Used Peugeot 208 for sale nearCowes

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 36.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,950
Average Price: Around £11,000

Peugeot 208 (2012-2018) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Lively and economical engines	Not as roomy in the back as a Skoda Fabia
Cabin has a premium feel	Some reliability issues
GTi model is great fun	A Ford Fiesta is better to drive

Quick Summary

The Peugeot 208 (2012-2018) represents the French manufacturer's return to form as a master practitioner of small car design. With attractive styling inside and out, a premium cabin feel, and an impressive array of engine choices—both petrol and diesel—the 208 delivers practicality and efficiency. Compact enough for easy city driving and parking, it offers 285-litres of boot space, expanding to 1,152-litres with the rear seats folded. The 2015 facelift brought subtly tweaked looks and enhanced equipment, whilst the flagship GTi by Peugeot Sport rekindled the magic of the legendary 205 GTi with 205bhp and thrilling performance.

Fuel economy is impressive across the range, with the diesel 1.6 BlueHDi achieving 94.2mpg and most models delivering figures in the 70s and 80s. Running costs are modest, with several models exempt from road tax and insurance groups ranging from 6 to 33. The cabin exudes premium quality uncommon in the supermini class, with generous standard equipment on higher trims including dual-zone climate control, touchscreen infotainment, and satnav. However, some reliability concerns exist with GTi models and 1.2-litre PureTech engines, so careful selection is essential. As a used car, the 208 offers excellent value for those seeking a stylish, well-equipped, and economical supermini.

Best for: Buyers seeking a premium-feeling supermini with excellent fuel economy, those wanting a fun hot hatch (GTi), and drivers prioritising style and standard equipment over maximum rear legroom.

Not ideal for: Those needing maximum rear-seat space, buyers concerned about reliability, or drivers prioritising the finest handling dynamics of a Ford Fiesta.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the 208 if: You want a stylish, premium-feeling supermini with excellent fuel economy, seek a fun hot hatch (GTi), or prioritise standard equipment and cabin quality over maximum rear legroom.

Consider alternatives if: You need maximum rear-seat space, are concerned about reliability, or require the finest handling dynamics available in the supermini class.

Competitive Position: The Peugeot 208 (2012-2018) is a strong contender in the used supermini market, offering a premium cabin feel and impressive fuel economy that rivals struggle to match. Whilst the Skoda Fabia provides more rear legroom and the Ford Fiesta delivers superior handling, the 208's stylish design, well-equipped cabin, and lively engines make it an excellent choice for those prioritising quality and efficiency. The GTi by Peugeot Sport also offers thrilling performance at an affordable price. However, careful selection is essential due to reliability concerns with certain engine variants and GTi models.

Read our full Peugeot 208 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.