Used Peugeot 206 cars for sale

The number one complaint is the dreadful driving position. The seat itself is short of support, which is bad enough, but it also seems impossible to avoid an uncomfortable straight-armed, bent-kneed position. Taller drivers especially will find themselves in cramped discomfort. The cabin is also something of a disappointment, less attractive than both the 206’s exterior and several of the car’s rivals. To make matters worse, the space it provides is no more than reasonable. At least the boot’s a decent size and shape, though. The 206 is certainly not the best supermini to drive, but it’s far from bad. The ride is generally supple, and the handling can be entertaining, if not a match for the class-leading Ford Fiesta.

Running Costs
Its smart looks ensure healthy residual values, so it’s not the cheapest supermini. But, the high sales as a new car mean there are plenty of models up for sale, and every chance of negotiating a good deal. Fuel economy is generally good, with almost all the mainstream petrols capable of at least 40mpg. Even the flagship 180bhp 2.0 GTi is quoted as returning over 30mpg. The diesels provide better fuel economy, and the more modern HDi engines are the best. 2.0-litres should top more than 50mpg, while the later 1.4s return over 60mpg. Everyday servicing costs are good, and insurance costs are reasonably good on mainstream models, although none falls into the very lowest groups. However, expect these costs to rise sharply if you choose a hotter model, especially the GTi.

Convertible
When the 206CC was launched, the only other car available with a folding metal and glass roof was the Mercedes SLK, and that cost at least £28,000. This gave the 206 CC celebrity status, and dealers couldn’t sell cars fast enough. However, the type of roof is all these two cars have in common. If you’re expecting a mini-Mercedes with a budget price, prepare for disappointment. Build quality is questionable and it’s cramped inside. Don’t be fooled by the bucket seats in the back - this is really big enough for only two. The CC might be based on the 206 GTI, but it's a cruiser, not a bruiser. With the roof up, it drives like a conventional supermini hatchback, but lower it and the body starts to flex, which ruins the handling. There's loads of wind and road noise, even with the roof up, and it’s difficult to get comfortable.

Running Costs
The CC has been around for a few years, so it’s possible to bag a bargain. Newer cars at dealers will cost you more, so hunt around in classified ads and on websites for private sellers with cheaper examples. Fuel economy is good, with the 1.6 and 2.0 petrol engines giving 40.4mpg or 35.3mpg respectively. This is one area where the diesel version really shines as it delivers an impressive 57.6mpg. Insurance costs shouldn’t keep you awake at night and, while the 2.0-litre petrol is in group 14, the other models are in group 11. The 206 is not the most reliable in its class, although things have improved. Recent What Car? and JD Power customer satisfaction surveys show that 206 CC owners are generally happier with their cars than they used to be - a good sign for used buyers.

Estate
The main reason the 206 hatchback proved so popular was its chic look, but unfortunately, the same can’t be said of the estate version. The cute appearance has been lost in the transition to estate car, but sadly, most of the hatchback’s shortcomings weren’t. The worst thing is the driving position. Many drivers will find it totally impossible to get comfy because of the odd positioning of the driver’s seat relative to the steering wheel. The cabin isn’t particularly spacious, either, and the interior design is dowdy compared to some rivals. Then again, it isn’t all doom and gloom. As well as providing a well-shaped boot, the estate also provides better headroom for rear passengers. It’s cheap to buy, too, and if you pick the right engine it’s cheap to run. On top of that, the chassis is nimble and still manages to provide a supple ride at all but low speeds. However, there's too much road noise and the smaller engines aren’t refined enough at speed.

Running Costs
Here lies the 206’s big strength. You can pick one up for peanuts, and the estate version will cost you only a little bit more than the five-door hatchback version. Fuel economy is pretty good as well. All but the 2.0-litre petrol will deliver at least 40mpg on average, while both the diesel engines will deliver upwards of 50mpg. Insurance costs aren’t bad. The 1.1 is classified in group 3, and the 1.6 petrol is group 8. Highest is the 2.0 petrol in group 14, but our favourite 1.6-diesel engine is a very reasonable group 6. These classifications are a touch higher like-for-like than other superminis, though. The 206 SW will cost you a good deal less to service than the equivalent Fiesta, and if you take it to an independent garage rather than a Peugeot franchised dealer the hourly rates will be almost halved.