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No mention of its super touring credentials? Successful in European touring cars in the 90s, and although it never had success in the BTCC, the 406 was the plucky underdog and one of the best looking!
One of the few cars where I can look at it from any angle and say “yes, the designers got this one right”. Stylish, clean lines, no unnecessary kinks or curves. One of the all time great Peugeot styles
Fun fact: the 406 Coupe was styled by Davide Arcangeli, who went on to pen the original E60 5 series design undee Chris Bangle at BMW. Arcangeli passed from leukemia mere weeks before the E60's design was finalized, and thus Bangle & the design team froze all changes to the design, in his honor. The 406 coupe and e60 hold a special place in my heart, some of my all time favorite designs
I'm biased because I had one, but I think the E60 design aged really well and was even quite a handsome car from the get go. Very few of the excesses of some of the earlier Bangle-overseen designs.
@@mosmarb I've owned three E60's now. Two M5's (both 6MT) as well as a 535i 6MT. Out of the 20+ BMW's I've had, the E60 M5 has been my favorite car. I also think they're beautiful cars
I've been driving one of these for the past 20 years. A 2.0 Hdi. Bought it in February 2004 it was six months old and had 9000 miles on it. Came quite well equipped with factory Sat Nav system. Quite new-fangled back then. Been driving it as my daily ever since. Starts on the button, everything still works on it. Able to do the servicing myself .Saw no reason to part with it, just keeps going.
@@GoldenCroc I was talking to a guy at a classic car show last month. He said the same thing. He had a 1981 VW Jetta Diesel with 500,000 miles on it! I thought I was doing well!
The 406 holds a special place in my heart. My grandpa (dad's father) was a lifelong Peugeot driver; not into automotive, but Peugeot was his brand of choice for traveling from A to B. The last car he had was a 406 sedan in burgundy, which I remember standing on the old driveway for some years after he had passed away in 1999. I was barely two years old when he died, so I've never really known him. I've never driven a 406 myself, but this video really makes me want to try one, just so I can experience what Grandpa's last drive was like. To hear it's actually really good makes me feel weirdly happy. Thank you, James. Hope you have a great time of day, whenever you may read this.
What you've described is most 406s lives, one owner till he/she passes away then goes on to a new owner or unfortunately gets scrapped. I've bought two of 'em under such circumstances. They really are great cars, especially considering what they cost nowadays. Do drive one, or even better buy one if you ever get the chance, you won't regret it
I worked at a Peugeot dealer in the early 00s, leaving just as the 406 was being replaced. The general consensus throughout was that the 205, 309, 405, 306 and 406 were truly good cars - the '07s were a step backwards. The facelift 406 Estate with the 2.2Hdi was the absolute peak!
The facelift 305 in GTX trim was a great car too! I had an estate that I ran to 238,000 miles. The valve seals on the 1.9 XU engine had to be replaced and I the original Solex(?) twin carb was replaced with the equivalent Weber that slowed it down a bit, but improved the economy - which still wasn't great. It had the most amazing plush velour seats - very old skool French in being both comfortable and supportive.
That scrappage scheme lost us a lot of older, interesting cars, including ones much nicer than a 406. 18 E24 BMW 6 Series (the numbers were made publicly available thanks to freedom of information), 3 E31 8 Series, an Alpina B7, an M535i and one E9 3.0 CSi, just to take a few nice BMWs as an example. Now bear in mind they had to be runners and MOTed within a fairly short period preceding the scrappage date and it becomes even more of a shame :(
I've been driving a 600 quid 406 estate since 2017 and I don't see myself parting with it anytime soon. It's not rusty, the 1.8 petrol just keeps on working and the car rarely has any problems of any sort. Sure, it's a bit slow but it's a nice thing to drive and what I still can't get over is how quiet and refined it is! Most new cars I've sat in have more tyre noise and interior squeaks!
My 405 was like that. I was a Ford fanatic but when I got that 405 it felt much more solid and yet more refined than those old Fords, much better equiped too. Loved it.
Been driving a £350 306 GLX Estate with the 2.0 HDi also since 2017. A reliable, quick and very comfortable car that at 187,000 miles is barely run in. My garage likes working on it, as there's less stuff and more room. It is trying to transition from old car to classic, but all classics have to go through that difficult age!
My most memorable taxi ride was in a 406 about 17 years ago. An immaculately driven HDi automatic with really squishy leather seats and such supple suspension. Even though I was half asleep and a bit drunk, it still sticks in my mind.
Around 1999 I was a sales rep with a Rover 416 as my company drive! The 416 went in for some lengthy repairs and for the couple of weeks the Rover was off the road, I was presented with one of these to play with. It was a nearly new, phase one 2L( I think) HDI saloon, manual, in dark blue. I'd never even been near one of these beforehand and I absolutely loved it. The fuel tank was colossal, I remember filling it up and wondering when it was ever going to end. however, 700 miles later it still wasn't empty. For those of you who are too young to have cogent memories of 1999, engines were nowhere near as fuel-efficient in those days as they are now, and these kinds of range figures on a single tank were virtually unheard of. it was quiet, for a diesel of the day as well, relatively quick, again for a diesel of the day, and super comfortable. I didn't want to give it back! And here I am in 2023 talking about a car that I drove for a couple of weeks almost a quarter of a century ago, I think that sums it up totally!
So glad JayEm hasn’t become like Hoovies Garage where he just seems to show off about how big his house is and how expensive his cars are. Love that there’s still genuine love for the cheap stuff here too!!
One of the best things about this lovely channel is the fantastic mix of cars we get - literally everything from the latest supercars to old bangers all treated with equal enthusiasm. As for the 406 I too think they're cracking cars - but I would say that as I own the Diablo Red V6 manual that has already received more than its fair share of RUclips exposure .
Had a 2.2Hdi coupe for about 5 years, for a while there I was dirt poor and couldn't afford servicing. Still kept running without any repair bills at all.
I drove thousands of cars when I worked in the trade in the early 00's. Not many stayed in my memory, but I clearly remember the first time I drove a 406. I immediately felt comfortable with it; the seat, the driving position and especially the road manners. Same applied to the 306 - great cars.
Just had a steer of a manual V6 one here in Australia. What a hoot. Comfy, nice to drive, good ergonomics. Now they’re a rare beast here, but surprisingly 406 coupes were popular in Australia. Even here they were one of those cars you would see regularly and then one day, they were all gone
From the time when cars were just done properly, Laguna, Primera, Mondeo, 156, Vectra, 406, and so on. Tidy handling, reasonable performance and tech, good build quality
My father owns and daiky drives a peugeot 406 estate, and i must say, the ride quality for a car with no value in it at all is unbelievable (it is a beat up work horse). It is early 96 model and yet the ride is noticeably better than in my 03 v6 mondeo estate. And what really needs a mentioning is the naturally aspirated 1.8 petrol engine, it has 360k km on the clock with MULTIPLE overheatings throughout it's life, and yet still goes pretty much like new.
For the stereo code, it's either written on it, in the manual, or if it is the original one just contact a dealer (a French one if English ones can't help) with your VIN and they'll give it to you. Though they might charge you for this.
A good chance they will help you out for free at peugeot dealer. If it is not the original unit the car came with you can contact the manufacturer of the unit itself (mostlikely clarion). Serialnumber from the unit might get you the code there. At least you can try.
