PEUGEOT 406 (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 973 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,197
£183/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1749cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1749cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the PEUGEOT brand average of 83%.
At 25 years old, 70% of PEUGEOT 406s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 973 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 142,375 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
142,375
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 PEUGEOT 406 has 142,375 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2001 sits between the two at 70%.
PEUGEOT 406 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2001 PEUGEOT 406
The 2001 PEUGEOT 406 is a family car with a 1749cc petrol engine. 973 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 142,375 miles at 25 years old, PEUGEOT 406 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 PEUGEOT 406 Fuel Costs
The 1749cc 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 2001 PEUGEOT 406?
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 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
PEUGEOT 406 Reliability Trend
Older PEUGEOT 406s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 2001 PEUGEOT 406
At 25 years old, the PEUGEOT 406 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 77%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2001 PEUGEOT 406's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 25 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 142k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2001 PEUGEOT 406 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEUGEOT 406(2001) | 70% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£475 |
| MINI MINI(2003) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| FORD FOCUS(2003) | 68% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£170 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2003) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922-£275 |
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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