Hi all,
I'm currently considering getting a Peugeot 406 V6 (face-lift version) i.e 2001 + from Europe. What should i look out for.
Its going to be a stick shift (manual)-that brings out the fun in the V6 driving experience.
I have looked at online reviews and they seem fair, but I want to know whether parts would be available and whether there would be
Mechanics who can work on them here in Naija-Abuja, Benin, Enugu.
I'm temporarily based in Abuja, but would relocate to Edo in a few months.
I envisage a lot of highway driving.
While fuel consumption is not an issue for me, I still want to know how thirsty it is in town driving.
I'm also considering getting a 2002 Peugeot 307 xsi (pre-facelift 2.0L petrol, automatic) as a second car for my town driving-any takes on that as well.
Any info would be appreciated, from actual users of these cars and other Peugeot enthusiasts....
Thanks in advance

I wish nairaland had a tagging feature like facebook and twitter... Following this..

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Guys I'm still waiting for replies o...

I have friends that have used both cars, they are very unreliable. Also resale value is bad.
If you have cash just stick with Toyota, Honda, Nissan in that order.

olalekanba: I have friends that have used both cars, they are very unreliable. Also resale value is bad.
If you have cash just stick with Toyota, Honda, Nissan in that order.

I bought 406 2002 (5000 Euro) model in Holland last year. Auto transmisson though. I can tell you that it is a sweet car to drive especialy in Enugu, Abuja and other cities with good roads. Sometimes people think i am a government official here in Enugu. The only car that takes my love away from the peugeot is My BMW. My advice is to go for the car.

@olalekanba;
Thanks for your contribution: but what exactly went wrong with your friends' cars?
Were they maintained as they should be?
My first car was a Peugeot 306 facelift....; I bought it naija used and considering that it was used quite roughly by previous owners, it really tried. A few electrical quirks yes; also had to have a Toyota ECU piggybacked to its original ECU when it had an issue (my fault sha).
But apart from the above, it was quite a rugged workhorse and I still sold it to a chap who ended up totalling it in a car crash.
Summary is that I've had a bit of experience with peugeots and when people say they're unreliable, it is partly their fault.
I just want to know if there are any particular issues to look out for in the Pug 406 v6 and 307 xsi

40 what? Abeg I cant even advise my enemy to get it.
there are no experts on it also the spare parts are damn too expensive. if it has security, that is another problem cos it may fail at any time. overheating is another wahala. although it has a very good torque output and also ggood for long distance but I will advise youu to go for either toyota or nissan products. Happy motoring.

@ Sam Milla;
Thanks Bro; is yours a V6 or inline 4 cylinder engine??
Manual or automatic??

Pegeout ke? That brand of car is a total disaster.
Almost everyone i know of who used one complained bitterly about its unending issues.

Its second value is non existent. On this auto board its common to see 2001 406 going 4 as low as 400k (most likely due to its issues and d owner cant wait to get rid of it). You can google search if u doubt.

bruv why not move this topic to the auto section.You will get more replies there.V6 is very good the problem is that there are not so many good experts in any kind of Peugeot 406.Late last year i shipped a peugeot 406 V6 to naija and some how it developed problem,i don't know how cos it was in excellent condition when i was shipping it.You will not believe what the stupid mechanic said.He said that the body of the car is a 406 but the engine is a 607.I can remember shouting at him on the phone in the schools library.Now,how do you expect such a person to do a good job on your car?If you know experts that can do a good job, then it is a good choice.

But for a 307 i currently have one in naija,Warri to be precise.Another one will be in naija in the end of may or early june.

Please, who are these guys making noise here? Please if you know nothing about Lions,please stay cleer off this thread. How could someone condemn phase 2 406 V6, & a stick for that matter! Please get serious guys!

Please, OP, I just saw this thread. Sorry for coming in late. Give me sometime, for i want to arrange my dinner & will come back as soon as am done. I will tell you all you need to know about D9, also known as the 2nd series 406 V6. Just know that you are on the right cause.

Will get back to you.

Ikenna.

well go for manual 406 with EW 12 engine 2002 to 2004 model its better than the V6.When ever it has any problem jst go to mechanics who use laptops 4 diagnosis no guess work.

I've used 3O7 and my advice is don't buy it. It is a very unreliable and fragile vehicle and it's parts are considerably more expensive. I would never advice anybody to buy 3O7.

Thanks Guys; keep your opinions coming....
@ Ikenna; I can hardly wait for your write up...
@ wakbul; what specific issues did you have with your 307...?
@ jbrodaly; are your Pugs for sale?? If so, what specs?? Model year etc

Am not particularly bothered about 2nd hand value; Nigerians generally don't like V6 cars-even the nissan v6s (maxima etc.)and the honda accord V6s are priced so low on the Nairaland second hand market.
If I eventually get a V6, I'd probably use it till it falls apart.

