2018 Peugeot 3008
Yes, with care: the second 3008 is stylish, roomy and well equipped, but the 1.2 PureTech wet timing belt needs proof of care. Check the recalls too.
The short answer
- The second-generation 3008 (2016–2023) was named European Car of the Year 2017, with Peugeot's i-Cockpit and a wide choice of engines; a facelift followed in 2020.
- The 1.2 PureTech petrol has a timing belt running in oil that can disintegrate if oil changes are late; the 1.6 petrols use a chain, and diesels can have DPF and AdBlue faults.
- In the What Car? survey the 3008 placed mid-table among family SUVs; buy one with full service history and every recall done.
The second 3008 arrived in 2016 with Peugeot's i-Cockpit and was named European Car of the Year 2017 (Autoscore). The 2020 facelift brought the "sabre-tooth" LED daytime running lights and a frameless grille (Autocar). The Opel Grandland shares its basis (Gebrauchtwagenberater).
Engines and specs
| Engine | Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.2 PureTech petrol | 131 PS | three-cylinder, timing belt in oil |
| 1.6 THP / PureTech petrol | 165–181 PS | four-cylinder, timing chain |
| BlueHDi diesels | 120–180 PS | 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0 litres |
| Hybrid / Hybrid4 plug-in | 225 / 300 PS | from late 2019, EAT8 automatic |
Figures from Gebrauchtwagenberater. Gearboxes were a six-speed manual, the EAT6 and later the eight-speed EAT8 automatic. For towing, Autocar recommends the 2.0 BlueHDi, rated up to 2,000 kg.
Living with it
What Car? calls the 3008 a great family SUV and a good used buy; the boot is large and the top of the rear bumper is left unpainted to resist scuffs. Autocar finds the digital instruments a bit contrived and the infotainment harder to use than its shortcut buttons suggest. In What Car?'s latest reliability survey the 3008 came 18th of 34 family SUVs with 95.8 percent; petrol models seemed slightly more reliable than diesels.
Common problems
- 1.2 PureTech wet belt: The timing belt runs in engine oil; with late oil changes or many short trips it can disintegrate, which usually ends in engine damage (Gebrauchtwagenberater). Fragments can block oil passages and the vacuum pump for the brake servo; specialists say the oil-pressure light is the first warning (Autocar, Gebrauchtwagenberater).
- PureTech oil use and carbon: The 1.2 can burn oil, and carbon can block the inlet manifold (Autocar).
- Diesel: DPFs often clog, and AdBlue pumps and injectors can fail; Autocar advises against a diesel if you don't do many motorway miles.
- Automatic gearbox: Odd shifts in second and third gear on the EAT8 and a grabbing clutch on some EAT6 cars (Gebrauchtwagenberater).
- Electrics: Infotainment crashes and black screens, central locking faults and a sticking electric handbrake (Gebrauchtwagenberater, Autocar).
- Body: Panoramic roofs can leak, and the dashboard can creak (Autocar, Gebrauchtwagenberater).
Recalls covered the PureTech timing belt on 2017–2020 cars, a fuel line that could be damaged, cracking particulate filters on 2.0 diesels, AdBlue software and a fire risk in plug-in hybrid batteries (Gebrauchtwagenberater, What Car?).
The 3008 is the French SUV that finally got the inside right. With the PureTech, the service history matters as much as the trim.
Safety
Euro NCAP gave the 3008 five stars in 2016: 86 percent for adult occupants, 85 for children, 67 for pedestrians and 58 for safety assist. Autonomous emergency braking was optional rather than standard at the time (Fleet World).
Buying checklist
- 1.2 PureTech: proof of on-time oil changes with the correct oil and of the timing-belt recall or replacement.
- Ask a dealer to check the VIN for open recalls.
- Diesel: check for AdBlue warnings and ask how the car was used.
- Test the automatic for odd shifts, especially in second and third gear.
- Check the infotainment, central locking and electric handbrake.
- Look for damp under the panoramic roof.
Verdict
The 3008 II is a stylish, practical SUV with a good safety record and a better-than-feared reliability score. A 1.6 petrol or a diesel for long distances avoids the wet belt; a 1.2 PureTech is fine only with spotless history. For an older, simpler alternative, read our 2007 Nissan Qashqai guide.
FAQ
Is the Peugeot 3008 II reliable?
Middling. In the What Car? survey it came 18th of 34 family SUVs. The main risk is the 1.2 PureTech's wet timing belt; diesels can have DPF and AdBlue faults.
What is the PureTech wet belt problem?
The 1.2 PureTech's timing belt runs in engine oil. If oil changes are late or the car does many short trips, the belt can break up and cause engine damage; there was a recall for 2017–2020 cars.
Which 3008 engine should I buy?
For most drivers a 1.6 petrol with a timing chain or a BlueHDi diesel for long distances. For towing, Autocar recommends the 2.0 BlueHDi.
Does the 3008 have four-wheel drive?
Only the Hybrid4 plug-in hybrid with 300 PS; all other versions are front-wheel drive.
Based on manufacturer data, crash tests and owner and workshop reports, not on our own test drive. Sources: Gebrauchtwagenberater, Autocar reliability, Autocar, What Car?, Euro NCAP (PDF), Fleet World, Autoscore.