Is a used Peugeot 3008 a good buy?

The second-generation Peugeot 3008 has sold in huge numbers in the UK since it was launched in 2016, thanks to a winning combination of style, practicality, comfort and value. If you want a family SUV, there are lots of affordable secondhand Peugeot 3008 models on the market, giving buyers plenty of choice. 

The second-generation Peugeot 3008 is a follow-up to a previous model introduced all the way back in 2008, but while that first version did attract plenty of customers for its practicality and value, it was rarely complimented for its looks or the way it drove.

Things changed dramatically with the launch of the follow-up Peugeot 3008, which looked much sharper and offered good comfort with more sophisticated in-car technology, too. This means that this version of the Peugeot 3008 is a great choice for those after a stylish but sensible high-riding hatchback.

If you don't like the look of the Peugeot 3008, there are plenty of other alternatives, most of which look a bit more conventional both inside and out. These include the Ford Kuga, the excellent value Kia Sportage and of course the ever popular Nissan Qashqai.

You might also want to look at the Vauxhall Grandland X, which shares engines and other tech with the Peugeot 3008 as Vauxhall and Peugeot are now part of the same company. We'd also suggest considering the Skoda Karoq.

The Peugeot 3008 has recently been updated to bring the range into line with the style of the latest Peugeot 508 model. Look out for the redesigned LED headlights and tail lights on the latest cars.

It’s a similar story inside, where the update includes redesigned graphics for the impressive digital dashboard, and the option of a bigger 10-inch central touchscreen display for sat-nav and media functions. A pair of hybrid models were introduced shortly before the update in 2020, too.

With the upgrades being fairly limited, those after a used Peugeot 3008 needn't be worried about model years when they’re checking out deals. Even the earliest 2017 versions of the current generation 3008 retain most of the appeal of the latest cars, unless you want a hybrid model, as these joined the range later.

So if you’re looking for a roomy five-seat family SUV, with as much style as any other car of this type, a well-appointed and luxurious cabin with an impressively high-tech feel, and a range of punchy but efficient engines that make this a cheap-to-run machine, a used Peugeot 3008 is very hard to beat.

Read our full Peugeot 3008 review

Which used Peugeot 3008 should you buy?

There are six engine options in the 3008 lineup, with a couple of petrols, two diesels and a pair of hybrids - one of which is the only Peugeot 3008 with four-wheel drive.

Unless you drive high mileages, the petrols make a lot of sense, with even the small 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder offering strong performance and economy. If you want a petrol automatic you’ll have to choose the 1.6-litre, which is faster but uses more fuel too.

Both the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesels are strong and frugal performers plus both are available as automatics, but only the 1.6-litre is available with a manual gearbox.

The two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models are the Hybrid 225 front-wheel drive version and the Hybrid4 300 which has a second electric motor sending power to the rear wheels to make it four-wheel drive. There’s no seven-seater option - look to the larger Peugeot 5008 for that.

What used Peugeot 3008 trim levels are available?

It's little surprised that the most popular selling Peugeot 3008 models were in mid-spec Allure trim which means you'll find plenty on the used market. However, we prefer the GT spec with its more sporty look. It's either of these we'd recommend.

Peugeot 3008 Active

The standard specification of the entry-level Peugeot 3008 is impressively comprehensive, but does have some notable omissions - for instance there’s no sat-nav, and some of the latest safety kit isn’t included. However you do get the standard 'i-Cockpit' digital dashboard, as well as an eight-inch central touchscreen media system for functions which include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

There’s a six-speaker audio system with digital radio and Bluetooth, plus a cabin that also features comfy cloth upholstery, dual-zone climate control, reach-and-rake steering adjustment, height adjustable seats and a multi-function steering wheel. You also get cruise control, front parking sensors and a reversing camera, auto-folding door mirrors, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking and automatic lights and wipers.

The Peugeot 3008 Active Premium, meanwhile, features 17-inch alloy wheels, body colour door handles and LED lighting - fitted all around on post-update examples.

Peugeot 3008 Allure

The Peugeot 3008 Allure trim grade is the lowest specification available with hybrid power options, but most people are likely to want to choose it for the included sat-nav system, upgraded upholstery with half-leather effect, and tinted windows plus 18-inch wheels.

Post update models also get a larger 10-inch touchscreen media system, and also benefit from a Safety Plus Pack that includes lane-keeping assistance, high-beam assistance and active blind spot detection to keep you out of trouble.

The Peugeot 3008 Allure Premium grade adds keyless entry and push-button start, interior trim upgrades, a foldable front passenger seat and exterior roof rails.

Peugeot 3008 GT

The 3008 GT top-of-the-range trim levels are suitably eye-catching thanks to special black 18-inch alloy wheels, a black roof, twin chrome exhausts and chrome window trims, plus black-painted door mirrors.

There are significant interior trim upgrades too, with special upholstery materials including suede-like Alcantara and leather-effect seats and aluminium pedals for a sporty feel. Also on the list of kit are adaptive cruise control, advanced emergency braking and front collision warning systems.

The Peugeot 3008 GT Premium spec takes things to the height of luxury with a 515-watt sound system upgrade, heated electric seats, 360-degree cameras and automated parallel and bay parking assistance. You can spot the range flagship by its special 19-inch ‘black diamond cut’ alloy wheels.