buying a 406 diesel

rayc · Unread post by **rayc** » 18 Jun 2009, 10:21

Hi everyone,

I sold my 406 1.9dt but the wife still has her 406 HDI SE.

However!
My sister just had her Rover written off (218D) in a non fault accident and I've told her to go for a 406 diesel. Problem is, she's only got £600 to play with and down here (Dover area) they seem to be like hens teeth now. Maybe the scrappage scheme is taking over!

Anyway, I know the 1.9 is extremely reliable etc etc but all I can find down here for sale are 2.1's. I seem to remember these suffer with electrical problems and can be expensive. Am I right? Should she steer clear (She has a low income and cant afford major expenditure).

I've no experience in the 2.1 so any advice is gratefully accepted.

Also if anyone knows of a car in the Dover (30 mile around) area I'd be happy to hear about it.

Cheers

Ray

Sid_the_Squid · Unread post by **Sid_the_Squid** » 18 Jun 2009, 12:04

Whilst I could not comment on a 2.1TD having never owned one, I can point you in the direction of this recent thread discussing the benefits or drawbacks of the 2.1TD vs the 1.9TD

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=27242

Might not be exactly what your after, I don’t think there’s a definitive answer, however if I was on a tight budget I would look for a 1.9D non turbo, by far the simpler and cheaper engine.

fodtommo · Unread post by **fodtommo** » 18 Jun 2009, 13:18

I have had both - after a long run of 306 and 405 1.9dt's i had a 2.1dt for VERY short while. If she is on a low income steer well clear -

it was trouble beginning to end and was a fair bit thirstier. I actually went back to a 405dt as the 406's were still pricey a few years ago.

I know Im biased but...

My suggestion , if shes not to worried about looks is to find a really good 405 est. 1.9td. there are still quite a few knocking around on N and P plates with good milages - even 150k + are ok as long as they have service history. Ebay and a/trader often has them. Go for a GLX or Exec as they have the best spec.

For the frugally minded they are great as they are lighter than a 406, so better fuel economy, quicker and they are only group 9 insurance.

Best of all - apart from front suspension wishbones (listen for the clunk when going from reverse to forward on lock - parts are about £50 each) and gearboxes occasionaly losing sychro(pretty rare) THEY NEVER BREAK!!!!

My current one is a 96 GLX with 200k on the clock and everything works, air con all the electrics

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 18 Jun 2009, 13:38

My lad runs a 2.1TD 406 and touch-wood it's been a paragon of reliability even though he is not the most dedicated of carers for it.

The only problem he's had was with the rad. It sprang a huge leak. Well worth checking the condition of the radiator on a prospective purchase and also the front springs - they have a habit of breaking.

mark21td · Unread post by **mark21td** » 18 Jun 2009, 22:43

My wife has a 406 2.1 and I have a 405 1.9td, the wife's has had some pump problems (mybe coursed by my biodiesel) and has been trouble, my 405 on the other hand has been very dependable (also run bio) and is the one we take on long drives as we know we will get there.
btw the 2.1 will soon be running a Bosch pump, yes I will tell how to do it once done for those that are interested.

JohnD · Unread post by **JohnD** » 19 Jun 2009, 08:23

I bought a new 2.1 Xantia in 1998 and kept it till 2005. I sold it with just over 100K miles on the clock. Engine wise it never needed anything other than oil & filters. A leaking antisink valve was its only breakdown. Now, I wish I'd kept it.

rayc · Unread post by **rayc** » 19 Jun 2009, 10:44

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

We had a 405 and agree they are great cars.

However the sculpted seats may cause a few issues as my sister is a little broad

The problem we have is all the cheapies down here is the south east seem to have vanished.

I found a 406 HDI 90 with 200k on the clock for £600. but she's dubious due to the mileage. I know it's not an issue but because she's on such a tight budget she's worrying herself.

The concensus appears. 2.1's are ok, 1.9's are ok and 405's are cheaper to fix!

Cheers all. I'll keep you updated

poddack · Unread post by **poddack** » 21 Jun 2009, 18:23

I would say 2.1, I have one, she is quick, very smoooooooooooooth, comfortable and just very nice to drive. However through experience, check the crankshaft pulley is tightened properly, the accessory belt, tensioner and idler. The drop links. for bonking I would highly recommend checking the state of the fuel pickup strainer in the tank and Shove a two p piece with instant gasket in the air intake distributor where the egr pipe fits, this will get rid of a flat spot between 3000 and 3500rpm, most noticeable in 3rd whilst flying up a slip road. If it has the Lucas (Delphi) EPIC system fitted DO NOT FEED ON VEG OIL!!!!!!! Service every 5000 miles and take care of things when they happen, you'll be laughing.

TehAgent · Unread post by **TehAgent** » 21 Jun 2009, 22:03

Having heard horror stories of 406's, and owning one at the moment, i really have to say, just pick your car carefully, the D8's tend to have less problems than the D9's do

D8 = Mk1
D9= Mk2

Being a member of the 406 Owners club, its a common census that the mk2 suffers more electrical faults and problems than the Mk1,

My car on the other hand has been very reliable, only having to fix about 5 things on it so far, 1 of them was a strait through exhaust system when i first got the car, the other problems being a non working speedo, fixed by purchasing a electronic box from main stealer, and 2 new tires, fan wiring from a short at a connector, and now what looks like a new actuator for the turbo. and i need a new temp sensor for my front rads.

Other than that, its been pritty much plain sailing, as can be testament to my lack of forum activity in the last 2 years since owning it.

i try not to be biased, as if i was id say xantias are too much trouble given the fact i had my last one for 13 months, and every month i was fixing something on it. but i know a lot of people who are happy with theirs.

Best thing to advise is go with a Mk1, make sure it has a FSH, funny thing is, im currently looking to sell mine, but not until i sort out the turbo on it, it does do a constant 30MPG, regardless of how you drive it, what weight is in the car, and other factors, though mine is the 2lt turbo one, so its not too far off what others are getting with this car.

I post on the 406OC forum shows your average fuel consumption for a 1.9td is around 45 to 50 MPG, some even boasting they have had as high as 55MPG from theirs.

checking ebay throws THIS UP , good thing is its got MOT so will give you time to sort out the "clunky suspension" as he says, could be just needs a new drop link, or ball joint.