Petrolblog doesn't believe in buying a car as an investment, but when Hagerty tells the world to buy something French, it's prepared to listen. And on the evidence of the Hagerty UK Bull Market List, the Peugeot 106 is one of the best classic cars to buy in 2025.
Launched in 1991, the 106 was the smallest car in the Peugeot range and was sold alongside the 205, which was being pushed further upmarket. It debuted with three petrol engines – 954cc, 1124cc and 1360cc – with a 1527cc diesel following soon after.
Key rivals included the Citroën AX and the Rover Metro, the latter being the darling of the UK motoring press. Indeed, in 1990, Autocar & Motor said: ‘It will take a more formidable car than is currently available to dislodge it [the Metro].’ In securing the mag's accolade of ‘best small car in the world’, the Metro knocked the 205 off its perch, so the 106 was going into battle on behalf of its mature sibling.
The Metro's reign didn't last long. In October 1991, Autocar & Motor said: ‘You only have to look at the 106 to know it has an innate rightness in its design. It has a massive road presence for one so small and, to our eyes at least, shopping cars come no prettier. And it has what it takes under the skin, too – faster, more spacious, better riding, easier to drive and, most important of all, more than £1000 cheaper.
‘The Metro runs it close and even wins in some areas, but it can't change the inescapable conclusion that Peugeot now builds the best small car in the world.’
Not everyone was convinced. Pitching a 106 XN against an AX 1.1 Echo and Metro 1.1C, CAR gave the nod to the Citroën, ahead of the Rover, leaving Peugeot with the bronze medal. That said, it did call it ‘the most rounded of the trio’.
Thirty-four years later, the Peugeot 106 is one of ten cars that could make great buys in 2025, according to Hagerty's market data. Commenting on the selection, the Hagerty Valuation Team says: ‘Hagerty considers the Peugeot 106 to be great value compared with some of its rivals. The Series 1 106 Rallye in excellent condition is listed in the Hagerty Price Guide at £12,400, around 32 percent less than its older relative the Peugeot 205 Rallye.
‘With their homologation credentials, limited numbers and instantly recognisable looks, they tick many of the requirements of a collectable car, although originality is critical.’
So, there you have it: if you buy one car in 2025, make it French. Life with a boggo 106 could start from as little as £1000. You know it makes sense.
Hagerty UK Bull Market List 2025
- Alfa Romeo 147 GTA (2001-2005)
- Austin-Healey 3000 (1959-1967)
- Ferrari F355 (1994-1999)
- Maserati Ghibli (1992-1998)
- Peugeot 106 (1991-2003)
- Porsche 912 (1965-1969)
- Range Rover P38A (1994-2001)
- Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II (1977-1980)
- Subaru Impreza P1 (2000-2001)
- Toyota RAV4 (1994-2000)
