Paugeot 406 HDI 90 vs 110

Paugeot 406 HDI 90 vs 110

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digga951

Original Poster:

488 posts

281 months

Thursday 5th April 2012
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Hi everyone :-)

Haven't posted for ages so thought I would give this place a try again.

In brief, I bought an old 406 2.0 GLX petrol back in 2003 which I used up until the end of 2010 when I replaced it with a Polo GTI. After a year of constant breakdowns and being uncomfortable, I went back to my old Peugeot and have been using it again for the last few months.

The old Peugeot has done about 185,000 miles now (80,000 by me), however, it’s not going to last forever so I’m reviewing my options. At the moment, I’m thinking about playing it safe and buying a 406 diesel, so I’m looking for some advice on the pro’s and con’s of the 90bhp compared to the 110bhp. I understand that the 110 has a dual mass flywheel/clutch which could be more expensive to replace – is this true? Has anyone had both variants and is there a lot of difference between the 2 different engines?

Whilst I’m initially drawn to a 406 due to having a good history with one of them, is there any merit to “upgrading” to a 407 (or anything else) instead? What I’m looking for is a really comfortable, quiet, soft motorway cruiser that’s good on fuel and doesn’t suffer from all the modern technology failures that seem to be present in newer cars. I don’t want to have a car that goes into “safe mode” every few thousand miles if some filter gets blocked, or if some minor electrical fault appears. I can deal with “luxury” items not working (central locking, air con etc), but not constant niggles that stops the car functioning as a car!

One of the main reasons I like my current 406 is because it has REALLY soft and comfortable seats. I suffer from a bad back and having a soft ride is sooooo much more important to me than ultimate handling. I’m looking for the quietest, most refined, most comfortable car I can find, and handling is secondary to all this as I already have my other 4-wheeled toys for fun. I like big spongy tyres, cars that float over holes in the road and seats that adapt to the shape on my sometimes painful spine.

So, any help, advice, comparisons or information on what would make a good comfortable cruiser would really be appreciated. If a newer 406 fits the bill, then opinions on the 90 v 110 diesel engines would also be greatly received.

Many thanks in advance,

Dan.

Rollcage

11,327 posts

198 months

Thursday 5th April 2012
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I'd personally steer clear of a 407 - lots of niggly electrical problems. The 110 , as an ex owner, would be my choice. The 90 might feel a touch underpowered in comparison, and doesn't really respond as well to chipping, which as this is PH you'll obviojsly want to do!

I really rated my old 406, really fantastic car to do long journeys in.

TheTurbonator

2,792 posts

157 months

Friday 6th April 2012
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All 407 Diesel's have a DPF so at some point it will probably need changing. They also have an additive tank which will need re-filling at some point and ideally accordingly to the service schedule. Obviously if both are not done and have been ignored by the previous owner(s) it can cause a lot of permanent damage to the anti-pollution system of the cars.

Old Merc

3,541 posts

173 months

Friday 6th April 2012
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The fact your old 406 has done 185K shows how good they are,all the old 406`s are great cars.As said don`t get a 407,loads of problems.Years ago the 406 diesel was the favorite taxi,you don`t see many 407 taxi`s.If you can find a low mileage 110 that`s been looked after,go get it and you wont be disappointed.

digga951

Original Poster:

488 posts

281 months

Monday 9th April 2012
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Thanks for the feedback guys, really appreciated.

Think I will just stick to the 406's for now. Whilst it would be nice to have a change and some more modern gadgets, there is a lot to be said for a car that just works instead of constantly flashing up its warning lights.

My current petrol 406 cost me £1500 back in 2003 when I bought it (was only 6 years old). At the time, I had a new cambelt and clutch fitted, but that was the last time I spent any money on it! I did the cambelt again a few weeks ago when I started using it again, but that was just a precaution. All in all, 9 years of motoring and 80,000 miles has cost me just over £2000 including the cost of the car, bar the occasional oil/filter changes, tyres and an exhaust! I'm sure the car would easily last many more years and its only the cost of fuel which is making me want to change to a diesel.

Thanks again,

Dan.


ajh38

883 posts

156 months

Wednesday 11th April 2012
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I've got a 407, my dad runs a 406, both 110s. Incidentally we're Peugeot Main Dealers. I appreciate there is a lot of electrical faults with 407s but if you get a good one with good history that has had many electrical faults then the chances are you are on to a good one. In my opinion the 407 feels much more like a modern car and the 406, albeit a good work horse is starting to feel a little tired. I'd steer clear of the 2.0 HDi's on the 407 unless you're talking 09 onwards.

petrolsniffer

2,461 posts

180 months

Thursday 12th April 2012
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If you love spongey french stuff why not try a hydrospaztic citroen???

I think a good diesel XM is in budget although they're much thinner on the ground.

JVaughan

6,025 posts

289 months

Wednesday 30th May 2012
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I know its a bit late on the old reply here, My motorway hack .. and one I dont mind leaving at the station / airport for weeks on end is a 406 110 GTX with just over 182,000 miles on the clock. Aside from new tyres for last years MOT, and I suspect Ill need to replace the discs this year, it gives me 50 plus mpg and almost 900 miles per tank. Its a 2000 Model. dispite the urge to get something newer, its comfortable to drive, and everything works on it. Plus I only paid £800 2 years ago for it

renorti

727 posts

202 months

Thursday 2nd August 2012
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i break 407's, so know them pretty well. after breaking a few, can say I would't recommend one.
loads of faults {electrics and dual mass flywheel and dpf filters. all pricey to fix. great car for me though
as i,m selling parts for these every day on ebay and locally.
also breaking 307's, their a bit better but still your better off with a vw,or focus or astra or....

digga951

Original Poster:

488 posts

281 months

Tuesday 14th August 2012
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Hi Everyone,

Thank you for all the responses - they were really helpful.

Last week I bought a new 406 - a 2003 Rapier 90 HDI in blue. 118,000 miles, 1 owner, FSH and completely mint. The spare wheel has never been used. The garage is going to MOT and service it, including fitting a new cambelt. All for just £2k! Really happy with that deal and hoping that the car will be as good as my old one!

Just a couple of questions - it it right that the only real differences between the 90 and the 110 is the lack of dual mass flywheel, and the absence of the troublesome particulate filter? Ok, it may be a little slow, but I was only really looking for a car that can sit at 80 in comfort. Theres a TVR in the garage if I want to go quicker, and a Beetle if I don't :-P

Thanks again,

Dan.

ashy19

14 posts

180 months

Wednesday 15th August 2012
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The 406 is a hit and miss car, but if you get a good one (as you have) then they are superb if looked after.

I personally prefer the older XUD engine to the HDI - in terms of cost of repair. Clutch change, head gasket change etc. on the older diesel is much cheaper than having it done on the HDI. As for the HDI's, the 110 is a more eager and willing engine to the 90, although the 90 does still pull rather well.


Leave the 407. Modern but VERY hit and miss in terms of reliability.