Why buy?
A spacious and practical small car, that comes with a generous variety of engines and specifications. The styling, even 10 years on, still looks fresh and contemporary.
A typically soft and refined Peugeot ride combined with the popular and impressive Hdi diesel engines have meant there are lots on the used market. So shop around for one in good condition and at the right price. There is no need to overpay or settle for an abused example.
In 3 door format, this is a favourite first car. In 5 door format is big enough to be classed as a small family car, albeit the boot is smaller than its big brother the 307.
Which one should I choose?
Petrol and diesel cars are both about the same price at the moment.
But the diesels can be more to insure in some cases and have always done around 10,000 miles more by their third birthday. So the petrol engine makes more sense to the used buyer: a lower mileage, less strained engine should be cheaper to keep on the road.
If buying in three door format, the 1.1 litre petrol engines are adequate but as the 1.4 litre engines will give a similar MPG (up to 46 is a reasonable target) performance, if you can afford the extra insurance, you may as well have the benefits of the more refined and powerful unit.
What’s the market like?
Small cars are not bought by fleets so there are never many dumped on the sued market. Dealers also know that small cars are bought by conscientious buyers who will pay more. So prices stay firm.
Typical average depreciation is around 12% a year for the first three to four years. Around its 5th birthday is often a good time to buy as depreciation backs off to around 8%.
Average mileage on petrol engines is only 10-12,000 on 2006 registered cars, then it rises to 17,000 and 28,000 for 2004 registered cars. So don’t over pay for ‘low mileage.’
2006 registered diesels are typically at 21,000 average miles, rising to 44,000 for 2004 registered cars. So a lot more than petrol.
FAULT 1
What to look for
Turn the radio on for a part of the test drive. Check that it turns on and stays on, as a number developed a fault of turning themselves off (and staying off for up to several days).
What it means (if you find this fault)
If the radio is temperamental, it needs to be replaced.
What to do (your options)
Negotiate a £240 discount or have the repair completed.
FAULT 2
What to look for
Test the central locking to ensure that it works correctly. The locking system can 'bounce.' This is where you lock or unlock the car and it immediately re-locks or re-opens itself.
What it means (if you find this fault)
If the locks bounce, the actuator needs replacing.
What to do (your options)
Negotiate a £155 discount or have the repair completed.
FAULT 3
What to look for
If the cam belt and associated parts (such as the tensioner) have not been changed, and the mileage is over these boundaries, the cam belt is likely to fail soon. Usually the engine has to be replaced or at least re-built after a cam belt failure.
What it means (if you find this fault)
Check the paperwork to see if the cam belt has been changed on schedule. On most engines the cam belt must be changed within 5 years or 72,000 miles. Many garages recommend changing the belt at 60,000 miles.
What to do (your options)
Ensure that the cam belt is changed before the car is driven anywhere if it is coming close to its interval. Changing the belt will cost £100 on petrol engines.
For the rest of the common faults to check, click here to register