Once more; Thanks Guys....

wakbul: I've used 3O7 and my advice is don't buy it. It is a very unreliable and fragile vehicle and it's parts are considerably more expensive. I would never advice anybody to buy 3O7.

I use a 307 too, I thought it was unreliable till I started taking its life in my Hands, doing all the preventive maintenance listed in the manual and co, & I must confess, I'm really enjoying the ride now.

hartabii: well go for manual 406 with EW 12 engine 2002 to 2004 model its better than the V6.When ever it has any problem jst go to mechanics who use laptops 4 diagnosis no guess work.

Or you can Buy the diagnostics machine and direct normal mechanics on what to fix, Its very cheap and lets you do things like programming keys (which some shylocks charge almost 15k for) and others. Mine is up for sale soon

@t-ie no probs.They are for sale.They are both manual drive-wagon 2003 saloon is 2002.The wagon is going for 950k and the saloon 1.05m.If you want pictures just leave your email

406 is the most reliable Peugeot ever been built but I would say you stick with a normal 4 cylinder 2.0 engine, the 3.0 V6 engine seems like a mistake from Peugeot. but my advice go for the 2.0 406 (preferable diesel) a 406 diesel engine car could take you from Lagos to Cairo and back. They are one of the most reliable diesel engine around, (along with VW Passat and Audi which most eastern European use to drive to from places like Krakow to London or Paris

@omar22 do people buy diesel engine cars?I have seen cheap diesel engine cars(406) i never buy for fear of it not selling in naija

Ninilowo: 40 what? Abeg I cant even advise my enemy to get it.
there are no experts on it also the spare parts are damn too expensive. if it has security, that is another problem cos it may fail at any time. overheating is another wahala. although it has a very good torque output and also ggood for long distance but I will advise youu to go for either toyota or nissan products. Happy motoring.

no car is reliable. I have been using 406 since 2008 till date no major repairs or trouble using this king of the road. for travelling I use it any how. I can't even drive my Honda baby boy like I do to 406. many people that no nothing about 406 condemned it to me before I made up my mind to buy it. now I have 5 friends already using 406. cost of parts in abuja (Zuba) its normal for any car above 1m. Comment should only be strictly base on experience

It's crazy when people say what they don't know.
Peugeot is a wonderful brand.

In the olden days my pops used 504 and 505.
I actually learned how to drive with the 504, steering gear for that matter.

jbrodaly: @omar22 do people buy diesel engine cars?I have seen cheap diesel engine cars(406) i never buy for fear of it not selling in naija

I dont how much it goes for in Nigeria but I would take diesel over Petrol everyday of the week

Before I proceed, pls note that Peugeot 607 V6 actually had the same V6 engine in the facelifted 406. So the mechanic that said that was correct. But considering the weight of 607, the engine performs better in 406.

The facelfted 406 ('99 - 2004) was the last Peugeot product designed by Pininfarina, an Italian company that also designed Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, etc. The popular Peugeot 404, 504 & 505 were also designed by Pininfarina. Thats why those cars were all over the world massively sold, due to their ruggedness, good road handling & good looking in their era. Of course, Ferrari is not left behind. Likewise, the 406 had the same qualities of the ones it succeeded.

There were 2 different types of V6 engine in 406: ES9J4 & ES9J4S. The phase 1 406 V6 , D8, had the ES9J4, while the phase 2 (D9) had the ES94S which was the V6 engine that 607 had. The D8 V6 develops maximum of 190 hp at 5,500 rpm. While the D9 V6 engine develops 210 hp at 6000 rpm, with maximum torque of 285 Nm at 4000 rpm. So the ES9J4S was an improvement of the V6 engine in phase 1 406 V6. And remember, 406 was facelifted in 1999, when the production of ES9J4S started.

The two V6 engines in the two phases of 406 had quad-cam set up, with 24 valves, superior to my PRVs (V6 engine) in my two Lions: 505 V6 & 605 V6 (both are sticks).

I will enlighten you on good sides & annoyances of 406 V6 in my next post, which will be posted soon.

Ikenna.

Ikenna351: Before I proceed, pls note that Peugeot 607 V6 actually had the same V6 engine in the facelifted 406. So the mechanic that said that was correct. But considering the weight of 607, the engine performs better in 406.

The facelfted 406 ('99 - 2004) was the last Peugeot product designed by Pininfarina, an Italian company that also designed Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, etc. The popular Peugeot 404, 504 & 505 were also designed by Pininfarina. Thats why those cars were all over the world massively sold, due to their ruggedness, good road handling & good looking in their era. Of course, Ferrari is not left behind. Likewise, the 406 had the same qualities of the predecessed ones.

