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Hi Douglas,

Quite a difficult car to value that, as there are (a) so few 206 SWs around and (b) that 2.0-litre engine is going to make it quite a hard sell. On that basis I'd say you'd be lucky to get €2,500 for it retail. Even less on a trade in. 

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Hi Marie,

Prices still seem to be holding up for the 407, probably because most of them came with Peugeot's frugal and low-tax 1.6 HDi diesel engine. We've seen them on for as little as €8,950 but others seem to be hovering around the €11,000 mark.

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Hi Robert,

Yes, they're pretty good. We've heard no major reports of serious issues with the current-shape Focus and that 1.6 diesel is long-lived and has seen service in various Volvos, MINIs, Citroens and Peugeots. Just make sure that it gets a regular oil change and that you use a high-grade synthetic oil. 

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Hi John,

Yeah, that's not bad actually. The 206 has long been popular as a starter car or for those looking for something small and cheap to run. Just have a good check that anything electrical is working properly and make sure that the cabin is all holding together - its fragile in there. Also make sure that the central locking and heating systems are working properly. 

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Hi Kirsty,

I'm afraid it's a classic case of how long is a piece of string? Insurance quotes are often plucked out of thin air and the only way to get the best value is to get on the internet and get on the phone and start looking. Now, based on the details you gave (and a bit of creative accountancy on our part - you do work in a call centre for an accounting firm and live in Skerries in Co. Dublin, right?) the best quote we were able to find for you came from AXA and it was €1,778 - that's for third party, fire and theft.

Obviously, having just third party would be a bit cheaper but it might be worth paying slightly extra this year and getting yourself a more solid insurance record. It's also well worth finding a good insurance broker and seeing what kind of deal they can swing for you. Brokers can often access deals that mere mortals cannot.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Pat,

I'd say you could potentially get between €4,500 and €5,000 if you sell it yourself, or probably between €3,000 and €3,500 if you trade it in. One tip though - don't try to sell it now. The value of cabriolets drops sharply in the winter. If you can hang on until the summer you'll potentially make a few more quid, or at least find it easier to sell.

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Hi Ken,

It's difficult to know from afar, but there are several things that will affect this - assuming you're seeing a reduction in your car's economy:

1 - Tyre pressures need to be within specification

2 - Wheel alignment must be correct

3 - Perhaps the air filter and/or fuel filter is dirty and needs replacement

4 - Are you carrying extra weight in the boot?

5 - Is the rear window demister on permanently? 

Go through all of those things, starting with those that cost nothing to check and you should find savings. If not, then get the engine are car serviced and that might help. Perhaps a brake is binding.

Let us know how you get on

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Hi Deirdre,

You realistically need to be looking at an MPV. How about a Peugeot 5008? It fits all your requirements, there are plenty out there, they're nice to drive and reasonably affordable to buy and run. 

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Hi Colin,

I'd say it's worth between €3,500 and €4,500 on a trade in, maybe as much as €5,000 retail if it's in exceptional condition.

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Hi Mike,

No, parts shouldn't be too pricey as all vans are supposed to be quick and cheap to fix. We haven't heard of any reliability scares and Peugeot vans tend to be pretty solid. The only concern would be on condition - vans, especially ones owned by companies rather than owner operators, tend to get dog's abuse so check it over carefully before you buy, and make sure it has been serviced properly.