Should you buy a used Peugeot 3008?

The original Peugeot 3008 is a better choice in many regards than its equivalent Citroen model (the C4 Picasso), and as a family car there’s a lot to like about this clever crossover of ideas from hatchbacks, MPVs and SUVs alike. But with so many diesel 3008s for sale on the used market, few of which are ULEZ compliant, and reliability concerns across the board, it should be one of several cars you consider rather than the default choice.

Depending on your budget and priorities, the Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai or Toyota RAV4 could offer better handling, more equipment for the money, or better reliability with some off-road and poor weather advantages from a 4×4 system – and if you’re read the buying guide, you already know the one version of the Peugeot 3008 we urge you to avoid is the only one with all-wheel drive, the diesel HYbrid4.

Get a good one – a late 2.0 HDi or 1.2 PureTech that’s been maintained well – and the 3008’s gentle but safe handling, airy interior and clever cargo space will easily win you over. Get a bad one, and that affection will make the betrayal a breakdown just a little bit worse.

What we like about the Peugeot 3008 Mk1

Comfortable suspension and supportive seats with a good driving position, light, airy passenger space, powerful but economical 2.0-litre diesel, and that clever split tailgate.

What we don’t like

Unreliable EGC gearboxes, expensive Dynamic Roll Control suspension, generally poor materials on early models, petrol engine issues with timing chains or belts, lack of ULEZ-compliant models on the used market, and the sheer complexity and poor quality of the HYbrid4.