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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
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!
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
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
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!
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.
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!!
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!
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 UA-cam exposure .
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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'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 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.
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! 👍🏻
It had a big set of tyres to fill. The 405 had a superb chassis that it shared with the BX. But the chassis sorcerers at Peugeot made sure the 406 didn't go wanting. Like the 405 it was also a handsome looking machine.
I had a 405, then 406 & got rid of it & went back to another 405. The 405 was a much superior handling car, I found the 406 was lacking on a twisty road, it just couldn't corner at the speeds a 405 would.
I had 2 405Sri's! Great handling, great ride with a nice torquey 1.9 205Gti engine. With Nice Comfy( I mean really Comfortable) seats, a big boot was a really Great all round car. I was put off by the 406 by the fact it wasn't deemed as good as the 405 and the Mondeo mk3 was a really good all rounder. So when I needed a car for family duties I bought two of those. I really should try a 406. The 2.2 170bhp sounds like the one for me😊
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Had one for a year quite some time ago. Had 1 hour of highway driving each way to work. Went from a more modern VW to the Peugeot. The 406 was miles better to drive in every way. Much more quiter at higher speeds + quite amazingly fun in the snow for a fwd :) Will never understaand how Peugot could go from the perfection that was the 406 to the terrible 407. Sold it for more than a bought it for when the day trip droped to 10 min.
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!
Had a 2.2 sport, light blue, 16inch factory alloy rims, one of the few cars i've owned that people commented "thats a nice car". It looked smart, drove nice, did everything i wanted it to do, never let me down. Would "get up & dance" when you put foot down or needed it. If you see a tidy 406 around today still holds its looks 25yrs later compared to new cars. Clean, smart, an edge of understated class. Proof "less is more" .... as the yanks say "A sassy ole Dame with class"
After running two Peugeot, 405s company cars, they were followed two Peugeot 406s. They didn’t handle quite so well, but still more than acceptable against the competition but with brilliant ride quality. The big difference was a huge uplift in quality, both perceived and actual. Where the 405 was a bit Fisher-Price plastics the 406 was an altogether better place to be. However, the one I wanted was always the 406 coupe, sadly above my pay grade!
I agree, I had a 405 estate as a company car in the early 90s & they did handle very well, then a 406 estate in the early 2000s, as you say they didn't handle as well but were a fair bit plusher inside.
The phase one 405s had a horrible hard plastic dash, the facelift was much nicer. I'd say the 406 was more refined than the 405 but lacked the handling. Although my 405 had the 1.9 non turbo and the 406 company car I briefly had was a 2.0 hdi 110.
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.
I bought one of these about 15 years ago, a P reg 2.0i GLX manual, for almost exactly the same price, £445. It was a really nice car, great aircon, really good factory fitted stereo with CD changer in the boot and the suspension was so good I barely needed to slow down for speed bumps! I used it with no problems for about 4 years and only sold it as I needed an estate at the time. I'd have another if I could find a decent one for a reasonable price. :)
I had my 406 petrol estate for 25 years and 207,000 miles. It was the best car I ever had and only went because of ULEZ. Reliable, practical, great looking, comfortable and a joy to drive.
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.
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.
Ive been driving my nans 406 for 2 months now, I used to hate everything about it. the look, the engine, the frenchness. But now, after 2 months the thing has gotten a hold of my heart, I wash it at least once a week and I take pride in driving such a rare old npc-car. My granddad bought it new in 2001 before he checked out and it's been rarely driven since. It used to be spotless until my bigger sister got in a fender bender some years ago. Now after my newfound love for the car ive been thinking about gettin it a new front bumper and add some minor side skirts hiding the ugly bits and add back the oem front splitter. the silver Peugeot 406 or the lion-car as we fondly called it, absolutely brilliant car and I'm looking forward to travel great lengths in it this summer.
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.
Blimey i love this.for 449 nicker thats a bargain. 406 was a huge step up in overall quality over the boxier 405 before it. Future festival of the unexceptional car for sure. That looks like itll scrub up to be very tidy. Didnt realise either that the Coupe had those very Jaguar XJS esque c pillar buttresses.....lovely.
I used to own an R reg 406 executive estate that I bought in 2000 with 20K on the clock and threw it away at 140K when the cambelt snapped and wrecked the engine. This was even though I'd been taking it to a Peugeot garage for regular (on schedule) servicing. When handing them they keys to scrap it, I noticed they had a little sign saying "get your cambelt replaced at 45K under more arduous driving conditions". Strange they never actually mentioned that to me. It was a really nice car. comfy, drove nicely, good ride, lots of leather, went well enough and tons of space in the boot. I do recall topping the oil up between services but I was used to that from owning a 405 GRi company car (from new) several years earlier and that drank oil but the engine never missed a beat. I also had a load of problems with the exhaust in the 406. I had to go back to kwik-fit 3 times as the new exhaust kept dropping and I eventually gave up and went to an indie. Very odd. The owner really needs to keep his eye on the cambelt if he wants to keep the car going.
