In terms of technology, the Peugeot 308 sits close to the Citroën C4 in the same family. Officially, the lineup includes a five-door hatchback, a station wagon, and a convertible. Since 2010 the hatch has been assembled in Kaluga with a revised suspension and a 120 hp engine. Two years later, sales slowed and the hatchback’s production was scaled back.
Peugeot308
Advantages
- Appealing price points.
- Corrosion resistant bodywork.
- Good ergonomics and a comfortable interior.
- Distinctive, engaging appearance.
For a station wagon, the claimed luggage capacity is 573 liters—solid for a wagon; for a hatchback, 348 liters is adequate and the shape is well suited to everyday use. The station wagon typically carries a price premium of roughly 50 to 100 thousand rubles.
Defects
- The main units show limited reliability at times.
- Minor glitches are not uncommon.
engines
Dependable diesels of 1.6 and 2.0 liters are available on order. The 2.0 with 136 hp is paired with a manual transmission, while the 1.6 is often mated to a robotized gearbox. The EP6 1.6 engine (120 hp) delivers strong performance but is demanding and not highly reliable. Fuel quality should be high-octane, and synthetic oils are recommended. With around 100 thousand kilometers, oil consumption can increase noticeably, at times up to a liter per 1000 km. Decoking does not yield long-lasting benefits, and low oil levels can cause mechanical damage.
Around every 100 thousand kilometers, the water pump and thermostat are typically replaced once. The timing chain may stretch to 60–80 thousand kilometers in some cases, though more often it exceeds 150 thousand. Low-mileage leaks are common due to wear on camshaft seats. Closer to 200 thousand kilometers, valve seats can fail, leading to costly repairs. Later EP6 iterations offer improved reliability after phased upgrades.
The supercharged version of the same engine, EP6DT (140 hp), shares similar reliability issues but tends to develop them earlier. Timing chains may not last beyond 50 thousand kilometers, and oil leaks can occur earlier. Strangely enough, both engines can cover 250–300 thousand kilometers, but the maintenance and repair costs can be significant.
Transmission
The five-speed manual is sturdy, with a slightly short top gear. The four-speed automatic AL4 (also known as DP0 in Renault terminology) can be troublesome and is prone to early wear of solenoids and the valve body. Shocks and mounts may wear out by 50–60 thousand kilometers, often due to owners delaying oil changes. The system also dislikes cold starts and aggressive driving.
The EGS6 robot is reliable when maintained, but a single clutch kit can fail around 200 thousand kilometers. Aisin-made units, used with the 2.0 diesel, offer greater longevity and are highly valued, though they are relatively rare.
Operational notes
The suspension strikes a balance between firmness and handling prowess. Rough roads can stress front wheel bearings and ball joints, but chassis repairs tend to be straightforward and affordable. The remaining components of the steering system are generally durable.
- Front brake pads commonly wear out around 40 thousand kilometers, with discs potentially warping at 50–60 thousand.
- The heater can become inefficient at higher mileage due to radiator clogging; flushing helps little, so replacement is often the better option.
- In winter, the mirror folding mechanism can seize up.
Euro NCAP: 2009 — five stars. Driver and passenger protection 82%, child protection 81%, pedestrian protection 53%, safety assist 83%.
The largest aftermarket offering centers on the 308 1.6 (120 hp) with automatic transmission. The recommended choice is the 308 2.0D with automatic transmission. For similar money, alternatives include the Citroën C3, Ford Focus II, Hyundai Getz, and Opel Corsa.
- A guide on selecting a good used car is provided here.
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