Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior
The body is partially galvanized, but where there is no protection, it rusts quickly and even develops holes. The underbody of the car and especially the exhaust system are highly susceptible to corrosion. The interior is not bad for its age, but it tends to creak in turns when driven with mileage. The electrical system is a weak point of this model and often causes troubles for the owners.
Engine
The gasoline engines are reliable, as long as you keep an eye on leaks and the condition of the timing belt. The main problems here are related to the electrical system and failures of auxiliary equipment. There has also been a recall campaign to replace cracked exhaust manifolds. Diesel engines from Peugeot are rarely encountered, but they are renowned for their durability.
Transmission
The manual gearboxes here are relatively weak and not particularly durable. Bearings on the primary shaft tend to wear out quickly, especially in the early years of production. Automatic transmissions are complete clones of Mitsubishi's ATs and do not have any special issues.
Suspension
The suspension has a limited lifespan, but the good news is that the spare parts for it are inexpensive and widely available. Stabilizer links, wheel hub bearings, and ball joints do not last long. It is better not to overload the car, as shocks wear out quickly and springs can break.
Steering
The steering is quite reliable, and only the tie rod ends are often replaced.
