Buyer’s guide – used Peugeot 308: problems, versions, prices

The Peugeot 308 II (2013 – 2021) is a chic mid-size car with modern technology. What should you look out for when buying a used car? Read our used Peugeot 308 buyer’s guide: problems, versions, prices and more.

Simple, elegant design, a surprising interior, modern engines and modern technology. With the second generation of the 308, Peugeot has a real success number in its hands. The model was voted “Car of the Year” in 2014 and is also very popular on the used market.

Body

The Peugeot 308 II is based on the new, modular EMP2 platform. Through the use of aluminium, plastic and composite materials, it weighs around 140 kg less than its predecessor, the 308 I. The first body shape is the 4.25 meter long five-door hatchback. The SW, which is 33 centimeters longer, follows shortly thereafter.

The slightly cartoonish design of the first generation gives way to a sleeker and more timeless design. Chic and sportier versions such as Allure, GT, GTi and GT-line can be recognized by a different front bumper, which is complemented with a sports package in the sporty versions.

Fine factory options are full LED headlights, a panoramic roof and extra dark tinted glass from the B-pillar. The 2017 facelift model has a more angular front end with new headlights and different grilles.

Inner

The mid-size car has its own version of the i-Cockpit with a low-mounted three-spoke sports steering wheel and high-positioned analog instrumentation. Almost all functions, from infotainment and navigation to vehicle and climate settings, are controlled via a central touchscreen. Only the entry-level models lack this feature.

The seating position at the front is extensively adjustable, the legroom at the back is irrelevant. Factory options include leather or Alcantara, keyless entry and start, active parking sensors with camera, heated front seats with massage function, Denon HiFi, “active” cruise control and the Driver Sport Pack. The facelift model features TomTom navigation, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control and a digital i-Cockpit.

engine

Petrol engines are the naturally aspirated 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder (82 hp, 118 Nm), followed by the direct-injection turbocharged three-cylinder 1.2 PureTech/THP (110-130 hp, 205-230 Nm). The four-cylinder 1.6 THP (125-270 hp, 200-340 Nm) also has direct injection and a turbocharger. The most powerful versions are reserved for the 308 GTi. Diesel engines are the 1.6 BlueHDi (100-120 hp, 254-300 Nm) and the 2.0 BlueHDi (150-180 hp, 370-400 Nm). Later comes the 1.5 BlueHDi (100-130 hp, 250-300 Nm).

The most well-known point with the 1.2 petrol engine is the crumbling belt-in-oil timing belt. Loose rubber particles can contaminate the oil strainer and oil passages and cause engine damage. Defective camshaft adjusters also fall under the possible consequential damage. Many belts were replaced under warranty. Always check the maintenance history to see if this has been proven to have happened. Diesels sometimes have problems with the AdBlue system and the AdBlue tank.

transmission

The entry-level engines are mated to a five-speed manual transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the 1.2 PureTech 130 and 1.6 BlueHDi 115. The 1.2 PureTech 130, 1.6 PureTech 225 GT, 1.5 BlueHDi 130 and 2.0 BlueHDi 180 GT are sold with an EAT6 (Efficient Automatic Transmission) six-speed automatic machine. The same six-speed automatic is available on the 1.6 BlueHDi 120 and the 2.0 BlueHDi 150 and 180.

From the facelift, the 1.2 PureTech 110, like the 1.5 BlueHDi 100, has a six-speed manual gearbox. The 1.2 PureTech 130, 1.5 BlueHDi and 2.0 BlueHDi 180 are available with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, the EAT8. The EAT converter units are robust and durable. With manual transmissions, pay attention to wear on the clutch and (in the case of diesel) on the dual-mass flywheel.

suspension

Despite the new platform, Peugeot retains a familiar setup with independent front suspension and a semi-independent torsion rear axle. The construction ensures solid handling, but lacks the finesse of a multi-link rear axle.

Still, the 308 as a whole is a well-driving car. As with its predecessor, the 308, it’s fun to drive, and that doesn’t come at the expense of the comfort you’d expect from a family car. Wheel sizes start at 15-inch steel with hubcaps and go up to 19-inch alloy for the GTi.

GT and GTi have a tighter, lowered sports chassis and a modified brake system. Rattling undercarriage noises are particularly common in early model years. As a rule, the cause is remedied under the warranty by installing new shock absorbers or a conversion kit.

Which one should I have?

When new, the Peugeot 308 II is mainly sold with additional-friendly diesel engines. The lion’s share of them has meanwhile migrated abroad, but that doesn’t change the fact that the middle class is also very fine with the entry-level economy diesel.

The best all-round petrol engine is the 1.2 PureTech with 130 hp. The versions are called Accès (15-inch hubcaps, air conditioning, radio with monochrome display), Active (16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, leather steering wheel, climate control, color touchscreen, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors) and Allure (LED headlights, fog lights, Sports seats, Connect Nav, electric parking brake).

The GT line includes 17-inch alloys, a sports package and Alcantara upholstery. The GT adds 18-inch wheels, navigation and the Driver Sport Pack; the GTI has 19-inch wheels and special bucket seats. Also of interest are the fully equipped Premiere, Style and Blue Lease/Blue Lease Executive.

Should that be him?

Elegant design, a refreshing i-Cockpit interior concept, solid workmanship and old-fashioned driving pleasure: these are all characteristics that speak for the second generation of the Peugeot 308. It is good news for used buyers that this generation of models is characterized by an above-average build quality compared to its predecessors.

The French medium-sized companies are also holding their ground against the competition. If you are looking for a stylish mid-range car with modern technology, appealing driving characteristics and rich equipment, then the 308 II is an excellent choice.

That’s what they cost

Prices on Gas Pedal.nl start at 6,000 euros for a 308 1.2 VTi Accès (2014, 194,000 km) and 6,500 euros for a 308 SW 1.2 PureTech Allure (2014, 180,000 km). A 308 1.6 THP Première (2014, 101,000 km) costs 10,400 euros and a 308 SW 1.2 PureTech BlueLease Premium (2015, 113,000 km) costs 12,300 euros. The cheapest 308 GTi (2015, 75,000 km) comes into view from 22,450 euros.

The lower limit for the facelift model is 8450 euros (308 SW 1.2 PureTech Active, 2017, 177,000 km) and ends at 28,950 euros for a 308 SW GT-line 1.2 PureTech EAT8 (2020, 27,000 km). For diesels, the range is between 5250 for a 1.6 BlueHDi Blue Lease (2015, 300,000 km) and 30,000 euros for a 1.5 BlueHDi GT-line EAT8 (2020, 27,000 km).

parts prices

• Front brake pads, €68.81 per set
• Wishbone front axle, aluminium, €123.52 per piece
• Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance, 225/40 R18, each from €90.30
• Distribution set complete €97.88 water pump, from €77.88
• Clutch including release bearing, from €233.43

pThese prices apply to a Peugeot 308 SW 1.2 PureTech from 2016 and include VAT and exclusive of assembly.

maintenance costs

• Small maintenance from € 200,–
• Big service from € 350,–

huhThe service interval (1.2 PureTech) is 30,000 kilometers/2 years.

advantages

• + elegant design
• + refreshing i-Cockpit
• + smooth engines
• + Solid build quality

negatives

• – Watch out for THP teething problems
• – Modest legroom in the rear