Used Peugeot 308 Buying Guide
The 308 is Peugeot’s Golf rival, and its two used generations tell different stories: the 2013-2021 car was a European Car of the Year that majored on efficiency; the striking 2021-on generation added plug-in hybrids and, later, the full-electric e-308. Both come as a practical SW estate that deserves shortlist status for small families.
Engines and trims
The 1.2 PureTech 110/130 petrols are the volume sellers across both generations, with 1.5 BlueHDi 130 diesels for the long-haul brigade. The newer car adds Hybrid 180/225 plug-ins — company-car favourites now reaching used lists — and the e-308’s 54kWh battery gives around 250 miles official. Trim runs Active, Allure, GT; the newer GT’s full i-Cockpit theatre is genuinely upmarket. The SW estate adds a usefully long, flat load bay on both generations.
What to check before buying
The 1.2 PureTech petrol’s wet timing belt is the defining issue: the belt runs in engine oil and can degrade, shedding debris that blocks the oil pickup — listen for rattles, check for warning lights, and treat documented belt replacement (or the later chain-driven update on newer engines) as gold. Insist on evidence of on-schedule oil changes with the correct specification oil. On the earlier generation, also confirm the six-speed EAT6 auto shifts cleanly. Plug-in hybrids need the charging story checked: range achieved, cables present, and evidence the owner actually charged it — a PHEV run flat on petrol delivers neither economy nor performance. Diesels want motorway histories for DPF health, and AdBlue systems should show no warnings. Inside the newer car, test the i-Connect screen thoroughly and make sure the piano-key shortcuts all respond. Standard homework applies: Peugeot known problems, full service history with correct oil spec, MOT history for a coherent mileage trail, and a comprehensive car check before money moves.
Running costs
PureTech cars return 45-55mpg, diesels 60+, and a charged Hybrid 225 can be very cheap to commute in. Consumables are mainstream-cheap, and the SW costs no more to run than the hatch. Factor the wet-belt job on any petrol without paperwork.
Verdict
A 2021-on Allure or GT PureTech 130 — or its SW estate twin — is a stylish, satisfying family car that undercuts German rivals. As with every PureTech-era Peugeot: the belt evidence is the deal-maker.
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