306 buyers guide check list

[DeeTurbo]

Hi all,

Has anyone made a "buyers check list" for a 306 on here with common faults to look for and questions to ask when buying?

If not would you guys help me make one so I don't miss anything?

All phases
Rear axle trailing arm bearings - excessive play and can sometimes be seen by camber when viewed from behind.
Head gasket failure especially on XUD engines - check for excessive high pressure in cooling system, check for oil in cooling system or water in the oil via dip stick or filler car.


Phase 1
Rust at top of windscreen
Heater matrix - Check for heat when cars warmed up through heater vents - Heater matrix might be bypassed
Door looms - doors may unlock after locking via central locking, Speakers may not work or crackle when opening closing doors.
Rear quarter panels rust inside - check around seat belt top anchor for rust.


Phase 2
Rust at top of windscreen
Heater matrix - Check for heat when cars warmed up through heater vents - Heater matrix might be bypassed
Door looms - doors may unlock after locking via central locking, Speakers may not work or crackle when opening closing doors.
Rear quarter panels rust inside - check around seat belt top anchor for rust.


Phase 3

[mikey b]

I would say the common things are
Rear axel
Rear quarter panels rotten out
Heater matrix not leaking or been blanked off
Phase 1 and maybe some phase 2 rust at top of windscreen

That's bout it off the top of me head just have a good look around but remember most 306s are getting fairly old now so most will require a bit of work

[Toms306]

Door looms as well

Don't think there is a buyers guide though, so would be helpful to newcomers I guess. There are a lot of things that will be engine specific also.

[DeeTurbo]

Good stuff, I'll keep updating the first post as we go along and I'll break it down into phases as well.

[lolsteve]

XUD- headgaskets, I hear theyre terrible for them

[Jimbo]

They are if higher boost is pushed and it has a shitty fibre headgasket.
Should be ok on a mls gasket imo

[cully]

front jacking points to chassis leg for rust
broken engine mount cradle
coolant system needs to hold pressure
fans need to run at temp
rust on door seal roof gutter