If any Scenic owners would like to share their thoughts on the current models (sorry but not 4X4) with a potential new purchaser I would be very appreciative. Thanks, Cheers, Pete, Stdney.
Originally posted by Peter Thomas:
<strong>Rek, Thanks for the sites and info. I am planning a purchase early next year and have the field down to three: Astra 2.2, Scenic or Pug 307.
Not having been in the French car ownership area for some time I am having to catch up a lot.
Thanks again, Pete, Sydney.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Pete,
Interesting and understandable choice. All pretty reasonable I suspect. We've had a 306 for nearly 7 years and I still just love it - no-one has ever managed such a combination of ride and handling. My only grumble has always been that I'd like it to be a bit higher, i.e. to be a 307!
I drove a Scenic a couple of weeks ago. Very nice in lots of ways, and CLEVER. They're different in a nice French way, and I really liked the double aperture approach to the tailgate (i.e. you can open just the window if you want to). I liked the car a lot and they are very good value.
Very much to my surprise, the only things I didn't think up to the mark were the front seats - something about size, shape and grip of the bit you sit on, and it's height above the floor, and the ride. The ride was supple enough but a bit thumpy, definitely without the finess of the Pug.
Never driven an Astra. I imagine I'd like it from what I've read. Are they reliable in Europe?
I'll bet the 307 has the lowest depreciation of the three when we look back in 5 years.
None of this was what you were asking for, but it's a choice I've thought about.
What I have ACTUALLY done is to buy a 2nd hand Citroen Xantia! For $20,000 you get a lot of engineering for a great price, given how they depreciate at first. A 405 with peaches and cream!
What I PLANNED to do was wait until the Renault Kangoo arrives, to see which version(s) come to Australia. I reckon the Kangoo is a seriously interesting car.
Cheers
John W
Originally posted by Peter Thomas:
<strong>If any Scenic owners would like to share their thoughts on the current models (sorry but not 4X4) with a potential new purchaser I would be very appreciative. Thanks, Cheers, Pete, Stdney.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Originally posted by Stuey:
<strong>The Citroen C3 looks very promising; it's a 307 chassis with interesting Citroen-y looks, cues from the ripple bonnet 2 CV. And it looks even more spacious than the 307.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Just a correction -- the Citroen C3 is actually built on an all-new platform (which AFAIK will be what the Peugeot 207 will end up being built on, when the time comes)
Originally posted by JohnW:
<strong>There must be a 306 runout coming - the last may be the best built?</strong><hr></blockquote>
The 306 "Rallye" model (that's been on sale here for the past few months) is the end of life run-out, according to my local dealer. (they actually come with a lot of things as standard, too.)
I don't think 306s have been available in Europe anymore for a little while; it's all 307s now there. So I guess the 306s we are getting here are amongst the last.
Originally posted by Peter Thomas:
<strong>Thanks to all those who took the time to share their thoughts on this topic. Your input is most welcome. Stuey and John W: The devlaluation points are well made. Peronally I have never figured depreciation into the calculations since I normally buy cars about once every 10 years so by the time the next one comes around they are scrap value only. Will the Astra hold up as well? Time will tell I guess. Thanks again to all.
Cheers, Pete, Sydney.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Pete,
Just one thing - if you buy a 307 it definitely won't be just "scrap value" in 10 years. Peugeots just last longer than that if serviced. Our 7 year 306 drives more or less like new.
John W.
Originally posted by rek:
<strong>
The 306 "Rallye" model (that's been on sale here for the past few months) is the end of life run-out, according to my local dealer. (they actually come with a lot of things as standard, too.)
I don't think 306s have been available in Europe anymore for a little while; it's all 307s now there. So I guess the 306s we are getting here are amongst the last.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Is that 306 Rallye anything like the six-speed, GTi-engined European 306 Rallye (probably not if its a runout model)? That car looks like a real blast - no sound deadening, lighter glass, no air-con.... basically Peugeot's equivalent of the Honda Integra Type-R. Delicious!
Originally posted by Jez 405:
<strong>Is that 306 Rallye anything like the six-speed, GTi-engined European 306 Rallye (probably not if its a runout model)? That car looks like a real blast - no sound deadening, lighter glass, no air-con.... basically Peugeot's equivalent of the Honda Integra Type-R. Delicious!</strong><hr></blockquote>
No. It's basically a 306 XT filled to the brim with optional extras, to get them off the showroom floor ASAP.
306 GTi6/"real" Rallye production stopped after 2000 due to emissions standards (or something like that.)