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Peugeot 406: sedan, estate, coupé, engines and what to know
The Peugeot 406 is a mid-size car produced from 1995 to 2004, available as a sedan, estate (Break), and coupé. We look at the engines you'll find in the used market, how the body styles differ, and what to check before buying.
The 406 in brief
The Peugeot 406 was one of the most popular cars in its class in Europe during the 1990s and early 2000s. It was renowned for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and elegant design, with the coupé version, created in collaboration with Pininfarina, remaining one of the most beautiful cars of its time.
Today, this is an older car, so it's worth knowing that the condition of the specific example is key. Some models, particularly the coupé, have become collectibles.
Which version to choose
The 406 was produced in one generation, with a facelift around 1999 that included new headlights, bumpers, and some interior details. The facelifted versions look more modern, but there's little technical difference.
The choice largely depends on the body style: the sedan is elegant, the Break is practical for families and cargo, and the coupé is prized for its looks and sportier character.
Engines and gearboxes
Petrol engines range from 1.6 to 2.0 litres, with the most powerful version featuring a 3.0-litre V6. Diesels include the 1.9-litre and later 2.0 and 2.2-litre HDi, which are widely praised for their economy.
The gearbox is usually a manual five-speed, although automatics are also available. HDi diesel engines are long-lasting, but they require meticulous maintenance.
What to check when buying a used 406
First, inspect the body for rust – especially the sills, wheel arches, boot floor, and lower door sections. Painted-over details or uneven gaps might indicate a previous accident.
The engine should run smoothly and without unusual noises. Check for oil leaks and ask about the timing belt replacement. In the diesel version, inspect the turbo and fuel system.
After several years, the suspension often wears out, so test the shock absorbers, stabilizer bars, and steering linkages. Check the clutch, gearbox, and electrical equipment, as older cars can have minor faults.
Body styles
Trim names and equipment vary by market and year, so below are the general variants by body style.
Sedanas
1995–2004Classic four-door variant.
- Spacious interior for five passengers
- Generous boot space
- Often — a wide range of engine choices
Break
1996–2004Estate for family and cargo.
- Large boot
- Practical for daily use and road trips
- Often — a diesel engine
Coupé
1997–2004The two-door elegant version.
- Designed by Pininfarina
- A sportier character
- Often — more powerful petrol engines, including V6
Body comparison
| Sedanas | Break | Coupé | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For daily driving | For the family and cargo | For style and sportiness |
| Wheels (most often) | 15–16 in. | 15–16 in. | 16–17 in. |
| Engine | Petrol and diesel | Petrol and diesel | Mostly petrol |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € | €€ |
The Break with a diesel HDi is perfect for families. The coupé is chosen for its design, but it requires particularly thorough inspection.
Pros
- A comfortable ride and spacious interior
- Elegant design
- A well-known model with a wide range of parts available
- The coupé version is valued as a collector's item
Cons
- An old car, rust is common
- Lacks modern safety features
- Condition heavily depends on the previous owner
Frequently asked questions
Is the Peugeot 406 worth buying today?
Only consider it if you're after a cheap runabout or a collector's item, and only after thoroughly checking its condition. Due to its age, corrosion and wear are the main risks.
Which 406 engine is the best?
Frequent drivers will appreciate the HDi diesels, though they need to be checked over. Petrol engines are simpler, but fuel consumption is higher.
What sets the 406 Coupé apart?
It's the two-door version with a Pininfarina-designed body and a sportier character; it commands a higher price than the saloon.
Updated 2026-10-17 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
