PEUGEOT 406 Estate 1996‑2004

I bought mine from a franchised dealer and got a cracking deal as it was at the time (2009) probably the oldest car on their list. The mileage was a sensible 48k and over the next 3 years I put another 40000 on it. As part of the deal I had the cambelt changed and the full 48k service done and from then on it was looked after by a local Peugeot garage up here in Scotland. The extended warranty came with the car and I extended it further each year for £299. To keep it valid, the car must be serviced at Peugeot however if you book via their website, the prices for older cars are cheaper, fixed and have to be honoured by the dealer even if they would normally charge more ;-)

In the time I had the car it needed 4 tyres, a battery, brake pads and discs and a section of the exhaust which I didn't think was unreasonable with the state of the roads and winters up here. Also required was a fuel tank pump and rear wiper motor, both of which were covered without quibble on the warranty. I did the brakes myself which is a simple job and cheap as the genuine parts were bought online from a franchised dealer making it straightforward and long lasting.

The car itself was comfortable, spacious and always surprised me with how much stuff could be fitted in as well as the kids, dog and bikes on the roof! The standard kit is generous and I got around 40-45mpg according to the computer.

In the end I sold mine for £400 less than I paid for it and it's still going strong locally. It's my second 406 estate and I sold the first one with 170000 miles on it nearly 4 years ago and it's still plodding on too! I've driven all sorts of makes and types of car over the years but these do exactly what they say without any fuss or hype. They'll never set the world on fire but if you're looking for a cheap workhorse, you won't go wrong with a 406 estate.

I'm now tempted by a 508 SW....;-)

I bought this car @ 12 years ago from my companys Fleet.

Currently done @ 150k

This is the best car i have every owned.

With have just returned from a holiday in Dorset with 3 children and a dog also used a top box, no problem.

Also used to tow a small caravan, ok but lack of real grunt shows at times.

Very comfortable, roomy and reliable, normal wear and tear out goings, need to mention had to replace both front springs.

Solid quaility interia, @ 40 mpg

Only 90bhp powerfull enough just, overtaking needs to be well judged

But its now starting look very tired on my drive and feel the need to replace it.

Feel sad at the thought of replacing it and now the dilema of what with.

I needed a car with a big boot and bought the 406 in 2004 with 100k on the clock for £5k - and it doesn't owe me a penny!

It's testament to how well it has performed that it is only now, 8 years later, than I'm starting to consider another vehicle - 85,000 miles including fairly heavy towing, lugging camping gear, motorway cruising and regular inner city commuting and it has only let me down twice - both times clutch/gear related. In 8 years it has needed a new clutch plate, exhaust and suspension drop links.

Running costs are good - parts are not expensive, tyres are cheap, excellent fuel economy - the only slight gripe is insurance - higher than most other cars in its class. Spacious, comfortable, easy to drive, and fairly well equipped.

Of course there will always be a few negatives - after 185k miles the engine is still strong but the car itself is now fraying around the edges. Electrics are occasionally temperamental, the A/C has never worked (but I've never really needed it), the driver's seat has worn badly, the rear suspension feels very tired. The 90hp engine struggles a little when towing up hills.

If I bought another 406 it would be a 110hp HDi, or maybe the more powerful 2.2 litre option.

As a sensible, practical family estate, the 406 does exactly what it says on the tin.

From the outside it looks like the practical, hard-working estate that it is, but inside it has luxury usually only found in high-end cars, eg: heated seats! If you like comfort you can't do better, seats are comfy and minutely adjustable and steering wheel has long reach.

Drives as smooth as silk, steering is so light and visibility is great .

Spacious interior has room for everything a family could need, took it camping last year and believe me, we don't travel light. This model was the tow car of the year in its heyday although this one has never towed.

In 2 years have only had to replace the battery, part of the exhaust and a roll bar. Starts first time, every time, totally reliable. Only downside is it's not good on fuel if you do the kind of local 'Mum' type driving that I do. Only parting with it because my husband now has a large car and we can't justify running 2 large cars.

Have replaced it with a Focus, already have backache and I'm missing those heated seats.

After suffering endless problems with my Ford Focus TDCI including blown turbos and injectors going, I decided I needed a solid european diesel engined car that won't let me down. Also, as I am driving between 80 and 120 miles per day round trip for work I needed some economy as well.

