Our budget (€15,000) may seem excessive for a used city car. But taking into account the inflationary context, a new entry-level 208 now costs over €19,000 while the electric e-208 starts at around €40,000, excluding the environmental bonus (€5,000). So there is no point in looking for a used example of this “battery” 208 within the allocated budget. Version 1.2 of the PureTech 130, which covers the “thermal” range, is also out of the game. Below €15,000, three engines share the market. On gasoline 1.2 PureTech has two levels of power: 75 hp. and 100 hp (with turbocharging). The latter can be combined, if desired, with an automatic transmission. For fans of the 1.5 BlueHDi diesel with a capacity of 100 hp. completes the sentence.

Choose the finish carefully

We find on board integrated instrument panel a favorite for the i-Cockpit brand. But, again, it shows its limits in terms of ergonomics: depending on the shape of the body, the small steering wheel can create an unnatural position for reading the meters. Note that high finish GT Line, the most attractive with lacquered black fenders, full LED headlights and a sporty interior, drop by drop with such a budget. AND Gait equipped with 3D-effect digital meters, cloth/TEP upholstery and an electric handbrake, however, remains a nice touch. On the other hand, the needle-like combination of devices and the lack of pleasant decorative details contribute less attractive Style, Active and above all I lovetoo strict. Finally, whatever version of multimedia it is, its interface now seems out of date. Another common point for all 208s: the unprotected body is exposed to the slightest urban impacts. A shame for a car designed primarily for this environment.

Limited sense of welcome

In addition, the high level of dynamic characteristics of the 208, alert, comfortable, good soundproofing, allows you to calmly cover long distances. Here we find all the know-how of the brand. On the other hand, difficult access to the rear (due to the narrowness of the doors) and reduced space will not be appreciated by passengers or parents who want to put their baby in a child seat. Peugeot seems to have prioritized boot space, becoming one of the best students in the category… Style and finish hit the mark. But the i-Cockpit still requires certain body types to adapt their driving position to read the meters. Narrow door opening making it difficult to get on board 208, where older children will lack legroom. The volume of the trunk looks better, but the high threshold does not facilitate loading operations.

Equipment side

The salon is too shabby there I love disappointing. L’Active gets a 7-inch color screen with Mirror Screen function (Apple Carplay, Android Auto). AND Business (intended for new professionals) adds reversing radar and GPS. The latter disappears on the series Stylewhich features 16-inch wheels and LED headlights. L’Gait demonstrates a more complete range of comfort. Finally, the GT Line does its best to seduce, both on the outside and in the “sporty-technical” cabin.

Engine side

A budget of €15,000 allows access to three petrol units, including one linked to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and a diesel:

• 2 PureTech 75 : This entry-level engine works pretty well. Soft, rather restrained and restrained, it is interesting especially in urban conditions, because the lack of turbocharging limits its recovery capabilities. This requires some downshifting on the highway. It is possible to exchange for the Like version, which has traveled about 60,000 km from €11,000.
• 2 PureTech 100 : torque thanks to the turbo and six-speed transmission turn this 208 into an otherwise quiet little touring car. Its excellent sobriety is the icing on the cake. However, we must remain vigilant to the “issue” with the timing belt, which affected all 1.2 PureTechs. Widely used block in Allure finish, incl prices start at 12,500 euros about 80,000 km.
• 2 PureTech 100 EAT8 : the excellent 8-speed automatic gearbox is a perfect match for the smooth nature of the 1.2 PureTech 100. However, note that increasing consumption. This tandem also takes their services dearly because it is necessary count around 15,000 euros for a model that has traveled at least 100,000 km!
• 5 BlueHDi 100 hp : the only diesel unit installed under the hood of the 208 has its extraordinary economy. Surprisingly quiet and very flexible, primarily intended for heavy riders. And this means a higher mileage of second-hand cars. For about 13,000 euros, an active business will have at least 90,000 km.

The side of reliability

• Fires: There have been cases of condensation inside the lamps. This is not a problem from the point of view of security, the aesthetic aspect suffers more.
• Multimedia system. Check if it works correctly. If the sound is interrupted or the screen is black, reprogramming is required to eliminate these errors (150 euros).
• Distribution. 1.2 PureTech uses an oil belt. This wears down and eventually blocks the strainer causing the oil level warning. Then it is necessary flush the block and change the distributor (800 €), or even replace the engine (6000 €). It is assumed that the problem will be solved by using a new model of the belt from 2017. However, from 2020, the brand network recommends changing this element every six years or 100,000 km, instead of the original 10 years or 180,000 km. An item that should be included in the cost of service.

We recommend: 208 1.2 PureTech 100 Allure

Flexible, quiet and especially sober, this block usually solved the propagation problem. The hardware that comes with the Allure adds touches to this shiny version of versatility that we find from €13,500 for approximately 50,000 km.

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