Launched in 1998, the Peugeot 206 was on a mission to succeed the famous Peugeot 205. Almost 30 years later, what can still be described as the “queen of the B segment” will see its first models enter the gray collection from 2028. It is not uncommon to still see a Peugeot 206 behind the wheel, and for good reason, because with approximately twelve million models produced worldwide between 1998 and 2012the year the French city car finally ceased production with the end of production of the 206+, the Sochaux city car was a real commercial success.

With the move to collector registration over the next few years, some might rightly ask whether a used Peugeot 206 might be a good little investment today, especially as models from those years, like their elders, should do well in the latter. .. manual market, but for other reasons. A bit like 205, 206 will be the first car for a whole generation of driversand many of them will surely be interested in the idea of ​​being able to upgrade the car of their youth, and without making a bad deal.

Peugeot 206: the king’s choice

Thanks to its almost timeless design, even today, Peugeot 206 is far from outdated from an aesthetic point of view. On the other hand, it was entitled to many variations, special versions and other engines.

Available in five different body styles, the 206 has something for everyone. It was available in three and five-door versions, as well as a convertible (206 CC), station wagon (206 SW), and a sedan version with a trunk. The latter was intended for developing countries and is not very common in Europe.

Peugeot 206: what you should pay attention to

The engine line is divided into seven gasoline engines with a capacity of 60 to 177 horsepower and four diesel engines with a capacity of 70 to 110 horsepower. Most engines are known to be reliable. Please note that not all engines are available with all body styles. It is impossible, for example, to find a 177 hp unit. on 206 SW for example.

Overall, the petrol models are doing well in terms of reliability, apart from some cylinder head gasket issues on the 1.6L 16V. With diesel engines, things were a bit more complicated with the introduction of the new HDI engines. Subsequently, 2.0 L HDI 90 hp. became reliable, even very reliable. It is also worth giving preference to the diesel, especially because it offered the 206 a real bombinet temperament.

The same cannot be said for the younger brother 1.4 L HDI with a capacity of 70 hp, which had problems with the seals of the injectors. The ugly duckling of the range is unfortunately the most attractive on paper of the diesels, namely the 110bhp 1.6-litre HDI four-cylinder, which has had a few reliability issues.

Another minus, which applies to almost all 206, this is a rather fragile rear axle. It was susceptible to water penetration and therefore rusting. A standard rear axle replacement will cost between €400 and €500 including labour. Therefore, be careful when buying, because a tired train can be dangerous.

On the other hand, the rear axles of the 206 CC, SW and RC are quite preserved due to the reinforcement available on these models. Speaking of the 206 CC, this model is undoubtedly the most attractive, but its roof mechanism was also quite fragile.

Peugeot 206: the most interesting models

In general, if we talk simply about investments, then with such a production Peugeot 206 will not have much value. Only models in really good condition, limited series and with low mileage will be sought after by fans.just like any other car of this type.

A relatively clean Peugeot 206 CC starts at around €3,000, but prices can go up to around €6,500 for a Roland Garros version in good condition. And its rating hasn’t dropped, models in very good condition and with low mileage can go for over €9,000.

In the same waters, a beautiful Peugeot 206 S16 is traded, even if on some advertising sites we saw it for almost 10,000 euros with a low mileage (about 50,000 km). The most popular at the moment is the Peugeot 206 RC, the sports car in the range with its 177 hp. Despite its mixed success after the 205 GTI, the one that is a 206 S16 of sorts, only produced 13,000 units and was discontinued very early in 2006.

At the time, it was trading for 21,500 euros. Today there are several models up to 10,000 euros. For a version in good condition and with a mileage of about 100,000 km, you will need about 12,000 euros. The unloved Peugeot 206 RC can experience a second youth, especially since its performance is far from ridiculous. The good news is that the RC has solid mechanics. 200,000 km passes without problems if the timing belt is replaced.