Peugeot 206 Review (2000 to 2007)

Quick Summary

The rule with 206 Coupe Cabriolets is to go for as late a model as you can. If you do go for an early car, make sure the hood is working when you buy the car and you may well be fine. The rest of the vehicle is rarely problematic and on its day the 206CC is enormous fun. Just make sure that day's sunny…

Overall:

Models Covered: (2 DR 1.6, 1.6HDI, 2.0 CABRIOLET [S, SE, ZEST, SPORT, ALLURE])

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU?

As the first car to make Mercedes SLK-style folding hardtops accessible to the masses, Peugeot's 206 Coupe Cabriolet deserved success and landed it. Any affordable convertible that can put one over the Mazda MX-5 has to be very special indeed and the 206 CC certainly captured the hearts of thousands of British buyers. Once the novelty of that clever roof had worn off though, the 'early adopters' switched to the next in thing, leaving a healthy stock to choose from on the used market.
Used Peugeot 206 for sale

History of the 206

Launched at the tail end of 2000, the 206 Coupe Cabriolet was an instant hit. Few thought such design and technology was cost effective at less than £15,000 but Peugeot proved the doubters wrong. Two models were launched, the 1.6 and the 2.0-litre variants and straight from the outset many owners reported problems with the electric roof sticking in a halfway position. Peugeot made some changes to the design of the hood and in June 2001 launched a four speed automatic option for the 1.6-litre car. July 2002 saw a pair of special editions, the Silver and Black launched. In spring 2003 the 206 CC was subtly facelifted to the tune of a honeycomb grille, the obligatory clear headlight lenses and a bigger chromed Peugeot lion badge on the back. Uniform coloured rear light lenses were also introduced along with body coloured side rubbing strips and bumper inserts. An HDi diesel version was added in 2005. The 207 CC arrived in showrooms in March 2007, replacing the 206 version.
Used Peugeot 206 for sale

Peugeot 206 Road Test

The 138bhp 2.0-litre 16-valve engine used in the top model certainly helps with the fun factor. It's the same unit which powers the 206 GTi, although in this instance there's a bit more weight to haul about, so the edge is taken off outright acceleration. Nonetheless, a rest to sixty time of 8.7 seconds is pretty swift, and a top speed of 127mph should be enough for most. Whereas many cabriolets have the sort of body rigidity that generates noises like a dropped sack of typewriters every time you hit a bump in the road, Peugeot worked hard to ensure the 206 CC is reassuringly composed, with wind noise notable by its absence.On the road, the French company have tried to make most of the attributes that have made the 206GTi such a success – slick gearchange, supple suspension, entertaining handling and deft steering – attributable to the 206 CC. The translation works well, although in truth the Coupe/Cabrio often appeals to those who put appearances before outright ability. Still, like owning a diver's watch capable of descending to 200 metres, even if you don't actually need it, it's reassuring to know you have the capability. Just in case.A more affordable 1.6-litre 16v variant is offered if the 2.0-litre car is a little pricey for you. It's also the only derivative you can have with automatic transmission.
Used Peugeot 206 for sale

Buying a Peugeot 206

The big thing to look out for is the hood mechanism. Make sure you test it a few times all the way up and all the way down. One insider tip is to carry a couple of bungee cords in the car in case of hood failure. It's usually possible to get the hood into one position or another but the bootlid usually stays resolutely erect. This way the bootlid can be secured shut securely enough to get you home. It's not pretty but it's effective. Later cars were much less prone to hood failures.
Used Peugeot 206 for sale

Peugeot 206 Typical Pricing

Prices for the 206CC are still rather volatile due to a flourishing parallel import market, but UK 1.6-litre cars open at £4,850 on a 2000X plate and 2.0-litre models retail at around £5,150 on the same plate. Insurance for the 206CC is reasonable, the 1.6-litre car being rated as Group 12 with the zippy 2.0-litre versions falling into Group 14.
Used Peugeot 206 for sale

Peugeot 206 Parts

(based on a 206 CC 1.6 ex Vat) A clutch assembly is around £100. Front brakepads are around £35, rear brake shoes around £37, a full exhaust (excluding catalytic converter) about £265, a starter motor about £100 and an alternator around £145. A replacement headlamp is about £60.
Used Peugeot 206 for sale