No clues on the stereo itself, and the card that has the code on it is sadly absent from the owner’s manual. I did try the original dealership it was sold from in Canterbury, but had no luck with them either. Typing in a random 4 digit code every half an hour was a fun way to break up long journeys though!
For me this will always be the hero car (second, make no mistake, behind the Audi S8) from Ronin…hugely outgunned by the mighty BMW E34 M5 but ultimately triumphs in cinema’s greatest car chase.
Thanks! As usual, love your content .But this time you have hit it out of the ball park for me, perfect timing! I’m Canadian car nut and I’ve just moved to France for a 1 year stay. Just rented a house and with my fleet of cars at home in barn. I have a itch I need to scratch. I naturally started looking for good cars to purchase on Le boncoin but have no knowledge of French cars and since we sell almost none in Canada. I have just found 10 pages of manual coupes I will be probably purchasing now with your help! Now, to find a cool color with low mileage! Cheers, keep up the great work!
My Dad had three of these (not all at once of course). The last one being a green face lifted version that finished its life with nearly 250,000 miles. A truly brilliantly made car and the earliest car I can remember my family owning.
Peugeot was my favourite manufacturer. Got my license in 1997 and got a 106 GTi and a few years later a 306 GTi. Great cars. Comfortable, reliable, exciting and in my opinion great looking. I think from the time of those cars, the 206 and this 406 i fell out of love for the brand. They are weird looking (they make Citroen look normal), not very reliable and are not as comfortable as before. Changed to Kia and Hyundai. But the memories remain.
Those who knew the old late 90s BTCC (and the games that went along with it, TOCA 1 and 2) remember Tim Harvey and Paul Radisich (from New Zealand) as 406 drivers in this championship. These were the days. I also remember there was the gentleman driver John George, from the Mardi Gras Motorsport, in 2002 driving a 406 Coupe running on LPG, during the beginning of the Super 2000 regulations.
Also a star of the fabulous 1998 film 'Ronin'. One of the best car chases on film was a Peugeot 406! Also the first car I properly drove after my test, getting usage out of my Mum's Pug.
I had an 01 plate 406 estate with 365000 miles on the clock. It was a 2.0 HDI, it had automatic headlights, wipers, cruse control and used to do 950 miles to a tank of diesel. It did all that mileage on the same clutch, gear box etc, it just had standard oil and all filter changes as well as brakes etc. What a fantastic car it was.
@@jameshunterford4099 ah right. I saw one on autotrader last week for £495 a green diesel estate with 220k miles on the clock. Can't find it now though appears to be sold
Hello from Austria - I drive a 1996 406 1.9 Diesel . The Peugeot was bought new by my grandpa, he drove it till 2015 (with only 50000 miles). Then I learned to drive with it and I still keep it besides my F10 525d. Everytime I hop into the 406 I have to smile - it isn't fast, it's quite rusty but still running smoothly and very comfortable. I do enjoy driving it, not only because I don't have to care about it.
This shared a platform with the Citroen Xantia… They’re surprisingly good too! Enjoyed this and good for people to see that French cars have been good in the past!
In my opinion the 406 was even more comfortable and reliable, the seats were just as comfy but more supportive. Lately had some testdrives with Xantias and its been quite disappointing for me!
I had always wanted a 406 Coupe but I could not afford it at the time they came out. I ended up owning six of them of the years and my fave was my yellow 3.0 V6 D8.5, those that know the 406's will know that the D8.5 was a crossover between the changes to the car and engine back in 1999-2000. I still have a Pug 407 SW Executive that is taxed, MOT'd and a daily driver, the pugs will run forever if looked after.
Me to, I couldn't quite afford a 406 coupe. Had several 106 which were great, chopping and changing up the range to a GTi, then a 206 which was plagued with issues
In Nigeria especially Northern Nigeria these cars are highly revered, so much so that some see them as the greatest car ever made. I began to somewhat hate it because everyone sings praises of it and because I just didn't think it was that special. Another reason it is revered is that in the early 2000s the then president of Nigeria ordered them in spades and were used in ministries, the presidency itself, the military and numerous agencies mostly as escort cars for the mile long convoys for dignitaries. When it became more affordable and accessible to the common masses, people bought them because they showed a bit of power status, you weren't easily harassed by forces for fear of you being important or working for someone important. In short people bought them because they couldn't afford the brand new black Toyota Land Cruiser. It is nice to see someone as authoritative as you be amazed by it.
Loved mine. Paid £1500 for it, ran it for 2 years, drove round France in it with 3 kids in the back, then sold it for £1500. Service parts from Euro or Gsf dirt cheap.
Toby sounds eerily familiar... I bought a roadster for the summer at the start of the year (albeit an mgf) and just bought a practical banger for the winter months: a '99 Peugeot 306 estate whose previous owner works as a car mechanic, for 750,-. It's absolutely fab! Sure, it has a few dings and scratches and the interior has been... lived in, but it's so comfy and drives like a dream.
I had a 406 executive in dark, metallic blue with black leather interior as a company car I did over 100,000 miles in three years with the 2.1 diesel engine and it was a joy for every single mile. Thank you for rekindling those memories.
Loved these cars! I bought a bog standard 1.8 petrol in 1998, a year old, and ran it for nearly 10 years before I passed it onto my mum and dad as a spare car. We sold it in 2018. Apart from tyres, servicing and new cam belts every few years - basic servicing - it ran faultlessly for all that time and racked up huge miles! Handled well, fitted loads in, mega comfy, turbine quiet on the motorway and looked handsome from most angles. Mine was white so the blacked out B pillars and tinted glass made it look even better! I loved the lit up ashtray so you could smoke in the dark and as mine didn't have climate control, it did have a chamfered recess in the dash that fitted - exactly - a packet of 20 cigarettes and a lighter. Most reliable car we've had in the family. Ever.
I'm in Australia and I've owned my HDI 406 for a couple of years now and its fantastic. It has almost 400,000 kilometers on the odometer and I did 480 kilometers on the weekend and that was towing a pretty large trailer. Its outrageously comfortable and is fantastic for long distance driving on our crazy, awful, crumbling roads. Its survived dust, floods and over 40 degree heat and is amazing. I'll be respraying it this summer and have decided to purchase a 406 when I move to the UK next year. I also have a Range Rover but I mainly drive the 406.
Had my W reg 2.0HDI 110bhp for 10 years, well over 200,000 miles on it when I sold it. Most reliable and comfy car I’ve ever owned. Pulled like a train and returned around 45mpg.
At 5:08 you're driving past the place that often has a pale blue 406 estate. Reminds me of my X reg GLX estate 2.0 diesel. A Supremely comfy load lugger.
I recently bought a 98 406 in Australia. It was a 'club permit', which meant it hardly used. Bought it 6 months ago with 130k on the clock. I love this car, as it has some character. But, being a 4 speed means plenty of rev-patience.... all good, though. Thanks for the review and glad to see, I'm not alone in lovibg this car! 👍🏻
Cars from that era were generally pretty good to drive. I have been driving 99 accord for the last 20 years and I used to think it was a boring car but it actually drives brilliantly. I would love to prelude swap it one day with a manual just need to find a reliable shop near me to do it.
Used to have the face lift 1.8 petrol manual. Loved it. Handled better than it should have, was great on long runs and fuel economy was decent. This has made me want another.
