by The Peugeot 308 car was released in 2007 by the French corporation PSA Peugeot Citroen. The car became the last creation of the brand’s chief designer Gérard Welter. The car reached the CIS countries only in 2008 and immediately gained its fans.
Initially, the car was presented in only two models – a five-door and a three-door hatchback, but within a year, the Peugeot 308 SW wagon was also included in the series, followed by the two-door coupe-cabriolet 308 CC.
However, after being used, the car received different reviews – both negative and positive. What do users love and hate about the presented model? There are many controversial issues, and it is important to know about them.
What are the advantages of the Peugeot 308?
Drivers often criticize the 308 model, yet it has many advantages.
- The first of which is the huge panoramic roof made of athermal glass, which creates a “wow effect” not only for the owner but for everyone who gets into the car.
- The second plus is the incredibly beautiful and elegant design. It will appeal to both men and women. The layout of the Peugeot 308 has its advantages, featuring a higher seating position than in other passenger cars.
- The third significant advantage is the good quality of the finishing materials. The interior looks beautiful and presentable.
- The car has reliable sound insulation and handles well in all weather conditions. It holds the road excellently and is not prone to sliding or skidding.
- The vehicle is distinguished by a reliable and comfortable suspension. Owners speak well of the five-speed manual transmission – a proprietary development of the PSA group.
Negative Aspects of the Presented Model
Of course, like any device, the Peugeot also has its drawbacks, which need to be mentioned.
- The first significant downside noted by buyers is that the car is designed only for driving on smooth city roads. It is not intended for rural paths, fishing trips, or nature outings due to its low ground clearance. It is too low for bumps and humps.
- The second negative aspect is the EP6 engine, which is quite fussy about the fuel used. It is best to use only 95 octane.
- Problems arise with the fuel system. The weakest points of the engine are the pump, thermostat, and timing belt.
- The Peugeot 308 is a model designed for slow and relaxed driving. In terms of dynamics, many competitors outshine it. The reason is the car’s weight and the gear ratios in the transmission. Although a minor issue, for those who love speeding, the dynamics of the Peugeot 308 is a negative side.
- The car consumes quite a lot of oil, and if it’s not monitored and replaced in time, the engine will simply fail.
It is also worth noting that finding original parts for the car is not always easy, and they are quite expensive.
However, if you are buying a new car and mostly drive carefully around the city, this model will suit you well. It is maneuverable, doesn’t skid in corners, and even the picky engine won’t be much of an issue, as with the right maintenance and service, it won’t trouble you.
If properly maintained, with timely oil top-ups and preventive checks, the engine will prove to be quite reliable. It starts well even at fairly low temperatures. So, whether to buy or not to buy the Peugeot 308 is your decision, but it should be a well-considered and thought-out choice.
