Used Peugeot 108 Review: Essential Buyer Guide

The Peugeot 108 stands out as a nimble city car ideal for tight streets and daily commutes. Produced from 2014 to 2021, this lightweight hatchback offers excellent fuel efficiency and low running costs, making it a top pick in the used market starting around £3,000. Its simple mechanical design contributes to strong reliability ratings, though it’s best suited for town driving rather than long motorway runs.

Overview and Model History

Launched in 2014, the Peugeot 108 shared its platform with the Citroën C1 and Toyota Aygo, forming a trio of efficient urban runabouts. Available as a three- or five-door hatchback, or the TOP! variant with a retractable fabric roof, it targeted budget buyers needing easy parking and low fuel bills. Production ended in 2021, but used examples remain plentiful and affordable.

Key model years brought minor updates: early versions had a 68bhp 1.0-litre engine, later ones boosted to 72bhp. Higher trims added a 82bhp 1.2-litre PureTech unit. Trim levels ranged from basic Access to premium Allure and Feline, with features like touchscreens and reversing cameras becoming standard in later models.

Performance and Driving Experience

In urban settings, the 108 shines with its compact dimensions—3.47m long—and tight turning circle, perfect for weaving through traffic and slotting into spaces. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine delivers peppy low-speed response, reaching 62mph in about 13-14 seconds, with a top speed around 99mph. Real-world acceleration feels brisker than figures suggest due to the car’s 840kg kerb weight.

The 1.2-litre option, found in top trims, shaves time to 62mph to 10.6 seconds while maintaining similar top speeds. Both engines rev eagerly with a pleasant note, and light steering provides good feedback for a city car. Handling is balanced, with composed cornering that inspires confidence without sporting ambitions.

However, motorways expose limitations. The engines strain at 70mph, especially into headwinds, with noise intruding and frequent gear changes needed. The manual gearbox has a high clutch bite, which can feel jerky at first but smooths with practice. Stop-start technology works reliably in traffic, enhancing town efficiency.

Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs

Exceptional economy defines the 108. Official figures claim up to 68mpg for the 1.0-litre, with real-world averages of 60+ mpg achievable through gentle driving. Even pushed hard in mixed conditions, consumption stays around 50mpg, far better than many rivals. The 1.2 matches this at 65mpg combined.

Low insurance groups (3-11) and cheap road tax (often £20-£180 annually) keep costs down. Tyres and servicing are affordable, and the Toyota-sourced engines prove durable. Used prices start at £2,995 for higher-mileage examples, rising to £8,000 for low-mileage late models.

Reliability and Longevity

Ranking high in reliability surveys, the 108 scores 78.9/100, with repairs averaging £702 after 56,000 miles at age 8. Electrical issues top the list, but costs remain low. Its minimal complexity—lightweight build, simple petrol engines—means few major failures. Regular maintenance like timing belt changes (every 60,000 miles) is straightforward.

• Average repair age: 8 years
• Average mileage at repair: 56,198 miles
• Most common issue: Electrical system
• Highest repair cost: £3,546 (rare)

Owners report few breakdowns, with stop-start systems functioning consistently. Check service history for rust on sills and underbody, common in salted winters.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

The cabin punches above its price with a modern dashboard and supportive seats. Front space suits two adults comfortably, with adjustable steering (though no reach adjustment disappoints taller drivers). Materials are hard plastics but well-assembled, free of rattles.

Rear seats are tight for adults, best for children, and the 196-litre boot (expandable to 780 litres) limits luggage. Higher trims add DAB radio, Bluetooth, USB, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in later models. Air-con is standard on most, and visibility aids parking.

Safety Features and Ratings

Equipped with six airbags, ESC stability control, hill-start assist, and ABS, the 108 prioritizes safety. Euro NCAP gave it four stars (2014), with good adult/child protection but weaker pedestrian scores. Reversing cameras on Allure+ enhance urban safety.

Tyre pressure monitors and ISOFIX points add family appeal. While not the latest in tech, core systems remain effective.

Trims, Options, and Buying Advice

Choose from Access (basics), Active (air-con, alloys), Allure (camera, sat-nav), to Feline/GT Line (1.2 engine, roof). Prioritize post-2016 models for refinements.

• Budget buy: 1.0 Active, 50k miles, £4,000-£5,000
• Sweet spot: Allure 1.0/1.2, full history, under 40k miles
• Avoid: High-mileage without records, rust

Test drive for clutch feel and engine smoothness. Inspect brakes, suspension bushes, and electronics. Budget £500-£1,000 annually for upkeep.

Pros and Cons

Alternatives to Consider

• Citroën C1: Identical mechanically, often cheaper
• Toyota Aygo: Slightly better residuals, Toyota reliability
• Ford Ka+: More space, similar economy
• Kia Picanto: Longer warranty, punchier engines
• Hyundai i10: Spacious interior, strong value

Owner Experiences

Owners praise the 108’s frugality and ease, with many achieving 60mpg daily. City dwellers love its agility, while families note space constraints. Common gripes: wind noise and A-road labouredness, but few report major issues.

FAQs

Is the used Peugeot 108 reliable?

Yes, it ranks highly with low repair costs and issues mostly electrical after 50k+ miles.

What’s the fuel economy like?

Expect 60-68mpg combined, higher in town with care.

How practical is the boot?

196 litres standard, fine for shopping but small for holidays.

Good for motorways?

Adequate short trips, but noisy and underpowered for long hauls.

Best trim to buy used?

Allure for features without premium price.

Final Verdict

The Peugeot 108 excels as a used city car for solo drivers or couples, blending economy, fun, and reliability at bargain prices. Skip if needing space or speed—it’s a town specialist.