Derv Peugeots

I have a year old Vectra 1.9 CDTi Diesel and it does all those things, almost exactly as you describe. The only one I don't know about is the coolant level, as I have never ventured under the bonnet, except the times to check the oil when the light came on (it's a company car).

It seems to be cyclical, the oil light did that two or three times, and hasn't done it since, and that is several months now. The brake light comes and goes. I like the car though despite all of that.

Question about a vectra (new-ish shape) diesel. I have got a couple of problems with it so apologies for hi-jacking the thread
1> the oil level warning light comes on after about 10mins of driving, ive checked the levels and they arent changing, the levels seem fine but the light comes on regardless.
2> Coolant level drops slightly. Have a long drive and the level of the coolant drops by 1cm or so
3> The warning light to tell me I have a light out comes on...Ive checked all the lights and they are fine, why is it coming on?!

Its winding me up!!!

You'll not go wrong with a Focus estate.
Constantly surprised by how much I can get in the back. My petrol has done 120K on first exhaust and clutch.

alternatively what about an octavia? they started in 1998 i believe - i have the petrol turbo but the diesels aren't at all bad either.

i had a 306 turbo diesel. great car, cheap as chips now, good mpg, markedly more fun to drive than the equivalent Astras, Golfs and so on of the same vintage. if you can stretch to a focus then they are arguably better again, but they weren't around when i bought mine.

never heard of them being famous for engine fires, and that's knowing several other people who had/have them.

Just got a 2003 vectra 1.9 cdti. Seems good at the moment but the stereo is a nightmare to get out. The battery died so the radio needs resetting...need the code of the back or somthing but I cant get it out if the dash!

nah..but i would like a pair of 'Sidi's' like them there.

is that you with the fixer and the big turn ups on the jo's blog then?

last one i got is happiness in magazines, sorry

oh i see...whats the new Graham Coxon l.p. like?

technically we're in tea stop here so you'd get ticked off for actually talking about bikes

i know nothing about cars...anyhow thought this was a bicycle website thingy..?!

The Peugeot 306 is notorious amongst car mechanics for engine fires. This is because the starter motor is engaged all the time I believe. I've borrowed the 306 diesel our neighbours own and found it crude and noisy. I know they're cheap on fuel and the Peugeot diesel engines have a good reputation but I'm sure there are plenty of other diesel cars out there too.

I didnt own an estate but I owned a 1999 Peugeot 306 1.9D-turbo. Great car, really easy to drive with very pleasing mpg. I know the estates have a good size boot, friends can fit 3 or 4 bikes inside with 3 on the back comfortably.
Mine could also tow a 6m, 80hp rigid inflatable boat if that gives you any sense of torque and grip.

Also, given that these are common cars they are very easy to find parts for and to fix yourself.

I found that a common issue with 306's was a knocking from the front wheel bearings and suspension struts. Its simply a case of keeping an eye on it and noticing any dodgy noises and pull on the steering. The other things to look out for are the same as on all diesel cars, nothing specific to peugeots in my experience anyway.