When it comes to buying a used car, analysts often monitor one key indicator - how quickly its price "melts" over the years. This is the fairest litmus test for buyer confidence. While Japanese titans like the Honda CR-V lose only half of their value in a decade, luxury German SUVs like the BMW X5 can depreciate by a staggering 75%.
The Peugeot 3008 occupies a special place in this ranking. At first glance, the car is a real gem - the second generation captivates with its futuristic i-Cockpit, bold design and decent ground clearance of almost 200 mm. But why then are the prices on the second-hand market so tempting? The answer lies under the hood.
The main reason for distrust of the French model is the controversial reputation of gasoline units. If you are looking for peace of mind, here is what you need to know:
Avoid the early EP6 engines: the 1.6-liter gasoline engine (especially the turbo version THP with 150-156 hp) is a real test of nerves. Problems with the timing chain, high oil consumption and capricious electronics are just some of the “extras“ that can leave you on the road. These versions make up a large part of the ads, which lowers the overall price of the model.
Be careful with PureTech engines: The newer 1.2-liter three-cylinder engines also have their “Achilles heel“ - the so-called “wet“ a timing belt that runs in oil and can break down prematurely, clogging the oil system.
The Golden Choice: Diesel and Aisin
Unlike their gasoline counterparts, the diesel versions of the Peugeot 3008 are a completely different story. If you want to avoid making a mistake when buying, head to:
2.0 BlueHDi or 1.6 BlueHDi: These are the real workhorses of PSA. They are proven reliable, economical and have much better resource endurance. Diesel is the reason why these cars command a higher price on the secondary market than their gasoline counterparts.
The transmission is also a hidden trump card: One of the biggest advantages of the 3008 is the automatic gearboxes of the Japanese company Aisin (models EAT6 and EAT8). These are classic hydromechanical automatics that, with regular oil changes, can outlive the body itself. They are far more reliable than the robotic gearboxes (ETG) used in older French models.
Why does the brand remain “illiquid“?
Despite excellent diesel engines and robust transmissions, Peugeot often remains in the shadow of its competition. First, because of the historically ingrained opinion that French cars have “weak electronics“, and secondly – because of the already mentioned bad reputation of gasoline units from the previous decade. The lack of 4x4 drive is also one of the reasons.
The conclusion is simple: If you are looking for a used Peugeot 3008, ignore the cheap petrol offers. Bet on a diesel engine combined with the Japanese Aisin automatic. This way you will get a car that not only looks modern, but will also serve you faithfully without unnecessary dramas. And what models are sold in our country, see HERE.
