts. Fortunately, the 406s are pretty conventional, and most repairs are quick and moderately priced.

Servicing for S-reg cars and onwards moved to 20,000 miles/two-year intervals for petrols, which cuts costs, although we'd recommend you also budget for a yearly oil change and brake check. Diesels are on 12,000 miles/one-year service cycles.

The diesels return 40mpg or better on a run, the 1.8 and 2.0 petrols achieve 30mpg, but the 3.0 will struggle to reach 30mpg.

Peugeot's diesels rate among the best and suit the 406 well. You can choose from a 1.9 turbo giving 90 or 110bhp, a 2.0 HDi that took its place, or a 2.2 HDi with 138bhp, sold from 2001. The 2.0 HDi is the one to have.

Otherwise, the petrol engines run from a 1.8 to a 2.0, plus a 2.0 turbo, with a 3.0 V6 at the top end. The 1.8 puffs a bit to pull this heavy car, but the 2.0 or 2.0 turbo are fine, while the 3.0 V6 makes the 406 purr along, but running costs will hit hard.

Trim runs from L to LX, GLX and Executive. All are well equipped, most have air-con and the Executive gets leather seats. A face-lift in mid-1999 improved equipment across the board, so go for a later car, with the 2.0 HDi 110bhp and LX trim the ideal combination.

Buy from an independent used car dealer for best value.

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