ONK, Full maintenance history, max 80,000 km
You never forget your first love. That’s why we, together with unknown Dutch people, look back on their first used car. This week we pay tribute to the Peugeot 106, which won the heart of Joep Burgers.
Nowadays, many people start with the 107, C1 or Aygo as their first car. You started in 2011 with the 106. Were you specifically looking for that model?
Joep: “It didn’t necessarily have to be a Peugeot 106, but this one came my way and seemed like a reasonably sensible and fun option. My budget was €3,000 and I could just barely afford this 106. Moreover, it met all the criteria I had set for myself.”
That sounds like you had quite a few demands?
“I was looking for an original Dutch car no more than ten years old with a full maintenance history and a maximum mileage of 80,000. Preferably something small so that consumption and road tax would remain manageable. The Peugeot fit exactly into that picture and also came from the first owner.”
That sounds reassuring. Did it also prove to be a faithful companion?
“Let me just say it: it’s still French, you know. In hindsight, I wouldn’t dare call it reliable, but I enjoyed it for ten years and 200,000 kilometers. The first expenses came shortly after the purchase. The stepper motor was worn out, causing the car to constantly stall due to a too low idle speed. A well-known problem with the 1.1 and 1.4 engines. Just like the stabilizer bars, wishbones, homokinetics and exhaust that the Peugeot devoured at high speed. Fortunately, it is simple technology and I could get many parts at the junkyard or through the Peugeot 106 Club. That stepper motor cost a few hundred euros new, but I could take over a copy from a member of that club for fifty bucks. I thoroughly cleaned it, put it in myself and then the problem was solved!”
Do-it-yourself saves a lot of money. Are you a bit handy?
“I did a lot of maintenance together with a classmate, in his parents’ garage. They were mainly busy with Citroën and Peugeot. For a crate of beer and the cost price of the parts, he wanted to help me tinker. That boy himself drove a beautiful Ferrari 208 GTS. We once went out with it to pick up parts for the 106. Cool, right? Despite tinkering myself and using second-hand parts, that 106 cost serious money in maintenance. I kept a list of expenses from the purchase in 2011, but I stopped doing that in 2018. With all the repairs and services added together, I come to an amount of €10,534. Quite a lot of money for a car that only cost €2,900, but I don’t save on maintenance. I actually dare to claim that the 106 was in better condition when it was sold in 2021 than when I bought it myself in 2011.”
You kept a list for seven years of every euro you spent on the Peugeot?
“Yes! From the German environmental sticker at €20 to a light in the trunk. That cost €17 by the way.”
That’s dedication! Have you experienced any unforgettable things with the Peugeot?
“No long trips were made with it. For the holidays we always went with my father’s car. That was more modern and a bit safer, because such a 106 does not score too well on the crash tests. The Peugeot was mainly used for commuting and getting to school. As a result, I put more than 200,000 kilometers on the odometer, but not always without problems. I once got stranded after it started running on three legs due to contaminated injectors. Then I could call my mother to tow me away. Furthermore, I slipped on the A50. Didn’t hit anything, but the sideways forces bent a strut and rim and ruined one tire. The junkyard offered a solution again!”
What happened to the Peugeot?
“I sold it to my brother-in-law in 2021, so I still spot it regularly. I had a lot of fun with it, but I don’t really miss it. In addition to the Peugeot, I also drove a snow-white Honda CR-Z for years. I miss that more. I currently drive a BMW 118i. That is also a very nice machine!”
