Used Peugeot 308 (Mk3, 2021-date) buyer’s guide: versatile hatch is a great buy
A full used buyer's guide on the Peugeot 308, focusing on the Mk3 that's been on sale in the UK since 2021
Verdict
We’ve tested the Peugeot 308 numerous times, including running plug-in hybrid versions of the hatch and estate on our long-term fleet. We like Peugeot’s small family car in all of its forms, although it could be more engaging to drive and some more space in the back wouldn’t go amiss. But the design inside and out is superb, the onboard tech is really good and refinement is excellent. However, while the 308 is a good all-rounder, this very busy segment serves up some other talented contenders, and in group tests it’s been beaten by some, including the Kia Ceed, Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia, so check out a few alternatives before committing.
Next year will mark two decades since the original Peugeot 308 went on sale, and although it was a very important car for the brand, it was one that was hard to get excited about.
But its successor that arrived in 2013 was a huge leap forward, and by the time the third-generation 308 was unveiled in spring 2021, Peugeot had really hit its stride.
Here was a small family car that stood out from the crowd, but had the substance to back up the style with a high-quality interior, an excellent infotainment system and a diverse array of powertrains. Now five years old, is this generation of 308 still good enough to cut the mustard in a crowded segment?
History
The 308 Mk3 arrived in the UK in December 2021, in five-door hatch form, with a 128bhp turbocharged 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engine, or there were two plug-in hybrids, the Hybrid 180 and Hybrid 225, with a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine. There was also a 1.5 HDi diesel option and all engines came with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
A few weeks later the 308 SW estate arrived, with the same engines. Then in September 2023 the electric E-308 went on sale, with a 154bhp motor and 54kWh battery, in hatchback form only; the SW followed in January 2024. In September 2023 the 1.2-litre Hybrid 136 joined the range; the 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid 195 followed in February 2025.
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A facelift in August 2025 brought a refreshed exterior with new lights front and rear, fresh wheel designs and paint colours, plus new graphics for the digital dash, and the E-308 was given a 58.4kWh battery.
Which one should I buy?
We’d buy a 308 rather than an E-308, especially because the former is cheaper, and the EV is beaten by some of its key rivals.
The 1.2-litre engine is enough most of the time, the diesel offers decent economy with acceptable performance, while the plug-in hybrids are really punchy. The Hybrid 136 is less exciting, but it offers a decent balance of performance and economy.
So every powertrain has its place, and even entry-level Active trim has all you need, such as a 10-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, power-folding door mirrors, rear parking sensors, voice control, 16-inch alloys and LED headlights plus automatic lights and wipers.
Allure trim brings a rear camera, 17-inch wheels and nav; EVs also get heating for the steering wheel and front seats. The GT adds adaptive cruise control, a bodykit, faux leather trim and 18-inch wheels.
Prices
The cheapest Peugeot 308s on the market tend to be an early 1.2 Active with 60,000 miles on the clock. However, there is the odd cheaper 308 out there, typically with closer to 100,000 miles on the clock, and invariably a diesel engine. The HDi unit isn’t as unusual as you might think; it accounts for one in six of the cars available. The 1.2-litre engine is the most common, with hybrids in second place; PHEVs are the least common, behind electric, which is also unusual.
You can buy a used Peugeot 308 for just over £12,000, or a used Peugeot E-308 for just over £17,000 through our Buy a Car service.
Check the price of a used Peugeot 308 with our free car valuation tool...
On the road
Over the years, Peugeot has released a series of cars that are great to drive, but the 308 isn’t one of them – although it isn’t a huge disappointment, because it rides well and the steering is nice.
There is room for improvement, though, because this isn’t a car that feels really enjoyable to drive, especially in eight-speed automatic form; this transmission is slow-witted, but the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is a lot slicker.
The E-308 offers more of the same; it’s perfectly competent rather than fun to drive, quick and comfortable enough, but without excelling in any one area.
