HDI Engine 406

[tonyjane22]

Hi just joined this forum,

I have owned a 406 petrol for many years and touch wood not had any issues with the old girl (1998 2.0) other than the suspension struts snapping, third one this morning!!

But i am looking to swap the other halfs car for a diesel estate. The 406 seems value for money.

But getting to the point how do people rate the HDI engine? is it reliable and does mileage matter, ie have seen a 53 plate with 260k on it. Do these go on forever as long as they are serviced???

thanks in advance

[mjb]

I wouldn't have an issue with an engine of that many miles. The thing to look out for is the condition of the rest of the car.

[Welly]

If you do a lot of miles (12,000 +) then I'd day yes to a Diesel but you need to be aware that these modern diesels are NOT simple units like they used to be and many a problem can occur as the mileage increases. The HDi's common failings are the rear engine mount, Dual Mass clutch, cooling system which suffers if not maintained, the in-tank fuel pump, EGR valves, throttle position sensors, turbo oil leaks.

Sure all cars have problems but if you're on a strict budget then sometimes the simpler Petrol version makes more sense. As it happens your 2.0 petrol 406 is the least troublesome car on this site

[Doggy]

Ran my last HDi 90 from 85,000 to 185,000 over 4 years with no engine work apart from normal servicing and an aux. drive belt / idler failure. My current car had 103,000 when I bought it, now 127,000 - I'm having some ANTIPOLLUTION FAULT issues, but these are down to the DPF, (unique to the HDi 136). I don't really see you can improve on that record.

Particle filter's days are numbered ......

[Welly]

I probably ought to add that I had a bit of a bad run with my HDi but everything I had to repair can still be counted a genuine (or something we're at least familier with).

I think it put me off diesels, sorry

[turbolag]

If the price is right and it's been properly maintained, I'd have no qualms with a 260k miler myself. As a rough guide, every 1000 miles over average mileage (reckoned at 10,500 miles PA in the UK) devalues the car by about £30, so you can calculate if it's cheap enough to make it viable over a lower mileage one.

As for Dogs and Welly, I agree - despite my current 407 being petrol and costing more to fuel, it's been totally, unerringly, utterly, boringly, dependably reliable with no FAP, DPF, clagged EGR, tired turbo issues that dog the 407 diesels. And it's nicer to drive, faster, quieter, needs less frequent and significantly less expensive maintenance, is cheaper to insure, ad nauseum.

Diesels are great - the shyte they plaster all over them these days is not.

[lofty]

Not sure if im alone on this one but i prefer the way the Hdi drives over the petrol, the slightly better low down grunt, the fact that is a lowish revving cruiser suits me and what i use the car for. (if i need to rev hard and go fast i use the 306).

My weekly mileage now means that im probably better off in a petrol 406 but im smitten with mine now. Yeah they have their niggles but what cars dont?

[turbolag]

Mine doesn't!

[molineuxpug]

my hdi has done 140k without missing a beat. regular quality servicing is key to having a motor that runs well stays reliable and returns good mpg. i really cant talk highly enough of these 406s - get one!