High number of owners, good MOT history - thoughts?

[Ludicrous]

Currently looking for my first car so I can begin commuting to work in August. Found this automatic 306 for £1,500, in good nick outside and inside, 80k miles, but it apparently has had 9 owners according to the post.

This would normally drive me away immediately, but the MOT history doesn’t suggest any major repeating problems or anything otherwise nefarious (minus the issue with rubber bushings etc.). Is this something I should steer clear of, or is it still something worth considering?

Number plate for those interested: V193 XVV

Any opinions would be appreciated!

Edited by Ludicrous on Thursday 14th July 14:57

Edited by Ludicrous on Thursday 14th July 15:02

[georgeyboy12345]

The MOT history link doesn’t work.

If it’s a Peugeot 306 then it’ll be at least 20 years old, so 9 owners isn’t quite as bad, still a lot though.

[anonymous-user]

That link won't work as it doesn't record the number plate in the link.

Nine owners on a 306? The newest it can possibly be is twenty one years old so I wouldn't overly worry.

At this price, buy on condition, everything else is just noise TBH.

[Ludicrous]

I’ve added the number plate if anyone wants to check the history themselves, but from what it sounds like if it’s it good nick in person, it’ll be worth going for. Thanks to those who have already left some info, it’s really appreciated

[georgeyboy12345]

Just had a look at the MOT history, looks pretty good, I'd take a punt on that.

[samoht]

Smallish automatic hatchback, could well have been the last car for a number of those 9 owners.


General comment, a 23 year old car is quite old to press into daily commuting service - is there a reason not to go newer? (Rust, spare parts, A/C) Also a 306 is an excellent commuter if your commute includes nice B-roads, but then you'd probably want a manual to complement the excellent chassis - are you deliberately after an auto?

But yeah if you are lucky enough to have a fun commute, a 306 is a great way to get the best out of it without breaking the bank.

[Ludicrous]

samoht said:

General comment, a 23 year old car is quite old to press into daily commuting service - is there a reason not to go newer? (Rust, spare parts, A/C) Also a 306 is an excellent commuter if your commute includes nice B-roads, but then you'd probably want a manual to complement the excellent chassis - are you deliberately after an auto?
.

The biggest factor for me for both of these questions is really just what's available in my area. Most things I've seen that are half-decent are pretty overpriced, and anything cheaper is usually a newer beater that's been driven into the ground or an even older car in decent condition. I went to see an automatic Micra K11 the other day for £1,250 - looked good in the ad, but on arrival one tyre was flat, the windows didn't work and the AC didn't either. When I shut the passenger side door the window disappeared into the door's walls... I think it's just a difficult market at the moment for me to find something that toes the line between the categories, which leaves me really with the older but golder stuff. Even those seem to be more of a diamond in the rough though.

I haven't driven since I passed my driving test (4 years or so) so I'd prefer an auto for convenience, but really I'm not too picky - I'm just trying to find something in good nick that isn't overpriced. This 306 is probably the best I've seen so far, and I think I'll be seeing it tomorrow if all goes well. It does apparently also come with A/C, but that'll have to be confirmed when I see it, especially after the specimens I've seen so far!

[quinny100]

306 build quality and electrics were patchy at best when they got to 5 years old. I doubt they’ve improved with age! They don’t particularly rust yet they’re a rare sight on the roads despite being very common in the late 90’s.

You’d be far better with a Mk1 or Mk2 Focus but you’ll probably need to see a few to find a clean one.

[Ludicrous]

Went to see it today and we ended up taking it back with us. Paint and lacquer could do with some TLC, could do with a little sprucing up, and the cam belt is going to be changed just for peace of mind, but other than that it seems like a great buy. Will update in a week or two when I have horribly expensive issues 😂

Ended up getting it for £1350, so fingers crossed all the stress was all worth it!

[samoht]

Congrats on the purchase, get some pics and put a thread up in Readers Cars

I drove a '94 1.4 on and off between 1998 and 2006, wasn't too unreliable and the issues it did have were fairly cheaply fixed ISTR. Its ability to flow down Yorkshire B-roads is something I still remember fondly, having had much faster & 'better' cars since. Not an obvious 'cheap commuter' nowadays, but a great reminder of when Peugeot made good cars.

[Mr Tidy]

Ludicrous said:

Ended up getting it for £1350, so fingers crossed all the stress was all worth it!

Congratulations - I hope it treats you well.

By all accounts they are a good drive.