Had one of these a decade ago for £900. A beautiful car, well equipped and with brilliant sound isolation. Seemed much more expensive than it was. Sadly mine failed the MOT for a dozen reasons (not least of which: the MOT tech could punch holes through the floor) which explained the cheap price. Sold it to the owner of a welding shop for £250. Saw it on the road a few years later, too. Howevee the 206 I bought later cemented my decision to never buy a Peugeot again - they can't handle their road salt AT ALL.
bought a manual turbo petrol one of these for £700 about 10 years ago, exact same colour too! 150hp LPT and didn't like to rev. Was really good fun though and super-torquey, but it all went to shit when the clutch disappeared in London traffic one day. New clutch fitted was quoted as £1500 so it went to the scrapyard in the sky.
Great memories of a late friend's ex CID 2.0 petrol with a manual transmission. Top speed in second gear was 65mph. It also had passive rear steering. An absolutely amazing car. Thanks for the memories! 👍😎
I had a 1.8 petrol 5-speed manual on a Y plate. Bought it at 1 year old ( previously been a hire car ) in 2002, it finally left me in 2014. It took me/us pretty much all around Britain, as well as being my daily urban commuter drive. A real pleasure to drive, comfortable and capable, surprisingly agile for a biggish, hefty-ish car.
These early 2000 diesels are just built like tanks. The Peugeot DW10 engine (2,0 HDI) will often go beyond 500’000 kms if maintained properly. And it’ll do 50 mpg if you don’t drive too hard.
I had one about 20 years ago. I was a 406 Executive. 2.0 petrol turbo. Full leather. Electric memory driver seat. An absolutely lovely car that didn't give me any problems. I owned it for about five years and never saw another in that trim.
I used to have a R reg in that colour, beautiful car. I took it to France, Spain and Italy and aside from a blown exhaust, which was replaced in Siracusa, Sicily, it never missed a beat. Great video, keep them coming, they’re brilliant! PS I have a 2012 BMW 640D convertible which I love, welcome to have a drive if you want.
To get that code for the stereo, he could contact the Peugeot dealer and with the VIN they could determine the code to unlock the radio. We ran into that issue on my mom's 2001 Mercedes E320. We did that and it fixed the issue.
I drove two facelift models as company cars.The first was a 2.0 litre petrol and a huge improvement on my previous car, a Rover 400. One of my customers was Motor Sport Developments in Milton Keynes. They prepared 406's for the British Touring Car Championship. One of the drivers was Tim Harvey who does commentary work for ITV coverage of the BTCC today. I tried to convince them to do the servicing and tuning for me but I had no luck with that idea lol. My second was a late run out diesel model that was virtually a GLX without the electric rear windows. Both were great cars for comfort, reliability and with the large boot, good load capacity.
I remember being given one of these as a courtesy car when I was about 20. It was a mighty impressive thing. I was sideswiped by someone who ran a red light at a crossroads and it was so solidly built that I could open the door while the Celica that hit me was in bad way. I could even drive it back to the garage, albeit with all driver side windows shattered. I had quite a lot of explaining to do, however.
Great to see you reviewing one of these. My dad had a diesel one in forest green and, yes, it unfortunately fell victim to the scrappage scheme. Genuinely think it was the best car he's ever had. Supremely comfy, same GLX spec as reviewed.
I had one as a company car and loved it for its generous size, comfort and build quality, not to mention the 10k service intervals! I eventually changed up to an Mi16 and was rewarded with stunning performance and handling along with the original 406 virtues! Just a great car!
I had a 1995 N-plate 1.8LX 16v saloon and at the time it was a revelation. Not fast fast but cross country it could carry speed like nothing else I'd driven at the time. The chassis balance was absolutely brilliant. And those early cloth seats were like being gripped by velcro and were so comfy.
For the complete 406 experience Jayemm should drive a 406 estate 110 diesel manual! Have owned mine since new in 2003 and it’s clocked 510,000 km almost trouble free. The highlights are the handling/steering/ride combination, seats, economy and the space efficiency. In Australia I enjoy the air conditioning, which is more powerful than our families more modern cars. The engine - in all those miles - has needed 1 harmonic balancer, new bearings for alternator and several flex exhaust joints. That’s it. Original clutch + shock absorbers lasted over 400,000. Still going strong, an ideal touring car ready to “gather her skirts” on the highway!
Bought one of these when my daily car was an MGB, and I needed a family car for a holiday in France. Went out looking for a low spec high mileage 406 and bought a low mileage Executive auto in black with cream leather interior. Intention was to keep it for 6 months, and kept it for 2 years. Normal servicing costs and a comfortable drive, the fitted tow bar introduced me to the joys of a holiday with a trailer to carry all the luggage and ability to take bikes with us. Sold it when opportunity came up to buy a Jaguar XKR just as the auto gearbox started to crash and clunk into gear intermittently for the odd day, luckily not when being test driven by the new owner. Who incidentally tried to get me lumbered with a speeding ticket a month later. All in all, a nice comfortable and classy looking car car in that trim.
My dad had a 405sri, was a fab car. Nothing much outhandled it. Changed for 406hdi always bought my brothers ex company cars. Bought at 125k took it to 300k. Zero problems except service items. Also very comfortable as well as chassis excellence. They don’t rust either.
I picture a 406 in green and gold. The glory years of British Touring Cars had some really beautiful designs - and all makes immediately recognisable, before every design tended towards angular similarity.
The 405 and 406 were truly great cars. I had two of the former old school 2.0 TD that combined went close to 400k mileage. Wonderful smooth drive and those velour seats were just 🙌
I had two of these, petrol 2.0, comp.cars.manual. Very calm and comfortable way of getting down a road. Regularly didn't get me all the way down the road. I didn't "take my breath away" but did its job well enough. Who remembers the advert?
I seen an estate version only the other day, use to have these as Pool cars at work & they we're always 2.0 GLX diesel , loverly drive at the turn of the century, Great Video James, as always
"The heater blows nice and cold" ? ..... I knew what you meant Mr Martin. ... I've just bought myself one of these after your superb review. ... The most comfy car I have ever owned in over 40 years of driving !! .... I was very lucky to find a nice example as they are an endangered species now !!
i found a 406 passenger seat for 50 quid, which im using in my sim racing set up. probably the best thing to use if you plan on sitting in one spot for a long time, comfy as you like.
My Dad had the 2.0HDI with the higher bhp in the estate form, same colour as this saloon. Best car he ever owned, practical, reliable, economical etc etc.
I had a manual 2.0 (previously LPG converted) back in early 2K... It was just a cheap daily att, though it was lovely to drive to and around Wales. I enjoyed the relaxed comfort and the low mpg (with the LPG).
Baguette lander here. By far, the 406 is the last good Peugeot we made, along with the 307 2.0HDi 90hp diesel. Last real reliable Peugeot. The 406 is a good sedan, relatively comfortable, has excellent fuel or diesel consumption, and isn't expensive to maintain. The 406 V6 coupé on its side is a gem whom value is increasing fast last years.
My father had one of the very last of the line with the legendary XUD engine, 2.1 litre turbo diesel 12v. It was specced out, most also had only the 1.9 litre. Mid life Peugeot brought in the new 2 litre HDi engines including a 110 bhp variant. I remember reading a test where they pitted the new HDi against the old 2.1 litre and the HDi lost. It was more refined and slightly more economical, but slower and less flexible despite the claimed output. The XUD engines were also essentially bulletproof. The rest of the car (especially the electrics!) might disintegrate around you but those engines would get you to the moon without breaking sweat.
