# Peugeot 2008 — Used Car Buying Guide AutoScout's analysis of the Peugeot 2008 on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data. Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/peugeot-2008 ## Verdict - **Best value year**: 2021 - **Ideal trim**: Allure - **Target mileage**: 30,000–45,000 miles - **Max previous owners**: 1 - **Target price**: £12,049 ## Why this model Look, I need to be really direct with you: I strongly recommend you AVOID the Peugeot 2008, especially models fitted with the 1.2 PureTech petrol engine from around 2017-2022. This car is known for a critical design flaw with its 'wet belt' timing system. The belt runs in oil, and if the oil isn't changed *exactly* on time with the *correct* specification, the belt degrades, sheds particles, and can block the oil pump. This leads to oil starvation, which can quickly destroy the turbocharger and, in the worst cases, cause complete engine failure. This isn't a 'might happen' issue; it's a 'when will it happen' for many owners, and the repair costs are eye-watering, often exceeding the car's value. Beyond that, owners frequently report electrical issues, including infotainment system glitches and various sensor failures. Peugeot's reliability scores are consistently below average in the UK, and this model contributes significantly to that. You'll likely face expensive, unpredictable repairs, and its poor reputation means it will depreciate faster than more reliable alternatives. ## What you should pay The target price of £12,049 for a 2021 Allure reflects the market reality for this model, but it's important to understand that this price doesn't account for the significant risk of future repair costs. While it might seem like a good deal on paper compared to some rivals, the potential for a £3,000+ engine repair means the true cost of ownership could be much higher. This car's value is heavily impacted by its known reliability issues, leading to quicker depreciation than average. ## Which trim to buy If you absolutely must consider a Peugeot 2008, the Allure trim offers a decent balance of features without adding too much complexity that could lead to more electrical issues, which are common in Peugeots. It avoids some of the more intricate (and potentially problematic) tech found in the higher GT Line/GT trims, making it the 'least bad' option in terms of potential failure points, though the core engine issues remain across all 1.2 PureTech models. ## What to check before you buy - 1.2 PureTech 'Wet Belt' Failure: This is the biggest red flag. The timing belt runs in oil and is prone to degrading, shedding particles that can block the oil pump, leading to oil starvation, turbo failure, and catastrophic engine damage. Check for meticulous service history showing annual oil changes with the correct low-friction oil. Listen for any unusual engine noises, especially a ticking or rattling. A belt replacement can cost £800-£1500, but engine damage can be £3000+. - Electrical Gremlins: Peugeot's infotainment systems can be buggy, freezing or disconnecting. Test all electrics thoroughly: windows, central locking, air conditioning, and especially the touchscreen. Look for any persistent warning lights. Repairs vary from £100 for a sensor to over £1000 for a module. - Suspension and Brake Wear: Listen for knocks or squeaks over bumps, which could indicate worn suspension components. Check for uneven tyre wear. Test the brakes for sponginess or grinding. Budget £300-£600 per axle for suspension work and £200-£500 per axle for brakes. - Oil Consumption: Some 1.2 PureTech engines can consume oil, exacerbating the wet belt issue. Check the dipstick carefully during viewing. ## Running costs Expect higher-than-average running costs due to potential major engine repairs (wet belt, turbo), which can easily run into thousands of pounds. Even minor electrical faults can be costly to diagnose and fix. Fuel economy is decent for its class, but this is often overshadowed by maintenance expenses. Insurance and road tax are generally reasonable. ## Key stats - **Fuel Type**: Petrol - **Horsepower**: 100-130 hp - **Mpg**: 34-39 mpg - **Reliability Score**: Poor - **Safety Rating**: 4/5 Stars (Euro NCAP) ## Trim comparison | Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Active Premium | £20,500 | £8,500 | 16-inch alloy wheels; Manual air conditioning; 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto | | Allure | £22,500 | £9,500 | 17-inch alloy wheels; Automatic climate control; 3D i-Cockpit digital display | | GT Line | £24,500 | £10,500 | 18-inch alloy wheels; Full LED headlights; Black roof and exterior accents | ## Depreciation forecast | Year | Estimated value | Retention | | --- | --- | --- | | 2026 | £12,049 | 100% | | 2027 | £10,603 | 88% | | 2028 | £9,543 | 80% | | 2029 | £8,780 | 73% | | 2030 | £8,165 | 68% | Given the significant reliability concerns, there isn't truly a 'sweet spot' for buying a used Peugeot 2008 where depreciation is offset by reliability. The high risk of major repair costs means that even a low purchase price can quickly be negated. If you insist on buying, purchasing a car that has already taken its steepest depreciation hit (around 3-4 years old) might seem appealing, but the ongoing risk of engine failure makes it a gamble. Total value lost since new: 32.2%. ## Alternatives to consider - [Skoda Kamiq](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/skoda-kamiq.md) - [Hyundai Kona](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/hyundai-kona.md) - [Toyota C-HR](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/toyota-c-hr.md) --- Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.