There were 2 different types of V6 engine in 406: ES9J4 & ES9J4S. The phase 1 406 V6 , D8, had the ES9J4, while the phase 2 (D9) had the ES94S which was the V6 engine that 607 had. The D8 V6 develops maximum of 190 hp at 5,500 rpm. While the D9 V6 engine develops 210 hp at 6000 rpm, with maximum torque of 285 Nm at 4000 rpm. So the ES9J4S was an improvement of the V6 engine in phase 1 406 V6. And remember, 406 was facelifted in 1999, when the production of ES9J4S started.

The two V6 engines in the two phases of 406 had quad-cam set up, with 24 valves, superior to my PRVs (V6 engine) in my two Lions: 505 V6 & 605 V6 (both are sticks).

I will enlighten you on good sides & annoyances of 406 V6 in my next post, which will be posted soon.

Ikenna.

Superb analysis but but but!!!

I would go for a V6 engine if it was a 2.0 litre engine but a V6 3.0 litre engine? nah!!!

Nice one guys; Ikenna; I was really looking forward to your contribution.
Please guys; let keep them coming...
For those who have had issues with Pugs, could you please be a bit more specific...?? E.g ECU failure, Top gasket burn out etc...
Haven't seen comments from Siena in a while; hope alls well...
I don't expect a Pug 406 to be perfect; no car is actually... Even the japmobiles; My cousin just got a 2002 RAV4 toyota only to have to change the ECU @ almost 100k Naira barely a month after Purchase , Honda transmission issues are so common that its no news again. Nissan and plenty sensor failures; Camry with sudden unintended accelerations.... I could go on....
So please let's be objective....;

ANNOYANCES:

1. SPEEDOMETER: All Peugeot 406s do have issues with their speedometers. Unfortunately, the speedo in 406s are electrically controlled/driven. Not the conventional cable driven type. Of course, Peugeots are known for electric issues. The speedo, at a point in time, would start failing intermittently. Fixing it is very easy. The speedo is controlled by 2 sensors: one is on gearbox (usually known as transducer), while the 2nd one is inside the car, behind glove box, known as speed sensor, which also controls the variable ratio steering (speed sensitive steering) in V6s. You start troubleshooting from the transducer on gearbox, which usually stops working when the connector is corroded. Check & clean the connector, if corroded, & connect back. If not solved the problem, then check the speed sensor inside the car. Usually, when the speedo starts acting up, the Power assisted steering (PAS), which is speed sensitive, will start acting up too. The problem usually lies between the 2 sensors. And most times, cleaning the connectors usually fix the problem.

2. BRAKE DISC: this is a major problem with all 406, not just the V6. Their brake rotors (disk) get hot quicker & wears off, most especially with the auto trannies. To reduce the wears, use the engine brake more often (since you are going for manual trans) & brake when necessary. But expect it as something you will be replacing sooner than you would want to. Its one of the flaws in 406.

3. AIRBAG LITE: The airbag indicator (bulb) on the instrument cluster may at some point will lit or come on & would remain constantly on, anytime ignition is switched on. Donot worry when that happens. To fix it, simply look under the drivers seat, there is a 2 or 3 wire connector there. Cut out the connector & solder the wires. It will fix the problem permamnently. The problem is with the connector. If you have a 406 and it hasnt happened, expect it anytime soon. In fact, either its yet to happen or that the previous owner has done the soldering work (if its an imported 406). If its a Nigerian used, it could be that the rewires have disconnected or removed the bulb, to deceive you that it has been fixed. But mind you, dont play with Airbag. It could go off when the car is in motion & result to severe accident.

Will post the good side of 406 V6 soon.

Ikenna.

GOODIES:

1. D9 ON-BOARD-COMPUTER: one interesting thing in 406 V6, especially the facelifted ones, is the D9 OBC. It means that you need not to waste your hard earn money scanning the car. Yes, its OBD II compliant. But the car has an internal computer or unit that diagnose the car for you & display the fault on the screen, under the A/C control panel. OBD II scanner will only pull the error codes for you. But the screen in the 406 V6, at any point in time sometime is about to fail or fails, would read out or display the name of the sensor or what has failed or making the car to misbehave. Now, point at me a Japmobile that has such facility? I thought someone said here that Peugeots are crap! Hmm! Anyway, the socket for the OBD II scanner is still there, incase you want to confirm what the On-Board-Computer tells you is wrong with the car. Oh! I forgot to add that the computer also displays on the same screen, the mpg or L/100km you are doing at every point in time the car is in motion.


