15-04-2013, 08:16 AM
You didn't buy a dog, just a 1.4...they were all like that 3 years ago when I was buying them so I doubt they've improved since.
306 really haven't taken well to the colder winters and tonne of road salt lately, things go rusty, or seized, or brittle, no matter what model you get. They're also atleast 12 years old now so will all need cambelt, tyres and clutch unless they've been done...and rear arch welding if its a phase 2 or estate. I'm afraid 90% of 306s were just used as workhorses, never cleaned (salty) and public generally don't care about them so they're crap now. Trust me I've seen them get worse over the last few years....
If you can buy a well looked after one from here or any other forum it shouldn't be so bad....but don't forget they've still mostly had 12 years of abuse....
HDi's are still slow and tbh aren't that good on fuel (ask Cully!)...and unless you get a post Y reg which is way out of your budget the tax is high on them as well. Not to mention the increased insurance over the 1.4.
My HDi got into such a state I ended up breaking it - and finding out that they really are worthless, even in parts - and its a top spec one in a decent colour.
I do miss the 306, and I still find myself drawn to them when looking on ebay - but I have no idea why lol. No doubt I'll end up in another eventually (I'll have to to use up the parts I can't seem to sell!
) but it won't be another diesel...only thing I'd come back for now is a 1.8 or a '6 if I could afford the fuel.
306 really haven't taken well to the colder winters and tonne of road salt lately, things go rusty, or seized, or brittle, no matter what model you get. They're also atleast 12 years old now so will all need cambelt, tyres and clutch unless they've been done...and rear arch welding if its a phase 2 or estate. I'm afraid 90% of 306s were just used as workhorses, never cleaned (salty) and public generally don't care about them so they're crap now. Trust me I've seen them get worse over the last few years....
If you can buy a well looked after one from here or any other forum it shouldn't be so bad....but don't forget they've still mostly had 12 years of abuse....
HDi's are still slow and tbh aren't that good on fuel (ask Cully!)...and unless you get a post Y reg which is way out of your budget the tax is high on them as well. Not to mention the increased insurance over the 1.4.
My HDi got into such a state I ended up breaking it - and finding out that they really are worthless, even in parts - and its a top spec one in a decent colour.
I do miss the 306, and I still find myself drawn to them when looking on ebay - but I have no idea why lol. No doubt I'll end up in another eventually (I'll have to to use up the parts I can't seem to sell!
) but it won't be another diesel...only thing I'd come back for now is a 1.8 or a '6 if I could afford the fuel.