Should you buy a used Peugeot 3008?

If you’re in the market for a used family SUV that’s both stylish and practical – and who isn’t? – then we lean towards a yes, you should buy. However we suggest skipping the smallest petrol engines – including the mild hybrid, and the diesels. Our pick of the range would either be the plug-in hybrid and it’s reputation for reliable, frugal running, or the 1.6-litre petrol engine. There aren’t any substantial mechanical issues to look out for on either and performance is decent too.

Peugeot managed to create a striking family car that not only looks great on the driveway; it has space for the family, drives well and doesn’t cost a bomb to run thanks to a range of frugal and fun-to-drive engines. What really makes it appealing is that stunning interior though – it’s far more interesting than the equivalent Skoda Karoq or Kia Sportage. Stick to the more modest models in the range and you won’t be disappointed.

Prices for the 3008 have come down nicely and are looking increasingly good value, especially with the strong equipment levels on offer. It’s a car that’s more suited to family life and a realistic expectation of driving, rather than aspirations of open roads and hot-hatchback performance, and far more attractive (in our opinion) than the boxier MPVs that Peugeot has offered before.

What we like

As a five-seater, the 3008 comes generous amounts of space front and rear, combined with the high seating position that has lead to SUVs becoming so popular for families that rarely venture off-road. The engine choice is one of the most extensive of any vehicle of this size, including a range of hybrids, diesel and petrol models to suit a broad range of audiences.

What we don’t like

The well-documented reliability concerns with the smallest petrol engine is big problem for a used buyer, so much so that we’d steer far away from one. No 3008 feels particularly sporty to drive – it’s not that kind of car – but it’s the most powerful petrol and diesel that offer the best performance, at least on paper. They’re fast enough, but they’re restricted by the automatic gearbox fitted as standard. As a result, they’re still a compromised choice – offering the better driving experience, but they’re not the cheapest to run either.

1167