Used Peugeot 3008 Estate 2009 - 2016 review

The Peugeot 3008 was designed with the idea of blending all the best points of an SUV and an MPV into a car no bigger than a typical family hatchback.

In that respect it’s very similar to the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti although the Peugeot’s styling means it stands out from the crowd a little more.

The difference is that the 3008 isn’t quite as much fun to drive, as smooth-riding or as high quality as either of those rivals. That said, on a long journey, the 3008 is a stable and comfortable steed, and its big, flexible boot – more spacious than either the Nissan's or the Skoda's – is a big plus.

The 3008's nature changes depending on which model you choose. That’s because the 2.0-litre diesel comes as standard with an electronic stability control system called Dynamic Roll Control, which keeps the body upright in corners and improves the ride quality.

The problem is, the 2.0-litre diesel isn’t the best engine. That honour goes to the 1.6-litre diesel which, though endowed with less power, feels at least as responsive and gets better fuel consumption.

In other words, if you can live with your 3008 driving more stodgily, you’ll reap the benefits from choosing the smaller diesel engine. However, if you want a car that's fun to drive, you’re best off with the larger unit.

The Peugeot 3008 suffered from some pretty heavy depreciation, which means early examples are now available very cheaply. You can pick up a high-mileage petrol example for a little over £3000 these days.

Of course, that’s not the version you want. If you’re happy to go for the lower-powered diesel and want a reasonable mileage and a decent service history, you’ll have to fork out around £5000 – although that’s still £1000 less than you’ll pay for the equivalent Nissan Qashqai.

The 3008 had a facelift in 2014, with fresher looks and some new technology. One of these models with low mileage and a full service history will set you back at least £8000.

One of the best things about the 3008 is its fuel efficiency. It’s one of the most economical cars in its class, especially with the 1.6-litre diesel engine, which offers official consumption figures as low as 68.9mpg, depending on which model you choose.

If you’d rather have a petrol model, avoid the 1.6-litre unit, which is both lethargic and thirsty whether you choose the naturally-aspirated VTI or the turbocharged THP. However, if you can stretch to the later 1.2-litre THP turbocharged engine, things look much rosier, with 57mpg possible according to the official figures.

Servicing costs shouldn’t be too expensive, either; Peugeot dealers offer some reasonable menu servicing deals that should make running a used 3008 pretty affordable.

As we've already discussed, early Peugeot 3008s are now looking very reasonably priced, making them look considerably more attractive than the equivalent Nissan Qashqai.

It’s at these lower price points that the 3008 makes the most sense, because by the same logic, of course, the newer, more expensive examples still have quite far to fall in terms of their values.

Diesel versions make the most sense, but keep in mind that the particulate filter systems need regular recharging, for which they require the car to be run up to motorway speeds. So if you don’t do a frequent high-speed journey as part of your normal driving routine, it’s worth taking your new 3008 out every couple of weeks for a quick motorway sprint.

If you’re not prepared to do this, choose a petrol version, though again, make sure you bear in mind the extra fuel costs involved. Active versions offer a reasonable amount of equipment for the money, though if your like your toys you’ll probably want to upgrade to the Sport or Allure versions.

Our favourite Peugeot 3008: 2009-on 1.6 HDI Sport

The Nissan Qashqai is the obvious contender. Its boot isn’t as large as the 3008’s, but it has a better reputation for reliability; what’s more, it’s more enjoyable to drive and more comfortable.

If driving enjoyment is paramount, though, you’d be better off with a Mazda CX-5, which is a real hoot to drive. It’s also comfortable and endowed with a high-quality interior.

Another option to consider is the Skoda Yeti, which beats the lot of them on practicality thanks to its tall, square load space. It also comes with a range of economical engines and offers a fine balance of ride and handling.

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