I had a 406 Turbo Executive. Loved it, great mid-range acceleration and a great ride as well as a brilliant set of speakers. Probably did 25mpg if I was lucky!
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.
"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 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?
My dad had a 2000 406, i was my whole infant life in it, later my aunt had it and at last my grandpa, basically 400k km, never had to change the oil and the timing belt, apart from that nothing else, a bulletproof car if treated well, still running as far as i know. Great car, handles pretty good, laks a bit of power though.
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.
My father got one these for 18 years now, at the time pegout sold the platform to Iran and ours has just been a workhorse. We have done many roadtrips from one side to another side of country with no hassle. Just plain good.
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).
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.
Concerning the Code-Problem: I have a Peugeot 306, quite similar to the 406 when talking about the stereo. If the Radio is from clarion and has a serial-Nr. starting with C700000... there's a simple way to find out its code: 1. Take the 4 last numbers (Example: C70000001234/Here it would be 1234) 2. Add 1 to the first number (1+1 = 2) 3. Add 2 to the second number (2+2 = 4) 4. Add 3 to the third number (3+3 = 6) 5. Add 4 to the fourth number (4+4 = 8) The radio mostly lets you put in only Numbers 1-6. So from each number over 6 you'll need to substract 6. So with my example it would be 2462. Hope this helps :)
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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
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.
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.
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'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!
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.
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!!
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!
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 UA-cam exposure .
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 👍
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 !
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.
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.
My father in law had one. He traded it in for a Nissan Cumquat.
It says a lot about his knowledge of cars.
I've owned 2 406s over the years, and they were both wonderful cars to own and drive
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!
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.
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.
A worthy chariot indeed. I’ve enjoyed my time with it immensely, thanks for the feature!
I loved my 406 in 1996 as a Company Car.... The size and comfort was great.
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.
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
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.
Love these budget car reviews, much more interesting than a hyper car test drive
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.
Peugeot were the chassis masters back in the day, think 205,309 gti brilliant handling cars 😁
Love these. I am also pretty sure the wood veneer is real tree! The leather interior in the 3.0V6 is a masterpiece.
Love your enthusiasm for cheap old cars. Great review Jay - glad you noticed how good the chassis is.
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.
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'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 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.
I had a 406 and a 407 and loved them both as practical cars, long distance marvels and reasonably enjoyable drivers cars.
Wheeler Dealers just did a 405. Mi16 - would love to see you review that
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.
My mum had one of these when I was younger. Loved going places in it and she still misses that lovely blue 406
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! 👍🏻
It had a big set of tyres to fill.
The 405 had a superb chassis that it shared with the BX. But the chassis sorcerers at Peugeot made sure the 406 didn't go wanting.
Like the 405 it was also a handsome looking machine.
I had a 405, then 406 & got rid of it & went back to another 405. The 405 was a much superior handling car, I found the 406 was lacking on a twisty road, it just couldn't corner at the speeds a 405 would.
I had a late 405 Mi16. It had incredibly secure feel in the corners. Much better than the contemporary Cavalier SRi. Wasn't as punchy though.
I had 2 405Sri's! Great handling, great ride with a nice torquey 1.9 205Gti engine. With Nice Comfy( I mean really Comfortable) seats, a big boot was a really Great all round car.
I was put off by the 406 by the fact it wasn't deemed as good as the 405 and the Mondeo mk3 was a really good all rounder. So when I needed a car for family duties I bought two of those.
I really should try a 406. The 2.2 170bhp sounds like the one for me😊
Had 405 before I take my current 406. Yes, 405 handling is smoother and sharper, I still miss it sometimes
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.
The 406 chasing the e35 in Ronin was a classic from my childhood.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
I had one with manual transmission, it was fabulous I confirm!
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.
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 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.
Had one for a year quite some time ago. Had 1 hour of highway driving each way to work. Went from a more modern VW to the Peugeot. The 406 was miles better to drive in every way. Much more quiter at higher speeds + quite amazingly fun in the snow for a fwd :)
Will never understaand how Peugot could go from the perfection that was the 406 to the terrible 407.
Sold it for more than a bought it for when the day trip droped to 10 min.
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!
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!
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.
