Newbie - 405 v 406?

[rosieskywalker]

Hi there everyone

I used to have a 405 diesel and am looking to buy another but would like to ask your valued opinions on whether I should buy a 405 or a 406.

Most important to me is fuel economy and drive as I do a lot of miles!

Thanks very much

[Admin]

406. Newer, better, more refined. I think they are all turbo diesels while some 405's are not. TD much much better

[Piston Broke]

I've owned both. 405 lighter, more economical, bette handling and (except on the very basic trim options) more comfortable. 406 considerably heavier, less economical, but more refined, bigger boot, better built, more likely to find a decent low mileage example.

Not much to pick between them reliability wise - th better refinement of the 406 XUD is somewhat offset by head cracking problems (disconnecting of blanking off the EGR prevents it happening).

Given the choice i'd have a late 405 with a high spec, SRDt etc, cos its a better drive, but you'll be more likely o find a decent 406 and there'll be better spares availablity, so the newer car is probably the better proposition as a daily hack.

[504V6Ti]

A 405 will be 11years old at best. Given your need for fuel economy and reliability (you said you do a lot of miles), the chance to find a reliable and low mileage 405 is slim.

An early 406 2.1 TD (110bhp) or later HDi 406 is a much better choice, without a doubt and there'll be plenty around for you to choose from.

[mart3442]

Remember that for the first couple of years, the 406s were fitted with the same series of engines as the 405s...this is why there were issues.
The same lump pulling a heavier car with 15 inch wheels as opposed to 14 inch was always going to create more strain and problems.
An interesting thread though, as I suspect that my own 405 is coming to the end of its working life so I'll be looking as well.

[Piston Broke]

The later 406 were dynamically nicer, but the earlier D8 models were better built and finished, by a big margin. Good value now.

[Donaldiesel]

I'm with Turbolag on this one. The XUD turbo diesel is excellent, the Hdi is superb. However, economy is not just fuel, it's also about how much you paid for the car and how much it depreciates etc. I reckon you will get better value for money from a well looked after top spec 405 turbo diesel. Even if you pay a bit more for the right one, what sort of 406 will the same money buy?

Also, is the 406 Hdi much better on fuel economy? What do others get, 405 & 406? My old 305 with XUD9 consistently returns 45mpg driven hard. I can get over 50mpg if I try. Work out how long it will take for a better fuel economy to pay back the higher capital outlay and greater depreciation.

Within reason, recycling old cars is less environmentally damaging because huge amounts of energy and resources are used to make a new car. (The old car has to be kept in good order to qualify).

Having said that, the 406 is a better looking car and more refined if street cred is important to you and you are willing to pay for it. Note that refinement goodies like a/c etc take engine power and affect fuel economy.

Sounds like you know the 405 well. Why not try the 406 on a test drive to satisfy your curiosity? Its your choice. Let us know which way you go.

Regards,
Donaldiesel

[rosieskywalker]

Hi there peeps!

Thanks for all the advice! I did a bit of test driving and found the 406 did not feel as 'drivable' as the 405 - does this make sense?! So I looked about at both 405's and 406's mainly concentrating on 405's (I saw quite a few horrible ones of both types!).

I eventually ended up paying £350 for a really tidy 1994 405 GLX TD that has a long mot,service history and has done 127000 miles. Its a great car to drive and I must admit maybe is noticed a little bit more than the 406's which seem to be everywhere (testament to their quality I assume!).

I'll keep reading the forum and will definately ask you helpful lot for any more advice should I need it!

Cheers and thanks ;D

[mart3442]

Good to read you found a nice one. My 405 is still going strong: Reports of its impending death were premature!