So far it has done 40,000 miles in four years.
It has needed... New battery. New exhaust. New Engine management computer (£1100). New set of six coils (had to be towed in). New speedo and hand brake warning switch.
And many other smaller parts.
A typical Peugeot!!

I have owner two Peugeot 406 coupes - both 3.0 V6s. One 18 months old, one from new.

Both cars offered so much in terms of styling - far more distinctive than the all to common Audi TT or BMW 3 series; I am sure these are great cars, but you see them everywhere... the 406 coupe is something altogether different.

The older car had the original 3.0lt power unit developing 193BHP, the latter having a revised unit with 210BHP. Both were smooth and wonderfully versatile thanks to 24 valves and variable valve timing. A 20,000 mile service interval, using many of the common parts found in the standard 406 took the fear out of clocking up high miles.

Both cars liked a drink - in fact it was hard to get much more than 400 miles out of the 60lt tank. But if you are going to buy a 3 litre car I guess you shouldn't be worried too much about such things. Insurance can be steep - this is a group 18 vehicle - I managed to get £1100 per annum in central london by shopping around (30 years old, full no claims, no convictions, fully comp.).

In terms of practicality I am not sure that any other performance coupe could beat the 406. Four adults can travel in comfort with loads of luggage - or two people can collect a flat-pack double bed and and bring it home thanks to folding rear seats.

And now to the bad news...

Both cars, unfortunately, suffered significant and regular electrical and secondary system failures. The latter vehicle being returned to the dealership 10 times in 9 months before threat of action before the county courts forced them to take the car back.

Problems included alarm system malfunction, problems with climate control (erractic function), failure of variable power steering, faliure of electric seats leading to flat battery, failure of power windows (not closing), cruise control not working.

The above work was still covered by warranty in both vehicles - I shudder to think what it would have cost if I had had to pay for it myself.

It is such a shame that a car with so much going for it can be let down so badly by electrics and other mechanical problems. I am still tempted whenever I see a 406 coupe, but having had two problem cars I will never buy one again.

They stopped making them last year, so all stock will be in the second hand market. You can certainly get a great deal of car for your money (original cost of V6 = about £26,500) but be warned, once the three year warranty has run out, you might be in for some steep bills!