FAMILY saloons have never been more stylish since the Peugeot 406 arrived. Peugeot cleverly combined driver appeal, with superb refinement and ride comfort. It is a roomy and practical car too. The estate is very spacious and a coupe' offers upmarket sophistication at a very attractive price. Overall the 406 is a class act.
Fleet car running costs for the 406 means that servicing is reasonable. UsedCarExpert.com's buyers guide lists 29 common faults - so similar to Ford Mondeo or Vauxhall Vectra. Here are three tips, extracted from the guide:
Check 1: HDI Engines
Check the paperwork on a car with over 60,000 miles to see if the emissions additive has been re-filled. The emissions additive must be changed between 62,000 and 70,000 miles and can only be done by main dealers. A warning message does appear on the dashboard.
Check 2: Key pad
On 1996-1999 cars the immobiliser works from a key pad. Ensure you are given the code for the keypad and test that it works. The wire in the hinge breaks and can need to be replaced.
Check 3: Gearbox
Change gear in a variety of situations, including: changing down at relatively high revs and selecting first when the car is rolling. Is the gear change smooth or notchy? If the gear change is very notchy, some of the teeth may have chipped off in the differential. You may need to exchange the gearbox. There is no point having the gear box repaired as you will not get a warranty on all gears and if others fail you will be billed again.
Economy is around 40mpg for the excellent diesels, 1.8 is the best petrol at just over 30mpg. The 406 succeeds in being one of the most comfortable family saloons and estate you can buy. The ride quality is superb, hardly troubled by uneven tarmac, it is always quiet, smooth and refined.
Inside, the cabin is roomy, with good seats and reasonable levels of trim quality. A lovely way to travel and as a driving machine it has huge levels of grip, good balance and sharp steering. A 1.8 GLX from 2002 with 60,000 miles is £3,700.
NOTE TO SUBS: Please delete data for the areas in which you have no interest
1998 Peugeot 406 1.8 LX, 119,000 miles, £900. Private - 07815 765812.
1999 T Reg Peugeot 406 1.8 L, 66,000 miles, £995. Charles Rooney Car Sales - 0141 7780800.
1999 Peugeot 406 1.8 LX 4dr, 95,000 miles, £1,000. Private - 01236 603230.
Peugeot 406 LX Diesel 2.0, 120,000 miles, £420ono. Private - 07969 766402.
1998 Peugeot 406 1.8 LX, 123,000 miles, £450. Private - 07782 194642.
1997 Peugeot 406 2.0 GLX, 78,000 miles, £900. Private - 01325 267204.
X Reg Peugeot 406 2.0 LX, 42,300 miles, £3,495. Terry Pierce Cars - 01642 223159.
V Reg Peugeot 406 2.0 HDi GLX, 90,000 miles, £2,995. Cleveland Car Centre - 01642 222705.
R Reg Peugeot 406 1.8 LX, 90,000 miles, £1,295. Dalmatian Cars - 01642 633772.
2000 Peugeot 406 LX two-litre, 119,000 miles, £1,595ono. Ultra R S - 01484 543548.
1997 Peugeot 406 1.9 TD LX, 90 000 miles, £900ono. Private - 01484 312629.
Peugeot 406 2.0 Petrol, 69,000 miles, £1,600. Await MR - 07989 033746.
Peugeot 406 1.8 LX, MOA, £1,999. S&D - 01244 547111.
1998 S Reg Peugeot 406 1.9 TD LX, MOA, £2,499. Paradise Autos - 01244 371668.
Peugeot 406 1.8 LX Estate, 76,000 miles, £2,999. S&D - 01244 547111.
W Reg Peugeot 406 2.0 Executive, 80,000 miles, £3,295. BCS - 0151 2016666.
S Reg Peugeot 406 1.8 L, MOA, £995. Rice Lane Car Sales - 0151 5218700.
2000 Peugeot 406 2.0 HDi, 89,000 miles, £2,350ono. Connect Cars - 07890 307535.
52 Reg Peugeot 406 1997 cc GLX, MOA, £3,995. Andrews Garage - 02476 458635.
T Reg Peugeot 406 1.8 Rapier, 10,6225 miles, £1,595. Autochoice Car Sales - 02476 850077.
1997 Peugeot 406 1.9 TD L, 159 miles, £899ono. Private - 07737 091501.
V Reg Peugeot 406 1.8 Rapier, MOA, £2,199. Spa Cars - 01527 579884.
2001 Peugeot 406 2.0 HDi 90 LX, 89,500 miles, £3,200ono. Private - 01527 69634.
1997 R Reg Peugeot 406 1.8 LX, 93,000 miles, £1,299. Mount Pleasant Garage - 01527 545066.
52 Reg Peugeot 406 2.0 HDI GTX, 25,187 miles, £5,995. Jeff White - 02920 395777.
1998 R Reg Peugeot 406 2.0 2dr, 67,000 miles, £2,995. EuroVehicle - 02920 462097.
02 Reg Peugeot 406 1,997cc SE, 62,000 miles, £6,495. Leckworth Motor Co - 02920 350340.