Used Peugeot 208

What to know before buying: Peugeot 208

From 3 video reviews, 1 forum thread and 2 press tests · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The current 208 stands out for ride comfort, quietness and cabin quality; higher trims feel almost premium.[4]one source
• The facelifted 2024/2025 208 is agile and precise in town, but rear space is tight and the GT suspension can be noisy and harsh over sharp bumps at low speed.[3]one source
• The 2012 208 is compact and city-friendly yet offers more passenger and luggage room than its predecessor; its small steering wheel gives a kart-like feel.[5]one source
• A used 208 offers urban comfort, manoeuvrability and economy, but the source warns of increasing minor electrical and mechanical faults beyond 100,000 km.[2]one source

Typical faults

• Worn front anti-roll-bar bushes may let the bar interfere with the rear brake mechanism, push the caliper piston back and cause the brake pedal to sink.[1]one source
• The ETG automated transmission can judder at low speed and may fail completely between 80,000 and 100,000 km.[2]one source

  80 000–100 000 km

• The 1.2-litre turbo engine may require turbocharger repair beyond 150,000 km.[2]one source

  150 000+ km · 1.2 turbo

• The naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine's timing chain may stretch at 120,000–150,000 km.[2]one source

  120 000–150 000 km · 1.6 naturally aspirated

• Corrosion may appear on the sills and wheel arches after five to seven years of use, while road salt can also affect the underside.[2]one source
• On one reviewed e-208, the charging port and onboard charger failed at roughly 9,000–9,500 km, preventing normal AC charging.[6]one source

  9 000–9 500 km · e-208

Which engine and version to take

• For the current 208, the source recommends the punchy and efficient 1.2-litre PureTech 100 in Allure trim.[4]one source
• In a 2012 test, the 92 hp 1.6-litre e-HDi with a five-speed manual was considered sufficiently brisk both in town and beyond it.[5]one source

What to avoid

• Avoid an ETG automated transmission that judders during testing; the source reports possible failure as early as 80,000–100,000 km.[2]one source
• A high-mileage 1.2-litre turbo is a cautious choice because it may need turbocharger repair beyond 150,000 km.[2]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Check recall completion, brake-pedal operation and the front anti-roll-bar bushes; the pedal must not sink during the test drive.[1]one source
• Switch on the infotainment system before driving and leave it running throughout the test to see whether it freezes or shuts down.[1]one source
• During a cold start, listen to the starter and watch for hesitation; the source mentions a recall for an underpowered starter prone to overheating.[1]one source
• Have a workshop check the electronics, engine compression and turbo; on a lift, inspect for corrosion, oil leaks and suspension wear.[2]one source
• On the test drive, check for transmission judder, ensure the clutch disengages fully and confirm the car tracks steadily in a straight line.[1][2]
• Confirm the bonnet latches securely, the tailgate struts hold, the rear spoiler is firm and the boot floor is not damp from a washer leak.[1]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]Scottish Car Clan — THE Peugeot 208 Buyers guide | DANGEROUS PROBLEMS Exposed! · ▶ video
2. [2]с пробегом — Стоит ли покупать Peugeot 208 (2012—...)? Частые проблемы · ▶ video
3. [3]iauto.lv — Peugeot 208 (modernizācija) 2024 / 2025 auto tests ... · forum
4. [4]whatcar.lv — Auto tests izvērsts - Peugeot 208 - What Car? - WhatCar.lv · press
5. [5]tvnet.lv — Pirmie iespaidi: Peugeot 208 · press
6. [6]Marusya Pro 🌟 — Peugeot E208, review, test drive, what happened over 9000km #review #automobile #car #car #peugeo... · ▶ video

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