1999 PEUGEOT 406 COUPÉ 3.0 V6

My beloved 406 hasn’t enjoyed the hibernation of lockdown. The sun has battered its already worn paintwork, and the engine is now cutting out at low revs, leading me to think that a change of spark plugs or a lambda sensor could be on the cards. But it could drive, and a quick top up of fresh oil and I was on my way to Burghley House for our unusual summer gathering.

It felt great to be behind the wheel, and the sound of the growling V6 was something that I’d really missed. Enjoying the car again has made me want to address the paintwork, which does show its 21 years now, sadly. This led to me assessing the list of issues that need addressing, such as permanently refitting the front spoiler, which is only just hanging on – if it meets a high kerb when parking it’ll surely come off completely!

The squeaky brakes, although effective, can be heard from miles away and that will need sorting sooner rather than later, too. I think something has also come loose on the exhaust because there is some suspicious rattling coming from that area. Thankfully, the MoT is due in August, so I’ll be able to get the 406 on a ramp and have a look underneath.

A slightly less important concern surrounds the main key, which has deteriorated to the point where the lock button has now come loose. Still, I think that all I really need to fix it is a new surround. Thankfully the car is now locked away in its own garage, and safely away from the increasingly changeable British weather!