The 406 was one of the last proper good Peugeots. I had 305 for most of my younger years and a 806 when I had three kids and I'm currently restoring a 604. When my knee went I bought an automatic 607 HDI but didn't really like it and replaced it with a Jag XJ.
Great cars! I had two 405s back in the nineties, both company cars. Although only 1.6 petrol manuals they racked up over 100,000 miles each in just two two year stints with no problems at all. The later one even had aircon - in 1995 ! They were fast enough to keep up with traffic flow and economical too. Now long retired I drive a 2008 407 Sport diesel with everything(climate, six-peed auto, leather, panoramic glass roof, 4 electric windows, heated seats, power-fold mirrors blah,blah,blah) picked up five years ago for £700. It's got 150.000 miles on it and it never misses a beat. It's comfortable and economical too. It'll probably see me out although I have the benefit of a son who owns a garage business!
Many years ago I was in need of a cheap car, and although I have never liked Peugeot, I decided to take a whirl on a £400 R plate 406 1.8 petrol, I was really surprised at what a good car it was, very comfortable and drove well !
I had 1996 406 SV 2.0 Turbo, petrol engine low pressure turbo. It was lovely and very capable car at end of 90s. Still pleasing to the eye after so many years. Strange looking 407 got me change away Peugeot brand.
I ran 406 2.0 Hdi estates for about 10 years and a lot of miles and I reckon they are the best cars Peugeot have made. They have the ride/comfort balance spot on, very rarely go wrong and are usually easy to fix. They also have the best headlights of any car I have driven and that amounts to about 60-80. I passed my test in 1956 when the Suez crisis was on and driving tests were suspended, as a result you could drive unaccompanied if you had a provisional license - a provision I took full advantage of. I ran hydropnumatic Citroens for many years starting with CX's for around 10 years - they were an eye opener, the XMs for another 10 then the early C5s which I didn't care much for but I now have a couple of the later X7 C5s on springs which I think ride better than the Hydromatics but not as reliable or as easy to repair as the 406s.
i bought one in indonesia last year. was deciding between this and the 405, however the 405 wasnt available with the 16v engine. Ended up choosing this because of this xu10j4r engine. 16v head, iron block and square cylinder dimensions like the beloved sr20! Proven on youtube to make 528hp in a 306 with the help of a turbo! If you have seen the new car market, 2 litre engines are disappearing in lower priced cars.
I really like these videos. You are a true car lover James. To be able to step out of a Ferrari into a £450 car and love it too proves that. I’d love you to try a 9-5 Aero. If you’re ever over the channel you’re welcome to try mine any time !
I had a T reg 406 2.0 auto as my company car back in 1999. I was on holiday in Jersey when the auto gearbox suddenly failed at only 12700 miles on the clock. Timing was brilliant. The Peugeot dealership on the island had lost the franchise and the new dealership was still awaiting the documentation, tools and spares from Peugeot! They said it was out of warranty, but a quick call to our motor transport department got things sorted PDQ. The company that I worked for had one of the UK’s largest fleets of cars, vans and lorries, so when they called Peugeot, they jumped into action. I suddenly had. Honda Accord on loan, they flew a gearbox and technician to Jersey. It was fixed under warranty and I had a repaired car back in 3 days. Brilliant car which I loved driving for 3 years.
James I'm 100% with you on the 406. I'd not driven one until earlier this year when I was brought a Doable Red V6 with a manual gearbox to film a review and oh my word, what a great drive. I took the car along one of my regular rest route and I tend to go a little easy when it's not my own car. The 406 Hower I felt at ease with by the first quick bend and with the V6 engine and manual gearbox I soon forgot that I was in fact driving a four door saloon. It also sounded fantastic and had plenty of mud range torque (the last car I'd reviewed before it being the Rover 45 V6). I think the 406 coupe with the V6 engine and a manual gearbox could well be the perfect average Joe's GT car.
Talking of movie references, there's also a cracking car chase scene in the film Ronin, where a V6 one of these chases a BMW, causes lots of carnage and mayhem!
I bought a 406 diesel wagon as a holiday car. Ex mini cab I think had 260,000 miles. It needed new front control arms and ball joints. I did about 10,000 miles UK France Italy Greece Serbia Hungry Germany and sold it for the same price. It did 180kmh max on the autobahn, would get 1000 km per tank. Great adventures in it. We called it the cheese mo-beel.
Ha, had a 406 Coupe for 4 years 2008 2l HDI in black - couldn't justify the 3l as a daily commuter. The best value car. Bought in 2016 for 2950 (80k miles) sold after 4 years in 2020 with 160k miles for 550. Never broke down, the last service had a few additional repairs so was 1k but for £ per mile this was fantastic, i did a few minor fixes myself (heating vents and boot opening). Comfortable cruiser visiting friends and family up and down motorway, with leather heated seats. I only really changed as i missed practicality of space so now have a 2012 estate. Petrol heads are too often status driven and prefer their "driver" cars, but this was great for its job.
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You should do the 605 V6.
But the question on everyone’s mind - is the 406 more reliable or less reliable than a McLaren 720S?
No mention of its super touring credentials? Successful in European touring cars in the 90s, and although it never had success in the BTCC, the 406 was the plucky underdog and one of the best looking!
1:50 hmm why do I see Nissan primera
Car vertical doesn't give history of cars on irish plates...sorry😮
One of the few cars where I can look at it from any angle and say “yes, the designers got this one right”. Stylish, clean lines, no unnecessary kinks or curves. One of the all time great Peugeot styles
Perfection.
You on drugs? F40 yes... This no.
@@Howt-oooCan you afford a F40?
Just an car meh
The coupe version was better looking
Fun fact: the 406 Coupe was styled by Davide Arcangeli, who went on to pen the original E60 5 series design undee Chris Bangle at BMW. Arcangeli passed from leukemia mere weeks before the E60's design was finalized, and thus Bangle & the design team froze all changes to the design, in his honor. The 406 coupe and e60 hold a special place in my heart, some of my all time favorite designs
Another fun fact: the 406 coupe was produced by Pininfarina factory in Italy ~100.000 cars.
I'm biased because I had one, but I think the E60 design aged really well and was even quite a handsome car from the get go. Very few of the excesses of some of the earlier Bangle-overseen designs.
@@mosmarb I've owned three E60's now. Two M5's (both 6MT) as well as a 535i 6MT. Out of the 20+ BMW's I've had, the E60 M5 has been my favorite car. I also think they're beautiful cars
That 406 Coupe looked like a super-car.
The 406 Coupe was styled by Lorenzo Ramaciotti, this is why it's called a baby 456, because he designed the 456 too.
I've been driving one of these for the past 20 years. A 2.0 Hdi. Bought it in February 2004 it was six months old and had 9000 miles on it. Came quite well equipped with factory Sat Nav system. Quite new-fangled back then. Been driving it as my daily ever since. Starts on the button, everything still works on it. Able to do the servicing myself .Saw no reason to part with it, just keeps going.
This is the kind of story I like to hear. No reason to replace a daily driver that just keeps working
@@GoldenCroc I was talking to a guy at a classic car show last month. He said the same thing. He had a 1981 VW Jetta Diesel with 500,000 miles on it! I thought I was doing well!
Respect mate!
@@BobMc87 Cheers! 👍
The golden era of cars...made to last with no unreliable emission stuff.
The 406 holds a special place in my heart. My grandpa (dad's father) was a lifelong Peugeot driver; not into automotive, but Peugeot was his brand of choice for traveling from A to B. The last car he had was a 406 sedan in burgundy, which I remember standing on the old driveway for some years after he had passed away in 1999. I was barely two years old when he died, so I've never really known him.
