Peugeot knows a thing or two about building pretty cars. Take the new 407. The grille is Ferrari, the profile is Aston Martin and the back end — okay, the back is a bit of a disappointment, but it’s still a darn sight better than a Mondeo or Vectra. And importantly, the launch of the 407 means that there are bargains to be had on its predecessor the 406.

Launched in 1996 the 406 enjoyed a respectable production run of more than eight years, managing to get by on a couple of new engines and a relatively minor facelift. With good looks and generous equipment levels it soon found favour among company car buyers, guaranteeing a healthy supply of used examples.

There is a choice of petrol and diesel engines across the range, although diesels became markedly more popular on later cars. Originally the diesel models sported a 1.9 litre 90bhp unit or a 2.1 litre unit with 110bhp. While the larger engine is more satisfying to drive it’s more prone to problems.

In April 1999 Peugeot replaced both engines with a single 2.0 HDi unit with a choice of 90bhp or 110bhp. The extra power came from variable turbine geometry technology fitted to the 110bhp unit. This adjusts the exhaust gas turbocharger to match more precisely the engine’s running conditions. But if the budget will run to it then the pick of the diesels is the 2.2 litre 136bhp HDi that arrived in December 2000. For the first time Peugeot offered a car with the economy of diesel and the performance of petrol.

Alternatively you could plump for petrol engines in a variety of sizes from a pretty feeble 1.8 litres to a muscular 3 litres. The largest, a smooth V6, enjoys fast gallops but drinks fuel. It’s best to settle for a 2 litre, which depending on the car’s vintage will produce between 137bhp and 143bhp and give adequate if unremarkable performance.

In terms of accommodation you’ll find the 406 a pleasant place to be, more like a sitting room than a car interior. The seats are large and soft, the leg, head and shoulder room generous and there are splashes of real wood. Ride comfort is superb, and despite the softish suspension the car hangs on through bends. As a driver’s car it makes a fair attempt at impressing; only the slightly notchy, rubbery gearchange lets it down.

Almost 90% of Peugeot 406s will have been through the hands of a company car driver, but don’t despair: the reputation such drivers have for treating their cars with little respect is probably unfair and most of the cars will come with impeccable service records and a history of easy motorway miles.

Regardless of the car’s age you should look at the logbook and service book to confirm its history. Multiple owners can be a bad sign, particularly if they have been in quick succession. That often means the car has been moved on before a big bill is due. On higher spec cars it’s important to check all the bells and whistles work — electric seats, sat nav, electric sunroof, climate control. Peugeot’s good looks can sometimes mask problems.

But in a segment of the market dominated by some bland machinery it’s an appealing prospect to own something as pretty and comfortable as a Peugeot 406, particularly when used prices and availability are as good now as they have ever been.

Speedometer Some 2.1 litre diesel models suffered from speedo failure - about £400 to put right

Steering wheel Adjustable for both reach and rake on all models

Diesel All models are turbocharged so check for excessive exhaust smoke from high-mileage examples

Gearbox Not the finest gearchange in the world - prone to being notchy

Front anti-roll bar Bushes are prone to wear so listen for telltale clonking

Air-conditioning Virtually standard across the range on late-plate cars but check for system leaks and musty smell in the cabin

Stereo adjustment Mounted on the steering wheel housing, it can easily be knocked by the driver's knees

Boot Among the best in class with a roomy 430 litres of space at your disposal

Rear disc brakes Prone to rust so check them carefully

Electrics Check windows, mirrors, seat adjustment and sunroofs are all working correctly

Towing In 2002 the 2.2 HDi was voted towcar of the year so you'll find plenty of used examples sporting a towbar

Safety Rear seat has three proper belts rather than more common centre lap belt

Vital statistics

Model Peugeot 406 2.2 HDi
Engine Four-cylinder, 2179cc diesel
Power 136bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 44.1mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-60mph: 10.2sec
Top speed 126mph

The one to buy

Peugeot 406 2.2 HDi 136bhp Executive saloon, 2000 X-reg with 40,000 miles. Pay £7,825 from a main dealer with 12-month warranty, or £7,000 privately

Or for similar money...

2002 51-reg Renault Laguna 1.9 dCi
2002 51-reg Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 DTi
2002 51-reg Nissan Primera 2.2 Di
2001 51-reg Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi
2000 V-reg VW Passat 2.5 V6 TDI

Values Peugeot 406 2.2 HD1 136bhp Executive



Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; 'Retail' is what you would pay a dealer