I gave myself a budget of 2k, and for that I got an 03 plate 90bhp 406 HDI Rapier estate with 100k on the clock.

The car had been from auction to garage to garage, and had not been serviced or touched for a number of months. But, as all 406 owners know, 1 turn of the key and it started 1 st time.

Ok, so it has the well known 406 issues, door trim falling off, indicator switch has to be held down when turning left, the air bag light is on constantly etc.

But, after a service, a new cam belt and brakes the car is as good as new, and is delivering ave 52mpg. The ride is typically French, very comfortable over long journeys with a great suspension. And ok the 90 BHP accelaration is under powered, but the trade iff is mpg.

The 406 engine has real pedigree, and is a tried and tested reliable workhorse. I expect to get over 200k out of the car, and probably can sell it for what I bought it for £1700.

They say the 406 diesel is a poor mans Passat TDI, but up to 2k cheaper for the same year and mileage, but give me a 406 anytime.

This was my dads car first bought in 2005 before he upgraded to a 407 1.6hdi in 2009. He bought it with 85k on the clock on a W reg(2000) and i got it with 240k when he upgraded, it now shows 316k. Most of this was motorway mileage which returns 50+mpg or Liverpool to London return on less than 1/2 a tank at a 60mph cruise. My Dads work took him nationwide. I work as building maintenance and as a courier when things are quiet. I also tow a large trailer a couple of times a month which whilst not as good as the Previa she still does very well. With having 4 kids I have upgraded it to a family spec with the purchase from ebay of £57 for the rear seats and it was one of the best things i did. With the seats down the boot is huge but seats up and 2 kids in it the luggage space is zero. The only problems we have had were a new battery 3 yrs ago, the drivers seat snapping (My dad was 20 stone and i am 23 stone), the exhaust snapped 4 months ago and its just had its 1st clutch at a cost of £400 (mates rates). The handbrake is heavy and needs attention every couple of years or it sticks on, the dashboard goes dead every other month for a second or two whilst driving causing the engine to lose power and the radio on/off sometimes doesnt respond but they are more niggles than problems. Spares are reasonable but a new duel mass flywheel is £205 trade. Would my father chop his 407 for another 406? Would i have another one? Yes on both accounts, Possiblly the best car we have both owned.

I bought my 406 10 months ago after wanting one for ages. I was NOT disappointed. I've got 3 kids (did have a dog too), and before this 406 I had a Citroen Picasso. The 406 beats it hands down for ride quality and driving pleasure. I would buy another tomorrow, but as we are downsizing from 2 to 1 car, her indoors can only drive automatics. It said nothing about this in the marriage vows! but it's one of those forced sales that you know will pull the heart strings. For some reason they are a little high on insurance and as they are heavier cars you sacrifice ride comfort and build quality for probably 5mpg - but hey it's swings and roundabouts. If you are looking for a diesel estate - really - look no further.

we bought ours as a 3 year old, and it's now 11 - with 210,000 on the clock. Use it for long journeys to visit family in Southern Germany, with two sons (now teenagers) in the back at least once a year; and it laps it up. Even getting excellent mileage if I can hold myself back and keep the speed down to 70-75 instead of the usual 80-85.

Compared to the Laguna estate we had before, with a 2 litre sporty petrol engine: the 406 is much quieter at speed: the Laguna gear ratios meant high revs at 85mph that were too noisy

Reliability - is a mixed bag; Aircon packed up, but probably because we never used it. Rear handbrake stiffness seems to be a design problem, and needed attention every few years. But engine reliability excellent - a solid diesel.

Now used daily by my wife as a district nurse, and despite the age is reliable throughout the year - only once not starting: the pump in the fuel tank to blame, so nothing expensive.

It just keeps going and going despite the mileage - I think that diesel (was it developed with Audi?) is a solid performer.

It's broken down twice in 150,000 miles, cavernous rear with the seats down and still goes like a train. Super reliable and great in the snow.

I have owned this car fo 4 years, it has now done 90k.

It has been extremely reliable and gives me a 44mpg on a daily 40 mile commute. The only reason I'm selling is because we need a 7 seater, I am really gutted to be selling to be honest. I'm sure there are many years of motoring still in it. Tax band is very low too. Insurance band is a tad High but not too bad. All in all I can recomend it to anyone wanting a reasonably priced family workhorse.