I've never driven a 406 myself, but this video really makes me want to try one, just so I can experience what Grandpa's last drive was like. To hear it's actually really good makes me feel weirdly happy.
Thank you, James. Hope you have a great time of day, whenever you may read this.
What you've described is most 406s lives, one owner till he/she passes away then goes on to a new owner or unfortunately gets scrapped. I've bought two of 'em under such circumstances. They really are great cars, especially considering what they cost nowadays. Do drive one, or even better buy one if you ever get the chance, you won't regret it
I worked at a Peugeot dealer in the early 00s, leaving just as the 406 was being replaced. The general consensus throughout was that the 205, 309, 405, 306 and 406 were truly good cars - the '07s were a step backwards.
The facelift 406 Estate with the 2.2Hdi was the absolute peak!
The facelift 305 in GTX trim was a great car too! I had an estate that I ran to 238,000 miles. The valve seals on the 1.9 XU engine had to be replaced and I the original Solex(?) twin carb was replaced with the equivalent Weber that slowed it down a bit, but improved the economy - which still wasn't great. It had the most amazing plush velour seats - very old skool French in being both comfortable and supportive.
I've always thought that the 406 was a good-looking car. I think it's bonkers that they have become rare and unappreciated when they drive so well
And the 406 coupé is true thing of beauty. Classic sporty and elegant Pininfarina design.
That scrappage scheme lost us a lot of older, interesting cars, including ones much nicer than a 406. 18 E24 BMW 6 Series (the numbers were made publicly available thanks to freedom of information), 3 E31 8 Series, an Alpina B7, an M535i and one E9 3.0 CSi, just to take a few nice BMWs as an example. Now bear in mind they had to be runners and MOTed within a fairly short period preceding the scrappage date and it becomes even more of a shame :(
That's the British "herd mentality" doing its thing.
They are shit and all got scrapped.
I've been driving a 600 quid 406 estate since 2017 and I don't see myself parting with it anytime soon. It's not rusty, the 1.8 petrol just keeps on working and the car rarely has any problems of any sort. Sure, it's a bit slow but it's a nice thing to drive and what I still can't get over is how quiet and refined it is! Most new cars I've sat in have more tyre noise and interior squeaks!
This era of Peugeot were great cars, they didn’t rust, I believe the body was galvanised steel .
My 405 was like that. I was a Ford fanatic but when I got that 405 it felt much more solid and yet more refined than those old Fords, much better equiped too. Loved it.
I loved my 306 Hdi! So much better than my cranky fiesta!
Been driving a £350 306 GLX Estate with the 2.0 HDi also since 2017. A reliable, quick and very comfortable car that at 187,000 miles is barely run in. My garage likes working on it, as there's less stuff and more room. It is trying to transition from old car to classic, but all classics have to go through that difficult age!
My most memorable taxi ride was in a 406 about 17 years ago. An immaculately driven HDi automatic with really squishy leather seats and such supple suspension. Even though I was half asleep and a bit drunk, it still sticks in my mind.
Around 1999 I was a sales rep with a Rover 416 as my company drive! The 416 went in for some lengthy repairs and for the couple of weeks the Rover was off the road, I was presented with one of these to play with. It was a nearly new, phase one 2L( I think) HDI saloon, manual, in dark blue. I'd never even been near one of these beforehand and I absolutely loved it. The fuel tank was colossal, I remember filling it up and wondering when it was ever going to end. however, 700 miles later it still wasn't empty. For those of you who are too young to have cogent memories of 1999, engines were nowhere near as fuel-efficient in those days as they are now, and these kinds of range figures on a single tank were virtually unheard of. it was quiet, for a diesel of the day as well, relatively quick, again for a diesel of the day, and super comfortable. I didn't want to give it back! And here I am in 2023 talking about a car that I drove for a couple of weeks almost a quarter of a century ago, I think that sums it up totally!
As a kid, I never really batted an eyelid at the 406. Now looking at it (specifically the pre-facelift), it's a fantastic looking car.
So glad JayEm hasn’t become like Hoovies Garage where he just seems to show off about how big his house is and how expensive his cars are. Love that there’s still genuine love for the cheap stuff here too!!
One of the best things about this lovely channel is the fantastic mix of cars we get - literally everything from the latest supercars to old bangers all treated with equal enthusiasm. As for the 406 I too think they're cracking cars - but I would say that as I own the Diablo Red V6 manual that has already received more than its fair share of RUclips exposure .
The coupe 406 was absolutely stunning. Had one.
I do still love these though, what an incredible bargain.
Fiat coupe better
Because is made by Italians❤😂
Had a 2.2Hdi coupe for about 5 years, for a while there I was dirt poor and couldn't afford servicing. Still kept running without any repair bills at all.
@@imaniman6797In what register ?
Retrofitted the Brembos they used to come with onto a Fiesta!
I drove thousands of cars when I worked in the trade in the early 00's. Not many stayed in my memory, but I clearly remember the first time I drove a 406. I immediately felt comfortable with it; the seat, the driving position and especially the road manners. Same applied to the 306 - great cars.
Have a look at the new 508 , as beautiful as the 406 back in the day
Just had a steer of a manual V6 one here in Australia. What a hoot. Comfy, nice to drive, good ergonomics. Now they’re a rare beast here, but surprisingly 406 coupes were popular in Australia. Even here they were one of those cars you would see regularly and then one day, they were all gone
I had the 2.1td estate. 270k miles on it when I bought it, was used for my Ipswich to Witham commute for 3 years . Never failed me.
From the time when cars were just done properly, Laguna, Primera, Mondeo, 156, Vectra, 406, and so on. Tidy handling, reasonable performance and tech, good build quality
Very true, nowadays it's either SUV or electric, and upwards of £20K to boot.
My father owns and daiky drives a peugeot 406 estate, and i must say, the ride quality for a car with no value in it at all is unbelievable (it is a beat up work horse). It is early 96 model and yet the ride is noticeably better than in my 03 v6 mondeo estate. And what really needs a mentioning is the naturally aspirated 1.8 petrol engine, it has 360k km on the clock with MULTIPLE overheatings throughout it's life, and yet still goes pretty much like new.
For the stereo code, it's either written on it, in the manual, or if it is the original one just contact a dealer (a French one if English ones can't help) with your VIN and they'll give it to you. Though they might charge you for this.
A good chance they will help you out for free at peugeot dealer. If it is not the original unit the car came with you can contact the manufacturer of the unit itself (mostlikely clarion). Serialnumber from the unit might get you the code there. At least you can try.
A car that old will almost certainly have a calculator on the internet for free
No clues on the stereo itself, and the card that has the code on it is sadly absent from the owner’s manual. I did try the original dealership it was sold from in Canterbury, but had no luck with them either. Typing in a random 4 digit code every half an hour was a fun way to break up long journeys though!
You can also use pp2000 to re register it back to the car same with the keys
@@Ashfielder I discribed a way it could work in this video somewhere. But it only works with clarion-radios
I’ve had 2 and they are amazing cars. Look after them and they’ll just keep going. Best all rounder was the 2.0 HDi 110, enough power with 50+ mpg.
One of the finest cars ever made , seriously ! great looking, fantastic drive, all the kit you need and not a touchscreen in sight . Peak car .
