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“I prefer the diesel Peugeot 406 but if you're all...”

written by redrebo on 08/11/2006

Good Points
At moderate speeds the vehicle is sane, stable, secure and very reassuring. Equipment is generous, and on this base model there was an on-board computer with an LCD display, automatic climate control, RDS radio / K7 Player with controls on the steering column, power steering, height adjustable front seats, electric front windows, fog lights (front & rear), 4 airbags, remote controlled power doors, electric mirrors, and 3 head rests in the back. The engine is OK. However, it is sometimes hard to get things inside of it (considering the height of the sill). I broke a fog light on one side (this is the 406 MK II, 1999+) and had the pain of discovering that it cost over a 100 Euros (From Peugeot, Original, Imported, Tax included, in Moroccan Currency). The car is solid, and on-board comfort is given priority. However, the car isn't very stable at speeds over 150km/h (I say this owning a Golf and a 309 diesel at the same time, and I could handle 170 in the 309 diesel without power steering, but the 406 simply scared me at the time: shakes, gives you the impression it will simply keep rolling forward no matter where you steer (impressive understeer), especially with the weight of the vehicle). I drove it at over 180 kph, and the engine looks like it can do more, but when I looked at the display reading over 24l/100km I almost went nuts. The gas station confirmed my fear when I discovered the 10 Euros of gas I had just put in had been sipped dry by the car in less than 40km (somewhat stunt driving - I was testing the car).

Despite its size, the car can respond quickly (under 120 kph), and the braking is correct (ABS is present, but I never noticed). Now, I also had a go with a HDi 110 406, and this one I liked. The car could do 140+kph at under 3000rpm in fifth gear, and the sound of the engine is simply AMAZING. There is so much torque you don't even feel the need to push the gas pedal; just nudge it gently and you can hear the HDi whistle into speed.

Bad Points
Eats up fuel pretty quickly, even for a 1.8 (does worse than a 2.0 injection Daewoo I owned).
Pretty expensive for parts, but they should be readily available in wreck yards, as well as at Peugeot service centres.
A little bit big for parking in the city, but the excellent power steering makes up for the size.
Visibility is a bit itchy for a car this big.

General Comments
I prefer the diesel Peugeot 406 but if you're all petrol, try the 2.0 petrol engine, it should be better and should eat up less fuel. Otherwise the Peugeot 406 1.8 SR is a superb car, and superb value for money, whether it's for trips with the family, going to work or just taking the kids to the mall.