Peugeot 308 Engine Problems

What you haven’t told me is whether the oil was actually low when the warning light first showed up on your dashboard (and before you topped up the oil). Perhaps the person who changed the oil didn’t add enough oil afterwards; perhaps they didn’t account for the extra half a litre required to fill the new oil filter. Even draining the oil to change it could, conceivably, cause the low-oil light to trigger, and if that’s the case, you need to re-set the light once you’re satisfied that the oil level is correct.

Re-setting this warning light varies from car to car, but an actual mechanic would probably know how to do this, so maybe a quick visit to a workshop to have the light re-set will be worth the small cost involved. By the way, I never rely on warning lights to tell me my engine oil is low. That’s what a car’s dipstick is for. Check it each week and you’ll never run the engine low on oil.

While they say it never needs to be replaced that really refers to the requirement for servicing. Cam belts do have to be replaced regularly, cam chains don’t, but like all moving parts chains are subject to normal wear and tear and given time they will wear out. To have to change a timing chain at 70,000 km, however, is unusual, and you would suspect that something is wrong. There are reports of problems on the 1.6-litre petrol engine. I would press Peugeot to replace the chain free of charge.

They're quite different vehicles, the Peugeot is a roomy, comfortable, safe and pleasant wagon, and boasts 4.0 L/100km economy. The Mazda SP25 is a sedan or hatch, and a sportier drive with a firmer ride, and the 2.5-litre petrol engine offers an average of 6.0L/100km. If you're trying to choose which one to buy it comes down to what you want from your car, comfort and economy, or a sporty drive. Another thing to consider is maintenance costs and the Mazda scores there.

You would have to think that the dealer is incompetent, and it doesn't say much about Peugeot's interest in fixing its cars. I would go direct to Peugeot and demand that they fix your car and give you a timetable for when the work will be done. I would also be considering taking action under consumer protection laws, because I think you have a case to argue that the car is unfit for purpose.

The turbo continues to rotate for a short time after the engine is turned off to cool down before it stops. If it's not doing that now it would appear you have a problem and I would have it checked before you do any more damage.

Even though the warranty has now expired Peugeot cannot simply walk away from the issue, they still have an obligation under our consumer laws to fix it. Right now you could argue with some justification I would think that the car is not fit for purpose. Continue to pressure Peugeot for a resolution and press for some sort of time frame that they will complete the work. If there is no satisfactory outcome then press for a replacement car, or consider action through the consumer affairs system.