For me this will always be the hero car (second, make no mistake, behind the Audi S8) from Ronin…hugely outgunned by the mighty BMW E34 M5 but ultimately triumphs in cinema’s greatest car chase.
Thanks! As usual, love your content .But this time you have hit it out of the ball park for me, perfect timing! I’m Canadian car nut and I’ve just moved to France for a 1 year stay. Just rented a house and with my fleet of cars at home in barn. I have a itch I need to scratch. I naturally started looking for good cars to purchase on Le boncoin but have no knowledge of French cars and since we sell almost none in Canada. I have just found 10 pages of manual coupes I will be probably purchasing now with your help! Now, to find a cool color with low mileage! Cheers, keep up the great work!
My Dad had three of these (not all at once of course). The last one being a green face lifted version that finished its life with nearly 250,000 miles. A truly brilliantly made car and the earliest car I can remember my family owning.
Why finished?
Well, 250k is a lot. It might not have been viable for retention by then.
Peugeot was my favourite manufacturer. Got my license in 1997 and got a 106 GTi and a few years later a 306 GTi. Great cars. Comfortable, reliable, exciting and in my opinion great looking. I think from the time of those cars, the 206 and this 406 i fell out of love for the brand. They are weird looking (they make Citroen look normal), not very reliable and are not as comfortable as before. Changed to Kia and Hyundai. But the memories remain.
Those who knew the old late 90s BTCC (and the games that went along with it, TOCA 1 and 2) remember Tim Harvey and Paul Radisich (from New Zealand) as 406 drivers in this championship. These were the days. I also remember there was the gentleman driver John George, from the Mardi Gras Motorsport, in 2002 driving a 406 Coupe running on LPG, during the beginning of the Super 2000 regulations.
So nice to see you have fun in a relatively unappreciated car. I find this kind of video a lot more engaging than when you drive a supercar.
Also a star of the fabulous 1998 film 'Ronin'. One of the best car chases on film was a Peugeot 406!
Also the first car I properly drove after my test, getting usage out of my Mum's Pug.
I've owned 2 406s over the years, and they were both wonderful cars to own and drive
Peugeot were the chassis masters back in the day, think 205,309 gti brilliant handling cars 😁
I saw an estate version of this trundling about last week and felt so sorry for it. It had clearly done its life’s work!
The green one with 220k miles?
I had an 01 plate 406 estate with 365000 miles on the clock. It was a 2.0 HDI, it had automatic headlights, wipers, cruse control and used to do 950 miles to a tank of diesel. It did all that mileage on the same clutch, gear box etc, it just had standard oil and all filter changes as well as brakes etc. What a fantastic car it was.
@@Afraz_9n3 it was a red one in my hometown
@@dizzy2020 that’s quite something! The one I saw looked very very unloved and was still plodding along
@@jameshunterford4099 ah right. I saw one on autotrader last week for £495 a green diesel estate with 220k miles on the clock. Can't find it now though appears to be sold
Love your enthusiasm for cheap old cars. Great review Jay - glad you noticed how good the chassis is.
Hello from Austria - I drive a 1996 406 1.9 Diesel . The Peugeot was bought new by my grandpa, he drove it till 2015 (with only 50000 miles). Then I learned to drive with it and I still keep it besides my F10 525d. Everytime I hop into the 406 I have to smile - it isn't fast, it's quite rusty but still running smoothly and very comfortable. I do enjoy driving it, not only because I don't have to care about it.
Grüß Gott !
Love these. I am also pretty sure the wood veneer is real tree! The leather interior in the 3.0V6 is a masterpiece.
This shared a platform with the Citroen Xantia… They’re surprisingly good too! Enjoyed this and good for people to see that French cars have been good in the past!
In my opinion the 406 was even more comfortable and reliable, the seats were just as comfy but more supportive. Lately had some testdrives with Xantias and its been quite disappointing for me!
Also the handling was fantastic, the Xantia is too spongy for my taste
My father in law had one. He traded it in for a Nissan Cumquat.
It says a lot about his knowledge of cars.
Wheeler Dealers just did a 405. Mi16 - would love to see you review that
Love these budget car reviews, much more interesting than a hyper car test drive
I had always wanted a 406 Coupe but I could not afford it at the time they came out. I ended up owning six of them of the years and my fave was my yellow 3.0 V6 D8.5, those that know the 406's will know that the D8.5 was a crossover between the changes to the car and engine back in 1999-2000.
I still have a Pug 407 SW Executive that is taxed, MOT'd and a daily driver, the pugs will run forever if looked after.
Me to, I couldn't quite afford a 406 coupe. Had several 106 which were great, chopping and changing up the range to a GTi, then a 206 which was plagued with issues
I had a coupe 2.2 hdi (2003) ~2010-2020. Just a great car.
I think you bought my old yellow one? What happened to it?
@@frenchbred2081 Hiya, if you are talking about the Pulsar yellow one in your youtube short then I did not buy yours as mine was on an X plate.
@@Calvi36 no you bought it off me in 2016, X531 KVC it went to Scotland 👍
In Nigeria especially Northern Nigeria these cars are highly revered, so much so that some see them as the greatest car ever made. I began to somewhat hate it because everyone sings praises of it and because I just didn't think it was that special. Another reason it is revered is that in the early 2000s the then president of Nigeria ordered them in spades and were used in ministries, the presidency itself, the military and numerous agencies mostly as escort cars for the mile long convoys for dignitaries. When it became more affordable and accessible to the common masses, people bought them because they showed a bit of power status, you weren't easily harassed by forces for fear of you being important or working for someone important. In short people bought them because they couldn't afford the brand new black Toyota Land Cruiser. It is nice to see someone as authoritative as you be amazed by it.
You obviously have never driven this car. It has very competent driving manners, soaks any road thrown at it. Ans the suspension lasts an eternity.
Loved mine. Paid £1500 for it, ran it for 2 years, drove round France in it with 3 kids in the back, then sold it for £1500. Service parts from Euro or Gsf dirt cheap.
Toby sounds eerily familiar...
I bought a roadster for the summer at the start of the year (albeit an mgf) and just bought a practical banger for the winter months: a '99 Peugeot 306 estate whose previous owner works as a car mechanic, for 750,-. It's absolutely fab! Sure, it has a few dings and scratches and the interior has been... lived in, but it's so comfy and drives like a dream.
Great video. I had one of these way back in the day, early 2000's. Same age, engine, manual, in green. I loved that motor.
I had a 406 executive in dark, metallic blue with black leather interior as a company car I did over 100,000 miles in three years with the 2.1 diesel engine and it was a joy for every single mile. Thank you for rekindling those memories.
I loved my 406 in 1996 as a Company Car.... The size and comfort was great.
My mum had one of these when I was younger. Loved going places in it and she still misses that lovely blue 406
I had a 406 and a 407 and loved them both as practical cars, long distance marvels and reasonably enjoyable drivers cars.
A worthy chariot indeed. I’ve enjoyed my time with it immensely, thanks for the feature!
Loved these cars! I bought a bog standard 1.8 petrol in 1998, a year old, and ran it for nearly 10 years before I passed it onto my mum and dad as a spare car. We sold it in 2018. Apart from tyres, servicing and new cam belts every few years - basic servicing - it ran faultlessly for all that time and racked up huge miles! Handled well, fitted loads in, mega comfy, turbine quiet on the motorway and looked handsome from most angles. Mine was white so the blacked out B pillars and tinted glass made it look even better! I loved the lit up ashtray so you could smoke in the dark and as mine didn't have climate control, it did have a chamfered recess in the dash that fitted - exactly - a packet of 20 cigarettes and a lighter. Most reliable car we've had in the family. Ever.
