In-depth reviews

Peugeot 308 GTi hatchback owner reviews

“The Peugeot 308 GTi is a great-to-drive and economical hot hatchback with subtly sporty looks and a comfortable interior”

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by Richard Ingram

16 Jan 2018

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Carbuyer Rating

3.5 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.8 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

63%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Engine, Suspension, Other (1 case)
Brakes, Electrics, Engine, Suspension, Other (1 case)
Suspension (1 case)
Electrics, Other (1 case)

Review 1 of 8

Tell us what you think about your car?

I have had more or less nothing but trouble with this car. Right from the outset there has been a terrible problem with the exhaust. To put the matter plainly, when I start the car it roars and splutters like an old banger - or as if there is a hole in the exhaust. The car has been returned to the dealer several times now but the problem has not been acknowledged much less fixed. The latest from the dealer is that they are consulting with the French manufacturer. There are, though, other faults: the driver side-mirror rattles; there is an irritating and persistent suspension creak from the rear of the car; when the car is turned to right of left there is a grating noise. Although it is a fast and responsive car, the faults I describe have undermined my pleasure in it.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

We have owned around 12 new Peugeots now and my wife currently has a 130bhp Peugeot 2008 which she loves. I found my previous 156bhp Peugeot 308 perfect but they discontinued it so I bought the GTi. The car generally is great, the clutch and gearbox are so good that passengers don't realise I've changed gear. The car will pull smoothly from 30mph to top speed in 6th if you want it to. The Michelin Pilot Sport tyres increased the outside noise so I swapped them for Goodyear Eagle F1s, which really helped. Also, why Peugeot think it needs a "noisy button" is beyond me, my Sport button doesn't get used. The mpg is vastly affected by driving style/speed, more than any car I've owned. Generally, I'm chuffed to bits with this car.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I bought mine new and within a couple of weeks had the first engine fault. Over the two plus years subsequent engine faults, faulty brakes, faulty tyre valves, faulty keyless entry, faulty steering rack, faulty brake callipers causing binding of the brakes, faulty suspension components, squeaking doors -worse in winter, whistling noise from driver side window, unspecified alerts about faults that magically resolve themselves. The garage and technicians have been great throughout though and the issues sorted out under Peugeot warranty. Great car to drive though when it’s not in the garage getting repaired! It's potentially a car to match rivals but seems sorely let down by quality.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

The Peugeot 308 GTi is a brilliant hot hatch. It's on a different level to the Golf GTI and that's a great car!! The brakes and handling are incredible. I highly recommend the 308.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Very happy with the car, so much torque allows it to pull away easy at lights or uphill in almost any gear...surprising given just a 1.6L engine but high-pressure turbo helps. No turbo-lag btw which is a bugbear of mine. Only issue that has been recurring is suspension/strut re-adjustments due to front knocking noises. Peugeot PSA have changed shockers twice at their cost but problem returns 6 mths later...still unresolved. Precise steering as one familiar with Peugeots would obviously expect, great for daily commute for drivers who like engagement in their driving...thoroughly recommend as a hot hatch with personality!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

The GTI 270 is a fast car, superb fun and well made. Build quality is excellent. This car will go down in history as one of the best hot hatches ever made. Highly recommend

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

This car has been absolutely perfect. High quality build, fantastic performance, it's economical, has an excellent driving position (and a small steering wheel so that I can look over it & the instruments are never blocked). I've had no problems at all. Current mileage 10,000.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

I've owned a 308GTI for 6 months. Whilst all the good reviews are true they don't appear to have picked up the problems I've experienced. Here is a list: 1. Keyless entry failed. Was told the weather could affect it. 2. The keys repeatedly fail meaning the car will not start without being re-programmed or sometimes will not stop without sitting holding the stop button for a while. I've been told not to carry 2 keys in the car at the same time. Not good if you go on holiday with the wife and can't carry a spare set of keys. 3. The folding mirror failed after the locks were changed. 4. The DAB radio does not work correctly. Peugeot are apparently investigating. I had to get my radio re-programmed to stay on FM and simply not use DAB. 5. The car is not great in winter conditions. (I know..... I shouldn't live in the north of Scotland). There is no sensible option for buying a second set of wheels and tyres for winter. The only option is to buy another set of alloys at the same cost as a good second hand car. 6. The exterior plastics are very fragile and pick up scratches very easily. Not problems but car setup is not quite what I was hoping for:- - go to sports mode and the speed display is replaced by a pretty graph that is useless whilst driving and overtaking. You have to press the stick control twice to get the speed back. - go to sports mode and you lose the ability to see where the red line is. - the rev counter goes backwards and is not intuitive - I don't like ECO mode but it can't be turned off permanently. It has to be turned off each time the car is started. - Have waited 6 months for touch up paint and still being told that none exists so there is no sensible way to deal with chips other then to use lacquer. - The touch screen is fiddly and not user friendly when driving. - The steering is overly sensitive at higher speeds and gets worse in sports mode. It becomes twitchy on overtaking on anything less than a smooth road. I hope this helps someone understand the bigger picture when buying the car. Summary - good driving experience but too difficult to live with in the long term.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

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