Clio or a P306?

triggerthat · 7 Feb 2006 at 18:57

Hi guys,

I've pretty much narrowed my first car choices to the Clio (98-01) and the Peuguot 306 (93-01).

I've been looking at these: one and this.

The Clio has a nicer engine and is slightly quicker.

What would you suggest?

[TW]Fox · 7 Feb 2006 at 18:58

I'm not allowed to suggest anything anymore becuase I might upset Mohinder.

Actually you could buy a 1972 VW beetle - you don't see many of those around.

Pants · 7 Feb 2006 at 18:58

That 306 would be too slow for overtaking etc if you needed too.

Joe T · 7 Feb 2006 at 19:01

Out of those two, I think I'd probably buy the Clio. As already said, it will be quite a bit quicker.

triggerthat · 7 Feb 2006 at 19:01

Hi again,

Well I just checked out the insurance, and the 306 is way cheaper.

I'd might go for the 1.6 engine. The 1.4 is quite slow.

Scottland · 7 Feb 2006 at 19:03

My gf has just bought a Clio of the same era, different engine though. And the interior is really cheap and nasty. Looks as bad as the mk1 Clio my sister had years ago.

Perhaps some of them are different, in different trim levels I dunno.

The 306, is not a masterpiece in it's own right, but (at least from the pics) it looks a hell of a lot nicer place to be than the Clio.

If I were you, and had the same choice (Clio or 306) then I'd hold out for a nice 306, but with a 1.6 engine in it rather then the 1.4.

PardonTheWait · 7 Feb 2006 at 19:05

[TW]Fox said:
I'm not allowed to suggest anything anymore becuase I might upset Mohinder.

Actually you could buy a 1972 VW beetle - you don't see many of those around.

Cheer up poppet.

And also no one should ever ever ever buy a 1972 bug. Unless it's gonna be German look.

72 bugs are poo!

saitrix · 7 Feb 2006 at 19:05

How about the Citreon Xsara? They seem to go cheap for the specs, you might be able to get the one that ran from 2000-2004 for example, so its a nice new car. The 1.6 or 2.0HDi (110bhp) would be the preferable engines.

Gixer · 7 Feb 2006 at 19:09

Performance wise out of the two I would go for the clio, but as said the 306 has a much nicer interior and more robust feel about it. I think the seller of that 306 is maybe being a bit optomistic saying a 1.4 has a top speed of 140mph though, I have a 306 gti6 and its top speed is only 140mph!!

I'd go with scottland and hold out for a bigger engined 306.

Axeboy · 7 Feb 2006 at 19:12

306 1.4 is fine.

Engine is capable enough for most drivers, although it wont be as quick as the clio, its the better car.

A 1.6 or TD would be a better bet though.

Scottland · 7 Feb 2006 at 19:15

Axeboy said:
306 1.4 is fine.

Engine is capable enough for most drivers, although it wont be as quick as the clio, its the better car.

A 1.6 or TD would be a better bet though.

My dad's got a Xsara 1.4, which is roughly the same weight I'd imagine. And tbh, the 1.4 isn't really that bad but does run out of welly at about 60.

Kamerad · 7 Feb 2006 at 19:16

The 1.4 engine isn't that bad IMO. It's no rocketship but it pulls quite well in 2nd and 3rd gear however don't expect any grunt after 70-80mph. It will max out at around 100mph if you give it long enough however it the car feels very unsafe at that speed as the steering gets really light

triggerthat · 7 Feb 2006 at 19:42

Will keep an eye out for the 1.6. Just got a quote for the 1.4 (£1266) and the 1.6 (£1393).

Is the 1.6 sort of the same performance as the 1.9 TD?

Axeboy · 7 Feb 2006 at 19:43

Very similar.

Obviously not as much torque, but cheaper to buy generally.

-Mike- · 7 Feb 2006 at 19:49

triggerthat said:
Will keep an eye out for the 1.6. Just got a quote for the 1.4 (£1266) and the 1.6 (£1393).

Is the 1.6 sort of the same performance as the 1.9 TD?

What is your insurance like on the turbo diesel? The TD is quicker than the 1.6 but as has been mentioned, if you don't mind the look of the xsara you can get a newer model. Most likely with the much better more refined HDI engine too. What is your budget?

triggerthat · 7 Feb 2006 at 19:59

Budget is around 1800.

Insurance for the TD will be around 1400.

saitrix · 7 Feb 2006 at 20:01

The 2.0HDi is the same speed as the 1.9TD but it has a 10 higher mpg compared, so will be cheaper to run in the long run and probably a nicer drive overall.

Scottland · 7 Feb 2006 at 20:03

triggerthat said:
Budget is around 1800.

Insurance for the TD will be around 1400.

For you're budget, I think you've got a more of a chance for a better/newer 1.6 than a TD.

It all depends on how far you're prepared to go to look at one, and how long you want to wait to find a good one.

triggerthat · 7 Feb 2006 at 20:06

Well I've been on the look out for a while and getting quite annoyed. lol.

I'd like something that will last and is relatively quick. I had a look at the saxo VTR but they only do 3 door.

lordrobs · 7 Feb 2006 at 20:07

A 1.4 306 is plenty quick enough for a first car. Seriously for your first set of wheels 0-60 and top speed should be the last thing on your mind. IMO the 1.4 in the 306 is perfect for a first car. Its not as dangerously underpowered as people make out. Ok so a quick overtake from 50 does take a shift down into third but to be fair its got enough poke there.

I now do 25k a year in mine and it serves me ok on the dual carriage ways. Will cruise at 80 whilst still returning good economy, around town its stupidly economical. Mine hasn't missed a beat in 30k and in general they are pretty reliable mechanically.

*awaits the yeah but he'll be bored of it in a year comments*

As for the 2 cars you mentioned the 306 is a much better car than the Clio.