Alternatives to the Peugeot 308
You’re overwhelmed with options in this segment, including some that are very desirable. These include the VW Golf, Ford Focus and Kia Ceed, along with the Hyundai i30 and Mazda 3. You should also shortlist the Toyota Corolla and Skoda Scala, and the Honda Civic is worth a look.
The Vauxhall Astra shares its underpinnings with the 308, as does the Citroen C4. All of these are available in hatchback form and many (but not all) are also offered as estates. Electric alternatives include the VW ID.3 and its cousin, the Cupra Born, along with the Renault Megane E-Tech and MG4, while Stellantis offers the Vauxhall Astra Electric and Citroen e-C4.
What to look for
Belt up
The 1.2-litre PureTech is a wet-belt design, meaning that its cambelt runs in the engine’s oil, which must be changed on time using the correct fluid. Fail to do this and the belt can degrade, leading to failure.
Other glitches
Most of the issues that affect the 308 are related to electrics and software, so check items such as the central locking, alarm and infotainment. Problems here can be hard to pin down and eradicate.
On the range
According to Peugeot, the PHEV 180 and 225 gave up to 37 miles of range in electric mode; 25-30 miles is more realistic. The E-308 is claimed to do up to 257 miles on a charge; expect 200-220 miles in everyday use.
Peace of mind
The 308’s warranty lasts for three years or 60,000 miles, which can be extended to up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. The E-308’s batteries are warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles.
Interior
The 308 looks and feels premium inside, but the shrunken steering wheel and low-slung seats can make it tricky to get comfy. The infotainment works well, but more physical switches are needed, as is some extra headroom for rear-seat passengers. Boot capacity is good at 412 litres, but the E-308 cuts this to 361 litres, and the PHEV to 314 litres.
Running costs
Most 308s need to be serviced every 12 months or 12,000 miles; the E-308 stretches this to 12 months or 16,000 miles. Services alternate between Minor and Major at £224 and £369 respectively for petrol, hybrid and diesel models; for plug-in hybrids the costs are £249 and £405 while they’re £105 and £295 for the E-308.
The 1.2-litre PureTech engine has a cambelt that needs to be replaced every six years or 60,000 miles; the HDi interval is 10 years or 100,000 miles, and the cost for both is £759.
Insurance groups for the hatch range between 19 and 30; the SW sits in groups 18-30. Most 308s cost less than £40,000 when new, but some high-spec PHEVs breach this and are liable for the £440 expensive car supplement until their sixth birthdays. But all E-308s are well below the £50k higher-rate threshold for EVs.
Recalls
The 308 Mk3 has been recalled 12 times so far, but the E-308 just once – in October 2023, because of problematic parking brakes.
For combustion-engined 308s the first campaign was launched as early as March 2022, due to faulty door handles. It would be another year before recall two came; that was because of electrical connection glitches, and after that came campaigns for incorrect VIN labels (Feb 2024), e-call glitches (May 2024), faulty door control units (Jan 2025) and emissions problems (Feb 2025).
After that came recalls for fuel leaks (Feb and July 2025, then Jan 2026), worn engine drive chains (July 2025), auto emergency braking glitches (April 2026), and most recently in June 2026 because of faulty door locks.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The 308 Mk3 had never appeared in Driver Power until this year, but it’s made a good debut, in a commendable 17th place. Even more impressive is a trio of first places, for interior and exterior styling, and road handling.
The driving experience gets a big thumbs up (ride quality comes second, driving pleasure is seventh), and most practicality aspects too. But fuel economy (37th), reliability (38th) and overall value (40th) are the key areas where the 308 falls down.
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Used Peugeot 308s for sale
2023 Peugeot
308
23,951 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L
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2023 Peugeot
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2023 Peugeot
308
31,000 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L
Cash £14,995
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308
21,865 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L
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2020 Peugeot
308
62,314 milesManualPetrol1.2L
Cash £7,622