Had a 2.2 sport, light blue, 16inch factory alloy rims, one of the few cars i've owned that people commented "thats a nice car". It looked smart, drove nice, did everything i wanted it to do, never let me down. Would "get up & dance" when you put foot down or needed it. If you see a tidy 406 around today still holds its looks 25yrs later compared to new cars. Clean, smart, an edge of understated class. Proof "less is more" .... as the yanks say "A sassy ole Dame with class"
After running two Peugeot, 405s company cars, they were followed two Peugeot 406s. They didn’t handle quite so well, but still more than acceptable against the competition but with brilliant ride quality. The big difference was a huge uplift in quality, both perceived and actual. Where the 405 was a bit Fisher-Price plastics the 406 was an altogether better place to be. However, the one I wanted was always the 406 coupe, sadly above my pay grade!
I agree, I had a 405 estate as a company car in the early 90s & they did handle very well, then a 406 estate in the early 2000s, as you say they didn't handle as well but were a fair bit plusher inside.
The phase one 405s had a horrible hard plastic dash, the facelift was much nicer. I'd say the 406 was more refined than the 405 but lacked the handling.
Although my 405 had the 1.9 non turbo and the 406 company car I briefly had was a 2.0 hdi 110.
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.
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.
I bought one of these about 15 years ago, a P reg 2.0i GLX manual, for almost exactly the same price, £445. It was a really nice car, great aircon, really good factory fitted stereo with CD changer in the boot and the suspension was so good I barely needed to slow down for speed bumps! I used it with no problems for about 4 years and only sold it as I needed an estate at the time. I'd have another if I could find a decent one for a reasonable price. :)
I had my 406 petrol estate for 25 years and 207,000 miles. It was the best car I ever had and only went because of ULEZ. Reliable, practical, great looking, comfortable and a joy to drive.
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.
Had a 406 Coupe, loved it, still keep an eye for them on the classifieds
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.
Ive been driving my nans 406 for 2 months now, I used to hate everything about it. the look, the engine, the frenchness. But now, after 2 months the thing has gotten a hold of my heart, I wash it at least once a week and I take pride in driving such a rare old npc-car. My granddad bought it new in 2001 before he checked out and it's been rarely driven since. It used to be spotless until my bigger sister got in a fender bender some years ago. Now after my newfound love for the car ive been thinking about gettin it a new front bumper and add some minor side skirts hiding the ugly bits and add back the oem front splitter. the silver Peugeot 406 or the lion-car as we fondly called it, absolutely brilliant car and I'm looking forward to travel great lengths in it this summer.
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.
Blimey i love this.for 449 nicker thats a bargain. 406 was a huge step up in overall quality over the boxier 405 before it. Future festival of the unexceptional car for sure. That looks like itll scrub up to be very tidy.
Didnt realise either that the Coupe had those very Jaguar XJS esque c pillar buttresses.....lovely.
I used to own an R reg 406 executive estate that I bought in 2000 with 20K on the clock and threw it away at 140K when the cambelt snapped and wrecked the engine.
This was even though I'd been taking it to a Peugeot garage for regular (on schedule) servicing.
When handing them they keys to scrap it, I noticed they had a little sign saying "get your cambelt replaced at 45K under more arduous driving conditions". Strange they never actually mentioned that to me.
It was a really nice car. comfy, drove nicely, good ride, lots of leather, went well enough and tons of space in the boot.
I do recall topping the oil up between services but I was used to that from owning a 405 GRi company car (from new) several years earlier and that drank oil but the engine never missed a beat.
I also had a load of problems with the exhaust in the 406. I had to go back to kwik-fit 3 times as the new exhaust kept dropping and I eventually gave up and went to an indie. Very odd.
The owner really needs to keep his eye on the cambelt if he wants to keep the car going.
I had a 406 Turbo Executive. Loved it, great mid-range acceleration and a great ride as well as a brilliant set of speakers. Probably did 25mpg if I was lucky!
In 4th gear it was faster than my current Seat Leon 184 Coupe.
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.
"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 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?
My dad had a 2000 406, i was my whole infant life in it, later my aunt had it and at last my grandpa, basically 400k km, never had to change the oil and the timing belt, apart from that nothing else, a bulletproof car if treated well, still running as far as i know. Great car, handles pretty good, laks a bit of power though.
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.
My father got one these for 18 years now, at the time pegout sold the platform to Iran and ours has just been a workhorse. We have done many roadtrips from one side to another side of country with no hassle. Just plain good.
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).
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.
Concerning the Code-Problem:
I have a Peugeot 306, quite similar to the 406 when talking about the stereo.
If the Radio is from clarion and has a serial-Nr. starting with C700000... there's a simple way to find out its code:
1. Take the 4 last numbers (Example: C70000001234/Here it would be 1234)
2. Add 1 to the first number (1+1 = 2)
3. Add 2 to the second number (2+2 = 4)
4. Add 3 to the third number (3+3 = 6)
5. Add 4 to the fourth number (4+4 = 8)
The radio mostly lets you put in only Numbers 1-6. So from each number over 6 you'll need to substract 6.
So with my example it would be 2462.
Hope this helps :)