2. MPG/FUEL CONSUMPTION: From records, it shows that the mpg of 406 V6, especially the manual trans, is close to I4 406. Even though there is difference, but its insignificant. Below is the breakdown, gotten from owners of 406 both I4s & V6s:

I4 (2.0) auto trans:
10L/100km: City/town
6/100km: Highway

V6, auto trans:
14/100km: city/town
8.4/100km: highway

V6, Manual trans:
11/100km: city/town
7/100km: highway

Someone in Australia once said that he covered 648 km with only 48 litres, with his 406 V6 manual trans. Mind you, Abuja to Enugu town is about 500 km. Not even upto what this guy covered with only 48 litres in his V6. Go figure!



3. 406 V6 ENGINE MANAGEMENT: The D9 V6 engine management is reliable & durable, unlike some of the I4 406 engine management that suffers ECU failures in the early phase. In fact, the V6 engine in D9 has less engine sensors, compared to some of the I4 counterpart, except the Diesels that have simple electrics & easy to fix ( if parts are available). Less electrics, less headache!


4. 406 V6 PERFORMANCE: hmm! I dont really have much to say here. Google it & see for yourself.

The next to post is the things to look out for in the V6 & the V6 parts availability issue.

Ikenna.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE: 406 V6

1. TIMING BELT: The worst thing that will happen to V6 owner is to allow the engine timing belt (if yours uses so) to brake on you (while the engine is on).. In fact, not just V6 engines, everyother engine that use timing belt. But for V6, its as good as kissing the engine goodbye, if that happens. The lifespan of V6 engine timing belt in 406 V6 is 80,000 km or 10 years (whichever comes first). Its always adviseable to replace engine timing belt when one purchase a used car, unless the new owner got the car history from the previous owner. Some would label a sticker on the belt cover, indicating the date the belt was last replaced. You might not be that lucky. Unfortunatly, am not sure you can get a new timing belt of 406 V6 in Nigeria. You will have to source it outside, which is very much available online. A 406 V6 timing belt kit (the timing belt, tensioners & water pump) cost $250 - $300 USD. Both the item & shipping shouldnt cost more than $400. At least, we are looking at 60 - 80 K NGN. I dont think it cost too much to spend that amount once in 10 years in keeping your car running. Because, thats is the only major service that is done on ES9J4(S). They are indestructible engines. You can get the engine sensors in Nigeria, if they fail. If I were you, i would also be working on purchasing & replacing the timing belt as soon as i make the purchase, whether V6 or I4. Though, the I4 timing belt kits are available new in Nigeria. How superior or original they are is what I cant vouch for.

2. BSI UNIT (Body System Interface). All facelifted 406 have the BSI. The unit controls all car's systems, radio, cruise control, electric windows, lighting, climate control, central locking,etc. Its the "brain" of the whole body system of phase 2 406s. So if it fails or starts malfunctioning, na wahala! Its separate from the conventional ECU for engines & auto transmissons. As usual, what kills it is water. Its located above pedals, under the steering wheel. It looks like engine ecu, but bigger. So always make sure that the car doesnt leak water from that side, especially when its raining. Though the D8s (phase 1 406s) dont have this BSI. Only the D9s have them, both I4 & V6.

3. COIL PACKS: The facelifted 406 V6 has 6 individual coil packs, while the phase 1 406 V6 has single coil pack. None of them have distributor. The advantage the 6 individual coil packs in phase 2 V6 has over phase 1 single coil pack is that if one or two coil packs suddenly fails, you can still drive the car home on 5 or 4 spark plugs, pending when you replace the 1 or 2 failed coils or even all the 6. But if the single coil pack in D8 dies, the car will stop & wont start again until you get an new coil pack & replace the dead one. You wont find it funny if such a thing strand you on highway (no man's land!). So now, you see the advantage the D9 has over D8.


Now, you can see that no particular 406 issue is peculiar to V6, especially, the type that cant be fixed. The only problem with the V6 406 is when you want to replace the timing belt. You will have to source for it online & it has to be done by a good Peugeot workshop. Aside the belt, everyother thing there is like everyother V6 engine. Besides, the On-Board-computer is there to tell you or point at what is amiss. Mind you, some of the early/phase 1 I4 406 engines were oil burners. Steer clear! Never go for the phase 1. The issues the phase 1 had were fixed in phase 2. The phase 2 was an improvement of the phase 1.

Before I go, Please, whatever you do, whichever engine you decide to go for, DO NOT go for auto trans. They are not as reliable as everyother auto tranny of other brands. Most previous owners of 406 auto trans complained that theirs failed before the cars clocked 100,000 km. So, steer clear!

If i remember anyother thing, i will post it here. Feel free to ask for clairification or how to fix some issues peculiar to 406. Happy hunting & goodluck!

Ikenna.