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PEUGEOT 306 (1997)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,090 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol1998cc29 years old1,090 tests106k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327
Road Tax

Based on 1998cc

£315
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,197
Per month£183/mo
Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

71% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the PEUGEOT brand average of 83%.

At 29 years old, 71% of PEUGEOT 306s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,090 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 106,426 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 cars219th of 320(top 68%)
Rank among PEUGEOT models596th of 726(top 82%)
vs national average-11%(82% avg)
vs 1997 cars average-4%(75% avg)
vs PEUGEOT average-12%(83% avg)

Mileage Analysis

106,426

Average miles

vs

214,600

Expected for age

The average 1997 PEUGEOT 306 has 106,426 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 74% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 68%. The 1997 sits between the two at 71%.

PEUGEOT 306 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200271%287114,225 mi
200170%1,611113,249 mi
200069%1,968110,799 mi
199968%2,237112,536 mi
199871%1,731112,037 mi
199771%1,090106,426 mi
199674%615102,741 mi
199568%513106,771 mi
199470%271105,674 mi
199371%6298,561 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 1997 PEUGEOT 306

The 1997 PEUGEOT 306 is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 1,090 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 106,426 miles at 29 years old, PEUGEOT 306 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1997 PEUGEOT 306 Fuel Costs

The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1997 PEUGEOT 306?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

PEUGEOT 306 Reliability Trend

The PEUGEOT 306 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1997 PEUGEOT 306

At 29 years old, the PEUGEOT 306 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 74%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1997 PEUGEOT 306's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 29 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 106k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1997 PEUGEOT 306 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
PEUGEOT 306(1997)71%£1327£315Grp 18-32£2197
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(1996)67%£1592£250Grp 25-38£2597+£400
MAZDA MX-5(1999)73%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£370
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999)71%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2017-£180
BMW 3 SERIES(1999)78%£1592£250Grp 25-38£2397+£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

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Related Guides

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