We've owned our Peugeot 206 1.1LX since 2000 when it was 18mths old. We still have it now and intend to keep it for our son who will start learning to drive in four years time. It is serviced each year because it only covers low mileage. Most use is in our country town where it dashes from home to school and shops - short journeys. Once a week it gets a 30 mile return journey to Tesco and less frequently it takes me into work in Edinburgh city centre - a 45 mile return journey - both being 60mph two-way 'A' class roads and city streets.

Engine performance is only satisfactory for town trips. On the open road acceleration is slow although, once at cruising speed, the car can hold its own. But overtaking is an affair that requires much planning or courage - you spend too much time on the wrong side of the road even though you drop down a gear or two. The unit is quite quiet but you do need to work it hard in the gears to get the best from it and, because it's an 8v rather than 16v unit, there is not much response at the high rev range. Working the engine hard reduces economy which is nothing special. So the 1.4 16v unit is a much better bet and delivers almost the same mpg return. Really, only buy the 1.1 unit if you are a city or town dweller who rarely ventures out to faster roads.

The driving experience is mixed. On the plus side the Peugeot has decent suspension which, even with those narrow tyres, will get you around corners well and is predicatable. Perhaps it's a little skittish across rough tarmac surfaces. But trying to get a comfortable driving position is almost impossible, especially for taller drivers. Firstly, the steering wheel adjusts only for rake and not reach. So you end up moving the seat to compensate. That means that you're either set up badly for the foot pedals or wheel - it's always a compromise. Secondly, the pedals in the pedal box are too close together. You need tiny feet otherwise you are forever worrying that you'll clip another pedal when pressing the brake, throttle or clutch - not nice. There's no room to rest your foot either. You learn to drive the 206 and it takes time. Finally, the wiper action is set up for continental driving so it splashes water across the driver's view in the rain - increasingly common today on many cars.

The cabin is a pleasant place though. There's very little exposed metal and fabrics are nice. The dash plastics are hard but, although the magazines aren't positive, I think it's OK and my other cars a Volvo XC90 so I have a benchmark for comparisons. Equipment levels are high for this car. For a 1999 LX model you get electric front windows, remote control radio controls (on steering stalk) and air conditioning. The radio / cassette player sound is adequate although reception can be weak. The aircon is not the most powerful at chilling air but it does its job and does not drain the engine or precious power when operating. You also get remote central locking and a cargo net in the boot. The rear seats fold almost flat. Everything is well laid out and intuitive to use. Rear passengers get comfortable seats and the 206 can carry four adults as it has a spacious cabin for a car of this size. The middle rear seat has a lap belt and it is suitable only for three kids along the back. The boot is a decent size. Access to the rear seats is OK as the front seats slide forward when folded. Headroom is fine although my car does not have a sunroof fitted (no point with aircon). The driver gets an airbag but otherwise that's it for safety!

Build quality is only adequate and typical for French cars. Nothing major has failed and the car has always completed its journeys. Componants fail gradually and predictably. We've covered 32,000 stop/start short journey miles. CV joints on front wheels failed over time with typical rattling around corners on acceleration. Not cheap to fix. Rubber gaiter boots failed first letting water and salt into the joints. Otherwise it's just the usual wear and tear things each year. The handles on the folding seat mechanism need tightening up every 6mths otherwise they come loose and fall off - a simple job but it reminds you of the low budget build on this car and is typical of the care required to keep your 206 in one piece.

Bodywork is of thin panels and it picks up shopping trolley / car door 'dings' all too easilly. There's no rust yet but it is properly washed and the wheel arches get a good spray with a high pressure hose to clear the salty much - otherwise they would corrode I think as they collect silt quickly.

Running costs are small. Insurance is very cheap, fuel is so-so for a small engined car and repair bills more a niggle rather than bank breaking. Tyres are very cheap. We use a non-franchised garage for repairs and servicing as the car is simple and requires little specialist Peugeot knowledge.

Image is strong for a car of this age. Launched in 1998, the 206 is still in production although this is due to end soon. It has been consistently one of the biggest selling private cars in the UK and the facelifts have been minor - limited to clear headlamp lenses and slight revisions to the tail lights externally. This has kept our T-reg 1999 model fresh. It has an appealing sporty look for a little car, perhaps boosted by those World Rally Championship wins with Marcus Gronholm at the wheel (not in 1.1LX though!). It's a great car for youngsters with its great image, looks and cheap running costs. There is a huge aftermarket range of accessories such as Lexus lights and rear spoilers for those that like such things. In 1.1 engine form the insurance is affordable for youngsters as well.

Should you get one? Yes, but only if your budget prevents you from getting newer, post-2000 small cars. From 1998 to 2000 this is a good model. From 2000 onwards there are better cars such as the Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz and later Ford Fiesta. But for pre-2001 purchases the 206 is a better package than the older Fiesta, Corsa or Clio. You need to be prepared to endure the flawed driving position for those looks though. If you can, get the 1.4 16v engine. The 1.1 8v is fit for urban driving only.

A good effort from Peugeot, the 206 is a car that my family is pleased with and has been a good family runabout.