Peugeot 308 Problems

What you haven’t told me is whether the oil was actually low when the warning light first showed up on your dashboard (and before you topped up the oil). Perhaps the person who changed the oil didn’t add enough oil afterwards; perhaps they didn’t account for the extra half a litre required to fill the new oil filter. Even draining the oil to change it could, conceivably, cause the low-oil light to trigger, and if that’s the case, you need to re-set the light once you’re satisfied that the oil level is correct.

Re-setting this warning light varies from car to car, but an actual mechanic would probably know how to do this, so maybe a quick visit to a workshop to have the light re-set will be worth the small cost involved. By the way, I never rely on warning lights to tell me my engine oil is low. That’s what a car’s dipstick is for. Check it each week and you’ll never run the engine low on oil.

The newest car in the best condition with the fewest kilometres and the best record of service is normally the best. All are good cars and all should give you good reliable service, but using the above the Peugeot 308 would seem to be the best choice for you.

While they say it never needs to be replaced that really refers to the requirement for servicing. Cam belts do have to be replaced regularly, cam chains don’t, but like all moving parts chains are subject to normal wear and tear and given time they will wear out. To have to change a timing chain at 70,000 km, however, is unusual, and you would suspect that something is wrong. There are reports of problems on the 1.6-litre petrol engine. I would press Peugeot to replace the chain free of charge.

It needs to be a 12-volt battery with a capacity of 700-750 cold cranking amps. It also needs to fit into the battery box and have the appropriate terminal alignment. Buy a good quality battery. Any battery retailer should be able to help you.

They're quite different vehicles, the Peugeot is a roomy, comfortable, safe and pleasant wagon, and boasts 4.0 L/100km economy. The Mazda SP25 is a sedan or hatch, and a sportier drive with a firmer ride, and the 2.5-litre petrol engine offers an average of 6.0L/100km. If you're trying to choose which one to buy it comes down to what you want from your car, comfort and economy, or a sporty drive. Another thing to consider is maintenance costs and the Mazda scores there.

We don't have a definition of what constitutes a lemon in this country, but I wouldn't call your car a lemon. Most of the problems you've had could be called maintenance issues, like the battery, brake rotors, shock absorbers, tailgate struts. They're not major issues, more frustrating ones. I wouldn't be trading it in because of your experience. I would recommend that you find a specialist Peugeot mechanic to service your car; you'll save heaps by doing that.