I'm in Australia and I've owned my HDI 406 for a couple of years now and its fantastic. It has almost 400,000 kilometers on the odometer and I did 480 kilometers on the weekend and that was towing a pretty large trailer. Its outrageously comfortable and is fantastic for long distance driving on our crazy, awful, crumbling roads. Its survived dust, floods and over 40 degree heat and is amazing. I'll be respraying it this summer and have decided to purchase a 406 when I move to the UK next year.
I also have a Range Rover but I mainly drive the 406.
Had my W reg 2.0HDI 110bhp for 10 years, well over 200,000 miles on it when I sold it.
Most reliable and comfy car I’ve ever owned.
Pulled like a train and returned around 45mpg.
At 5:08 you're driving past the place that often has a pale blue 406 estate. Reminds me of my X reg GLX estate 2.0 diesel. A Supremely comfy load lugger.
I recently bought a 98 406 in Australia. It was a 'club permit', which meant it hardly used. Bought it 6 months ago with 130k on the clock. I love this car, as it has some character. But, being a 4 speed means plenty of rev-patience.... all good, though. Thanks for the review and glad to see, I'm not alone in lovibg this car! 👍🏻
Cars from that era were generally pretty good to drive. I have been driving 99 accord for the last 20 years and I used to think it was a boring car but it actually drives brilliantly. I would love to prelude swap it one day with a manual just need to find a reliable shop near me to do it.
Used to have the face lift 1.8 petrol manual. Loved it. Handled better than it should have, was great on long runs and fuel economy was decent. This has made me want another.
Had one of these a decade ago for £900. A beautiful car, well equipped and with brilliant sound isolation. Seemed much more expensive than it was.
Sadly mine failed the MOT for a dozen reasons (not least of which: the MOT tech could punch holes through the floor) which explained the cheap price. Sold it to the owner of a welding shop for £250. Saw it on the road a few years later, too.
Howevee the 206 I bought later cemented my decision to never buy a Peugeot again - they can't handle their road salt AT ALL.
bought a manual turbo petrol one of these for £700 about 10 years ago, exact same colour too! 150hp LPT and didn't like to rev. Was really good fun though and super-torquey, but it all went to shit when the clutch disappeared in London traffic one day. New clutch fitted was quoted as £1500 so it went to the scrapyard in the sky.
Great memories of a late friend's ex CID 2.0 petrol with a manual transmission. Top speed in second gear was 65mph.
It also had passive rear steering.
An absolutely amazing car. Thanks for the memories! 👍😎
I had a 1.8 petrol 5-speed manual on a Y plate. Bought it at 1 year old ( previously been a hire car ) in 2002, it finally left me in 2014. It took me/us pretty much all around Britain, as well as being my daily urban commuter drive. A real pleasure to drive, comfortable and capable, surprisingly agile for a biggish, hefty-ish car.
These early 2000 diesels are just built like tanks. The Peugeot DW10 engine (2,0 HDI) will often go beyond 500’000 kms if maintained properly. And it’ll do 50 mpg if you don’t drive too hard.
I had one about 20 years ago. I was a 406 Executive. 2.0 petrol turbo. Full leather. Electric memory driver seat. An absolutely lovely car that didn't give me any problems. I owned it for about five years and never saw another in that trim.
I used to have a R reg in that colour, beautiful car.
I took it to France, Spain and Italy and aside from a blown exhaust, which was replaced in Siracusa, Sicily, it never missed a beat.
Great video, keep them coming, they’re brilliant!
PS I have a 2012 BMW 640D convertible which I love, welcome to have a drive if you want.
To get that code for the stereo, he could contact the Peugeot dealer and with the VIN they could determine the code to unlock the radio. We ran into that issue on my mom's 2001 Mercedes E320. We did that and it fixed the issue.
I drove two facelift models as company cars.The first was a 2.0 litre petrol and a huge improvement on my previous car, a Rover 400. One of my customers was Motor Sport Developments in Milton Keynes. They prepared 406's for the British Touring Car Championship. One of the drivers was Tim Harvey who does commentary work for ITV coverage of the BTCC today. I tried to convince them to do the servicing and tuning for me but I had no luck with that idea lol. My second was a late run out diesel model that was virtually a GLX without the electric rear windows. Both were great cars for comfort, reliability and with the large boot, good load capacity.
I remember being given one of these as a courtesy car when I was about 20. It was a mighty impressive thing. I was sideswiped by someone who ran a red light at a crossroads and it was so solidly built that I could open the door while the Celica that hit me was in bad way. I could even drive it back to the garage, albeit with all driver side windows shattered. I had quite a lot of explaining to do, however.
Great to see you reviewing one of these. My dad had a diesel one in forest green and, yes, it unfortunately fell victim to the scrappage scheme. Genuinely think it was the best car he's ever had. Supremely comfy, same GLX spec as reviewed.
All Peugeot from the 06 Era are drivers car, from the 106 to the 806.
Thank you for this vidéo and thank you for this facelift 406. ❤️
I had one as a company car and loved it for its generous size, comfort and build quality, not to mention the 10k service intervals! I eventually changed up to an Mi16 and was rewarded with stunning performance and handling along with the original 406 virtues! Just a great car!
I had a 1995 N-plate 1.8LX 16v saloon and at the time it was a revelation. Not fast fast but cross country it could carry speed like nothing else I'd driven at the time. The chassis balance was absolutely brilliant. And those early cloth seats were like being gripped by velcro and were so comfy.
For the complete 406 experience Jayemm should drive a 406 estate 110 diesel manual! Have owned mine since new in 2003 and it’s clocked 510,000 km almost trouble free. The highlights are the handling/steering/ride combination, seats, economy and the space efficiency. In Australia I enjoy the air conditioning, which is more powerful than our families more modern cars. The engine - in all those miles - has needed 1 harmonic balancer, new bearings for alternator and several flex exhaust joints. That’s it. Original clutch + shock absorbers lasted over 400,000. Still going strong, an ideal touring car ready to “gather her skirts” on the highway!
My dad used to have one of these when I was a kid! It was a green 1999 facelift 406, absolutely superb car that just ran forever.
Had a 406 Coupe, loved it, still keep an eye for them on the classifieds
Bought one of these when my daily car was an MGB, and I needed a family car for a holiday in France. Went out looking for a low spec high mileage 406 and bought a low mileage Executive auto in black with cream leather interior. Intention was to keep it for 6 months, and kept it for 2 years. Normal servicing costs and a comfortable drive, the fitted tow bar introduced me to the joys of a holiday with a trailer to carry all the luggage and ability to take bikes with us. Sold it when opportunity came up to buy a Jaguar XKR just as the auto gearbox started to crash and clunk into gear intermittently for the odd day, luckily not when being test driven by the new owner. Who incidentally tried to get me lumbered with a speeding ticket a month later.
All in all, a nice comfortable and classy looking car car in that trim.
If You like this one You need to try the 405 Mi16 !! You think the 205GTi is good well 405 Mi16 is all that and gives more space!
The 406 chasing the e35 in Ronin was a classic from my childhood.
My dad had a 405sri, was a fab car. Nothing much outhandled it. Changed for 406hdi always bought my brothers ex company cars. Bought at 125k took it to 300k. Zero problems except service items. Also very comfortable as well as chassis excellence. They don’t rust either.
