quick review – peugeot 206, 1.4, ’98-’07

Peugeot 206 (not an image of the actual car)

The car I have been mostly using is my girlfriend’s 206 (Quicksilver). With it’s 1.4 engine it was a bit nippier than the Corsa, although (despite the stats found on the net) I’m sure it wasn’t as quick as my previous Rover. This 206 has had problems with the steering column in the past and I believe has had an impact on the power steering, thus making it very heavy, especially noticeable when switching to different cars. The controls are laid out quite similar to my Rover which was helpful. I like the position of the mounted radio/CD controls, but, probably due to the car taking more ware-and-tear, they are generally less responsive. The driving position is a little awkward, though probably due to the fact I’ve had much more experience with driving it (incl. through France and back) I felt more confident and comfortable than in the Corsa. Fuel seemed to go down a little too quick for my liking and the air blowers (pross not the tech term) blew in the wrong directions, i.e. when my feet were freezing, I’d turn the heat up, move the dial so the hot air should be directed to my feet, but instead it would blow toward the top of my legs and then into my face.

+  Layout, design.

- Fuel consumption, too many niggles.

replacing an old friend

Since my Rover 200 pretty much died at the end of last week, I’ve had to find other ways to getting to work. I live about 40-45mins from work, 25.8 miles according to Google Maps, and there is no bus route (unless I could live with changing buses 4 times) no chance of catching the train (as I’d need to drive to the station) and I don’t fancy cycling over 50 miles a day! Plus car sharing with co-workers is out of the question as no one else is as silly as us to live out in the sticks.

So my only strategy is to use other peoples cars! 1) My mum’s Corsa (as she can be quite flexible getting to and from work. 2) My sister’s Fiesta (as she is currently in between jobs so no need for a car, plus she can’t really afford to run it). 3) My girlfriend’s 206 (though means having to detour to Oxford to drop her off at the Park & Ride).  Due to these pool of automobiles at my disposal, I thought it’d be a ideal opportunity start a car review between these three as I search for a predecessor for my 200.

My car was showing signs of another gasket failure, white smoke coming from the engine, loss of power, water disappearing etc etc and as the radiator was very old and knackered we replaced that in a vain attempt to put off what we knew – gasket issues. As this cost me hell of a lot a couple of years ago, and as it needs new wheels in the near future as my alloys are corroding I thought enough money has been spent on this old steed, time to put it out of its misery.

I’m looking to replace my car with something with a little more punch, as my insurance should be a little more friendly compared to when I purchased it a few years back. Because of this and the engines of the cars I’ll be driving, the review may concentrate on a superficial focus rather than on performance or mileage.

Expect all reviews within the next 7 days (hopefully).