D8 v D9

[carlo14]

This is a great forum and I've learnt a lot having read lots of the posts.

the consensus seems to be that D8s are better than D9s, is this really the case? I havn't seen an actual post which compares the two versions, although I may have missed it. Could anyone explain the principal differences (I know about the visual ones!), or the best things about each version?

[mjb]

I think D9s are probably "better" in terms of the fancier trip computer/satnav and the exterior styling, but D8s are more reliable electrically, and electrical problems are more often than not *considerably* less expensive to repair. The main reason being that the D9 has the BSI which is extremely sensitive, and the COM2000 stalks on 2001- cars which is prone to wear on the indicator stalk requiring a whole new unit

Mechanically they're pretty much the same, although D9s have the HDi engines, which although considered "better" are more complicated and a lot less reliable than the old 1.9TD and 2.1TD units.

[swiss]

That's my understanding. The D9 is much more hi-tech and great when it works (smooth, powerful, efficient etc), but of course the flip side is there's more to go wrong. And when it does go wrong it's fiddly electronic stuff that us mortals consider magical.

Also, I prefer the nose on the D8. There, I said it ^_^

[jasper5]

My brother's D8 has much more comfortable seats than my D9.

[steve_earwig]

SO does my D8 (now I've repaired the buggers), also has adjustabubble lumbar support (also repaired), which the D9 lacks. Tbh I keep noticing stuff on the '9 which is different to the '8 in a "cost-cutting" kind of way. Another egzampul is the cover for the spare wheel, on the '8 it's a nice hard piece of moulded plastic, on the '9 it's just a lump of 3/8" hardboard that doesn't look like it'd take kindly to a few bags of cement.

[carlo14]

All this is kinda encouraging. Having a 1998 D8 Executive 2.0 Auto, it seams I may have the best of the breed for build and reliability (auto gearbox notwithstanding.)

I used to sell these all through the nineties and remember when the 406 came out; everyone at the dealerships just couldn't believe how solid they were, and the obvious difference in quality between it and the 405. I also remember how smooth and quietly they drove, we knew we were onto a winner with the car. The Press loved it aswell, mind you, they raved about most Peugeots at the time with good reason; the cars had better ride and handling than virtually anything on the market. It was painful to watch them throw that advantage away with mediocre products such as the 206 and 307. I havn't driven a 407 but from all accounts it rides like an old Vauxhall.

Just having this thing for a couple of months brings back that wonderful silky feel they have, just hope the box holds out.

[mjb]

SO does my D8 (now I've repaired the buggers), also has adjustabubble lumbar support (also repaired), which the D9 lacks.

My D9 has driver AND passenger adjustabubble lumbar support

Tbh I keep noticing stuff on the '9 which is different to the '8 in a "cost-cutting" kind of way. Another egzampul is the cover for the spare wheel, on the '8 it's a nice hard piece of moulded plastic, on the '9 it's just a lump of 3/8" hardboard that doesn't look like it'd take kindly to a few bags of cement.

It's just been the hardboard on all 3 D8s (1997-1998) I've bought

There's a load of stuff that's been improved too - take for instance the V6 top engine mount bracket which got upgraded to a much more substantial one early 1999, the overhead courtesy light console which got an upgrade between 10/1997 and 03/1998, the replaceable lower engine mount bush that appeared around 2000

And of course my all-time favourite D9 feature - the courtesy light coming on when you take the key out of the ignition barrel!

[eoin27]

D9's are better than D8's in just about every way. Its the sad truth for D8 owners Only wish the D9 came in a turbo petrol model.

[mjb]

D9's are better than D8's in just about every way.

pffft!

I'd much rather have a late D8 than my early D9. At least then it might consider actually starting instead of giving me ELECTRONIC IGNITION FAULT every so often

[Captain Jack]

I prefer my old D8 2.1TD lump to a D9. Although, there's nothing fundamentally wrong with my D9, it just feels.... less well built than the D8. Could be psychological though. The D9 also has to prove itself in terms of reliability!

[eoin27]

pffft!

I knew i'd ruffle a few feathers with that one. I was mainly talking about the saloon. I'd agree with you on the coupe.

The D9 also has to prove itself in terms of reliability!

Well considering We've had a D8 1.9TD in the family for 3 years and a D9 HDi 90 for 6 years, i can safely say the D9 is more reliable. But that 1.9TD engine is unstoppable though. HDi's are tempermental at the best of times but most of the really expensive parts such as the turbo, clutch and cambelt are relatively bulletproof and hassle free. Crankshaft pulley seems to be the big thing though with HDi's.