I picture a 406 in green and gold. The glory years of British Touring Cars had some really beautiful designs - and all makes immediately recognisable, before every design tended towards angular similarity.
The 405 and 406 were truly great cars. I had two of the former old school 2.0 TD that combined went close to 400k mileage. Wonderful smooth drive and those velour seats were just 🙌
I had two of these, petrol 2.0, comp.cars.manual. Very calm and comfortable way of getting down a road. Regularly didn't get me all the way down the road. I didn't "take my breath away" but did its job well enough. Who remembers the advert?
I seen an estate version only the other day, use to have these as Pool cars at work & they we're always 2.0 GLX diesel , loverly drive at the turn of the century,
Great Video James, as always
"The heater blows nice and cold" ? ..... I knew what you meant Mr Martin. ... I've just bought myself one of these after your superb review. ... The most comfy car I have ever owned in over 40 years of driving !! .... I was very lucky to find a nice example as they are an endangered species now !!
i found a 406 passenger seat for 50 quid, which im using in my sim racing set up.
probably the best thing to use if you plan on sitting in one spot for a long time, comfy as you like.
I have a 2004 2.0 HDi 4 door with a manual transmission. Whenever I drive it I get a giant ear to ear grin. It's such a beautiful car to drive.
My Dad had the 2.0HDI with the higher bhp in the estate form, same colour as this saloon. Best car he ever owned, practical, reliable, economical etc etc.
I had a manual 2.0 (previously LPG converted) back in early 2K... It was just a cheap daily att, though it was lovely to drive to and around Wales. I enjoyed the relaxed comfort and the low mpg (with the LPG).
Baguette lander here. By far, the 406 is the last good Peugeot we made, along with the 307 2.0HDi 90hp diesel. Last real reliable Peugeot. The 406 is a good sedan, relatively comfortable, has excellent fuel or diesel consumption, and isn't expensive to maintain. The 406 V6 coupé on its side is a gem whom value is increasing fast last years.
My father had one of the very last of the line with the legendary XUD engine, 2.1 litre turbo diesel 12v. It was specced out, most also had only the 1.9 litre. Mid life Peugeot brought in the new 2 litre HDi engines including a 110 bhp variant. I remember reading a test where they pitted the new HDi against the old 2.1 litre and the HDi lost. It was more refined and slightly more economical, but slower and less flexible despite the claimed output. The XUD engines were also essentially bulletproof. The rest of the car (especially the electrics!) might disintegrate around you but those engines would get you to the moon without breaking sweat.
The 406 was one of the last proper good Peugeots. I had 305 for most of my younger years and a 806 when I had three kids and I'm currently restoring a 604. When my knee went I bought an automatic 607 HDI but didn't really like it and replaced it with a Jag XJ.
Great cars! I had two 405s back in the nineties, both company cars. Although only 1.6 petrol manuals they racked up over 100,000 miles each in just two two year stints with no problems at all. The later one even had aircon - in 1995 ! They were fast enough to keep up with traffic flow and economical too. Now long retired I drive a 2008 407 Sport diesel with everything(climate, six-peed auto, leather, panoramic glass roof, 4 electric windows, heated seats, power-fold mirrors blah,blah,blah) picked up five years ago for £700. It's got 150.000 miles on it and it never misses a beat. It's comfortable and economical too. It'll probably see me out although I have the benefit of a son who owns a garage business!
Many years ago I was in need of a cheap car, and although I have never liked Peugeot, I decided to take a whirl on a £400 R plate 406 1.8 petrol, I was really surprised at what a good car it was, very comfortable and drove well !
I had 1996 406 SV 2.0 Turbo, petrol engine low pressure turbo. It was lovely and very capable car at end of 90s. Still pleasing to the eye after so many years. Strange looking 407 got me change away Peugeot brand.
I ran 406 2.0 Hdi estates for about 10 years and a lot of miles and I reckon they are the best cars Peugeot have made. They have the ride/comfort balance spot on, very rarely go wrong and are usually easy to fix. They also have the best headlights of any car I have driven and that amounts to about 60-80. I passed my test in 1956 when the Suez crisis was on and driving tests were suspended, as a result you could drive unaccompanied if you had a provisional license - a provision I took full advantage of.
I ran hydropnumatic Citroens for many years starting with CX's for around 10 years - they were an eye opener, the XMs for another 10 then the early C5s which I didn't care much for but I now have a couple of the later X7 C5s on springs which I think ride better than the Hydromatics but not as reliable or as easy to repair as the 406s.
i bought one in indonesia last year. was deciding between this and the 405, however the 405 wasnt available with the 16v engine. Ended up choosing this because of this xu10j4r engine. 16v head, iron block and square cylinder dimensions like the beloved sr20! Proven on youtube to make 528hp in a 306 with the help of a turbo! If you have seen the new car market, 2 litre engines are disappearing in lower priced cars.
I really like these videos. You are a true car lover James. To be able to step out of a Ferrari into a £450 car and love it too proves that. I’d love you to try a 9-5 Aero. If you’re ever over the channel you’re welcome to try mine any time !
I had a T reg 406 2.0 auto as my company car back in 1999. I was on holiday in Jersey when the auto gearbox suddenly failed at only 12700 miles on the clock. Timing was brilliant. The Peugeot dealership on the island had lost the franchise and the new dealership was still awaiting the documentation, tools and spares from Peugeot! They said it was out of warranty, but a quick call to our motor transport department got things sorted PDQ. The company that I worked for had one of the UK’s largest fleets of cars, vans and lorries, so when they called Peugeot, they jumped into action. I suddenly had. Honda Accord on loan, they flew a gearbox and technician to Jersey. It was fixed under warranty and I had a repaired car back in 3 days. Brilliant car which I loved driving for 3 years.
James I'm 100% with you on the 406.
I'd not driven one until earlier this year when I was brought a Doable Red V6 with a manual gearbox to film a review and oh my word, what a great drive.
I took the car along one of my regular rest route and I tend to go a little easy when it's not my own car. The 406 Hower I felt at ease with by the first quick bend and with the V6 engine and manual gearbox I soon forgot that I was in fact driving a four door saloon. It also sounded fantastic and had plenty of mud range torque (the last car I'd reviewed before it being the Rover 45 V6).
I think the 406 coupe with the V6 engine and a manual gearbox could well be the perfect average Joe's GT car.
Talking of movie references, there's also a cracking car chase scene in the film Ronin, where a V6 one of these chases a BMW, causes lots of carnage and mayhem!
I bought a 406 diesel wagon as a holiday car. Ex mini cab I think had 260,000 miles. It needed new front control arms and ball joints. I did about 10,000 miles UK France Italy Greece Serbia Hungry Germany and sold it for the same price.
It did 180kmh max on the autobahn, would get 1000 km per tank. Great adventures in it. We called it the cheese mo-beel.
Ha, had a 406 Coupe for 4 years 2008 2l HDI in black - couldn't justify the 3l as a daily commuter. The best value car. Bought in 2016 for 2950 (80k miles) sold after 4 years in 2020 with 160k miles for 550. Never broke down, the last service had a few additional repairs so was 1k but for £ per mile this was fantastic, i did a few minor fixes myself (heating vents and boot opening). Comfortable cruiser visiting friends and family up and down motorway, with leather heated seats. I only really changed as i missed practicality of space so now have a 2012 estate. Petrol heads are too often status driven and prefer their "driver" cars, but this was great for its job.