Used Peugeot 806 MPV 1995 - 2003 review

Aside from the badge on the nose, the Peugeot 806 is, essentially, the same car as the Citroen Synergie. Six-, seven- and eight-seat versions are available, and you get twin sliding rear doors to ease access in tight parking spots.

The 806 also gives owners a massive 3283 litres of luggage space with the second row of seats folded forward and the third row removed. However, there's little room for luggage when you're carrying a full complement of people, so be prepared to travel light on family trips.

The rear seats are very heavy to lift out, while the interior can suffer from rattles and creaks. The dash-mounted gearlever is awkward, too, but at least the swithchgear is logical and simple to use.

As for the drive, the ride is supple and the 806 is a quiet car to travel in. But, if you want something to drive just for the hell of it, you'll be disappointed you're not in a Ford Galaxy and Volkswagen Sharan.

Our favourite version, the 2.0-litre diesel, is the costliest, but you'll claw back some of that at the pumps, because it returns a healthy 42.2mpg on the combined cycle. The 1.9 diesel can only manage 34.9mpg, the 138bhp petrol 30.7mpg and the 123bhp petrol just 26.6mpg.

Unfortunately, Peugeot dealers have higher labour rates than many rival manufacturers, including Citroen. This can make maintenance and accident repairs a little pricey, although you can save big money by shopping around. According to data from Warranty Direct, independent Peugeot specialists charge about half as much per hour as their franchised counterparts.

The 806 was initially offered with a 123bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine or a 92bhp 1.9-litre diesel. A more powerful 2.0-litre petrol with 138bhp was introduced in May 2000 and a new 110bhp 2.0-litre diesel replaced the old 1.9-litre unit at the same time.

The 2.0-litre diesel is best because it's smooth, has buckets of pull and doesn't become coarse as the revs rise. As a bonus, you get a CD player and cruise control, items that weren't fitted across the range before May 2000.

Still, every 806 is equipped with electric front windows, remote central locking, and heated power door mirrors. Most models have climate control, too, with the entry-level LX trim the only one to make do with air-con.

The standard front airbags are welcome, but disappointingly side and curtain 'bags weren't even available on high-specification cars. On the security front, deadlocks, marked parts and an engine immobiliser help to deter thieves.

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