306 D, what,how,when,

[dema]

Hi all.

I'm looking for a cheap diesel for the next 12 months,budget is around £800 or a bit extra for the perfect car, needs to be reliable, 45+mpg=diesel.
The 306 seem to fit the bill, what's best, the older 1.9 or the newer 2.0?
Are there major differences in mpg and performances? Are the horror stories about electrics true?

Thanks

[Kitchski]

Horror stories about electrics aren't true IMO, but rear axles and their bushes are worth checking. If you want 45+ mpg you'll need a HDI, which is a good engine and pretty reliable. Not as much of an old warhorse as the 1.9TD, but definitely better on fuel. Can be tweaked to 120bhp/200lb ft with little effort too

[Old Merc]

306`s come from a time when Peugeot built proper,tough,reliable cars,the XU diesel engine`s are bullet proof.Mind you we are now talking of old cars so it may be hard to find a low mileage/well looked after example.If you do,buy it,you will not regret it. We have an old 306XLD that has been kicking around the family for over 15 years!it has 170K on the clock,been thrashed and abused has never let us down,it just refuses to die!!

[steve j]

Stay well clear of the HDI model, the main engine loom has a habit of rubbing away, causing a lot of problems. A search on the web will reveal a lot of HDI nightmares, the good ole 1.9 is bombproof and runs on veggie oil too.

[dema]

thanks guys, I'm an Alfa driver on people "myth" although there is always some truth behind, hence why I'm not going for a 156 straight away.

Will do some research on both HDI and the 1.9

Any more info welcome

[StoatInACoat]

The loom issue affects all 306's but is actually not common. For bulletproof every day reliability I would go 1.9 diesel with a bosch pump. Find one that hasn't been wrecked, "tuned" by a halfwit or caned! Avoid anything lowered heavily, any funny rear wheel camber, anything rusty, and anything with a damp boot:

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x226/Dommmo/IMG...

[dema]

that is scary! I hate rust!
Any thought on the 406? not keen on the look but, seems more car for the money