308buyer's guide

The T9 Peugeot 308 is one of the sharpest compact hatches in its price bracket on the used market, but a long production run and a lot of diesel variants mean the pool of examples varies widely. DPF and EGR problems from short-trip use, timing service neglect on the PureTech petrols, and clutch judder on the EAT6 automatic are the three issues most likely to cost you money after purchase — and none of them announce themselves during a brief test drive.

This guide covers ten documented issues: AdBlue/DPF/EGR emissions fault, timing belt/chain service risk, DSG/automatic/clutch judder, coolant leak or water pump fault, infotainment/software electrical faults, suspension knocks and tyre wear, brake corrosion or EPB fault, panoramic roof or boot water leak, turbo boost leak or actuator fault, and recall/campaign status. Each fault has a field check and a real repair-cost range.

A properly serviced T9 308 from the middle or later years is a compelling buy. This guide gives you a structured process to confirm service history, cold-start health, gearbox behaviour, and bodywork integrity before you commit — so you know what you are actually paying for.