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Every generation rated
The original 208 is a stylish and reasonably reliable small car. 1.2 PureTech 82hp: check oil consumption carefully. 1.4 VTi: older and simpler but dated. 1.6 HDi diesel: reliable diesel option. EAT6 auto: better than Mk2 EAT8 but verify service history. Manual gearbox always preferred.
€7,000–€14,000
More sophisticated with i-Cockpit interior and available as electric (e-208). 1.2 PureTech 100hp and 130hp: oil consumption check essential on both. EAT8 8-speed auto has been troublesome — fluid changes critical. e-208 electric version is the outstanding Mk2 choice for urban Irish buyers.
€14,000–€26,000
⚠️ 1.2 PureTech Oil Consumption — Check Every Example Without Exception
The 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder turbo petrol is fitted to virtually every petrol 208 across both generations. Oil consumption is a documented and widespread issue across the entire PSA/Stellantis group — Peugeot, Citroën, Opel Corsa F, Vauxhall Corsa, and DS all share this engine. Affected cars can consume 1 litre of oil per 1,000km in severe cases. The root cause is piston ring and cylinder wear accelerated by the engine's design. Before viewing any 208, check the oil level. After the test drive, check it again. Ask the seller how often they top up oil. Any consumption at all on a car under 80,000km is a red flag. Peugeot has extended warranties on some affected vehicles — check with a Peugeot dealer using the VIN.
Best engines to buy
e-208 Electric 136hp (Mk2, 2019+) — Outstanding Pick
The e-208 is the outstanding Mk2 208 choice for Irish buyers. 50kWh battery, real-world range of 280–320km in Irish conditions, 100kW DC fast charging. None of the PureTech oil consumption concerns apply. The electric drivetrain is refined and well-suited to Irish urban and suburban driving. Motor tax: €120/year. An excellent used EV at this price point. Check battery state of health before buying — ask for a dealer diagnostic report.
1.2 PureTech 100hp (Mk1 and Mk2) — Petrol Pick With Inspection
If buying a petrol 208, the 100hp PureTech is the recommended version — more power helps the engine operate at lower loads, which reduces the oil consumption tendency. Oil check before and after test drive is non-negotiable. Ask for service records showing oil top-up frequency. A well-maintained example with no consumption history is a genuinely enjoyable small car — smooth, refined, and economical at 5.5–6.5L/100km. The risk is real but manageable with proper inspection.
1.6 BlueHDi 100hp — Diesel Pick
The 1.6 diesel avoids the PureTech oil consumption issue entirely. Economy of 4.5–5.5L/100km. Timing belt every 120,000km — verify records. DPF health is the check on urban-only diesel 208s. The right choice for buyers covering over 20,000km/year and wanting to avoid PureTech concerns. Manual gearbox strongly recommended — EAT8 auto on diesel requires fluid changes every 60,000km.
1.2 PureTech 75/82hp (Mk1) — Budget Petrol
The lower-powered 75/82hp versions of the PureTech are more susceptible to oil consumption due to operating at higher loads relative to power output. Check more carefully on these than on the 100hp or 130hp versions. Timing chain tensioner on very early examples — check for cold-start rattle. Manual gearbox only.
What to check at viewing
Pre-Purchase Checklist
1
Oil level check — before AND after test drive — the single most important check on any PureTech 208. Non-negotiable.
2
Service records for oil top-ups — ask how often the seller tops up oil. Any regular topping up is a flag.
3
EAT8 automatic fluid history — every 60,000km. Ask specifically if buying an automatic.
4
e-208 battery SoH — request a Peugeot dealer battery state of health diagnostic before buying any e-208.
5
Timing chain (early 1.2 PureTech) — cold-start rattle on 2012–2015 examples. Check on cold engine.
6
UK import — 208 is a significant UK import volume car. Cartell essential.
7
i-Cockpit screen function (Mk2) — the instrument cluster is a heads-up style display integrated into the dash. Confirm it functions correctly — replacements are expensive.
Irish prices 2026
Mk1 1.2 PureTech 82hp manual — €7,000–€12,000. Mk1 1.6 BlueHDi manual — €8,000–€13,000. Mk2 1.2 PureTech 100hp manual — €14,000–€19,000. Mk2 1.2 PureTech 130hp auto — €16,000–€22,000. Mk2 e-208 Electric — €18,000–€26,000.
CarAdvisor Outright Recommendation
2021–2023 Peugeot e-208 Electric with full Peugeot service history, battery SoH confirmed above 90%, and under 50,000km. Budget €19,000–€25,000. The e-208 is the 208 we recommend without reservation — none of the PureTech concerns, excellent urban range, lowest motor tax in class. If set on petrol, 2020+ 1.2 PureTech 100hp manual with oil consumption confirmed clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Is the Peugeot 208 reliable in Ireland?
It depends on the engine. The e-208 electric is reliable and the recommended choice. The 1.6 diesel is reliable. The 1.2 PureTech petrol has a documented oil consumption issue across the PSA/Stellantis group — not every car is affected but every car must be inspected. Check oil before and after test drive on any PureTech 208 without exception.
What is the Peugeot 208 PureTech oil consumption problem?
The 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder turbo has documented oil consumption affecting many examples across Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, and Vauxhall. Piston ring and cylinder wear causes oil to be burned in combustion. Severe cases consume 1 litre per 1,000km. Check oil level before and after test drive, ask for service records showing top-up frequency, and avoid any example with regular consumption.
Is the Peugeot e-208 a good used buy in Ireland?
Yes — the e-208 is one of the best used small EVs available in Ireland. 50kWh battery, real-world range of 280–320km, 100kW fast charging, and motor tax of €120/year. None of the PureTech oil concerns apply. Check battery state of health with a Peugeot dealer before buying. Budget €18,000–€26,000.
How much does a used Peugeot 208 cost in Ireland?
A good used Peugeot 208 Mk2 petrol costs €14,000–€22,000 in Ireland. Mk1 examples cost €7,000–€14,000. The e-208 electric costs €18,000–€26,000.
Is the Peugeot 208 or Renault Clio better?
The Renault Clio Mk5 E-Tech hybrid is a safer overall used buy — the hybrid system avoids PureTech concerns and delivers better economy. The 208 is more stylish and the e-208 electric is an excellent alternative if EV range suits your needs. For petrol, the Clio Mk5 1.0 TCe has fewer known concerns than the PureTech.
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Before You Buy
Run a History Check on This Peugeot 208
A Cartell or Motorcheck report costs €10–€15. These are the flags to watch on a used Peugeot 208:
⚠PureTech oil consumption — check oil level before and after test drive on every petrol 208
⚠Finance outstanding — commonly sold on PCP
⚠UK import — significant volume of 208 imported from UK
⚠EAT automatic fluid — confirm service history on any automatic version
⚠e-208 battery health — request SoH diagnostic on any electric version
⚠Write-off — stylish small cars are popular candidates for concealed accident repair
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