Peugeot

Peugeot

Peugeot 807 (2003-2010)

Richard Dredge ·

There was a time when MPVs were the future, then the crossover arrived and suddenly the MPV fell out of favour. Which is a shame because people carriers like the Peugeot 807 tend to be more spacious, comfortable and versatile than any SUV that’s remotely affordable. As the first MPV to score a full five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, the Peugeot 807 is also a very safe car – at least when tested to 2003 standards. However, there’s a fly in the ointment, and that’s the 807’s reliability record, which isn’t great. So before buying, make sure that cheap MPV doesn’t become very expensive once it’s yours.

 

Key dates

1/03: The 807 goes on sale with 2.0 or 2.2-litre petrol or diesel engines.

7/03: The 2.0 HDi is now available with an automatic gearbox.

2/04: The 2.2 HDi is now available with a six-speed manual gearbox.

6/04: A facelift brings new model designations and a tidier exterior design.

11/05: A refresh means extra standard kit for all cars, including ESP. A Euro IV-compliant 143bhp 2.0 petrol engines replaces the old 138bhp unit.

5/06: The 2.0 HDi engine is now a 120bhp unit (previously 110bhp).

1/08: The 2.2 HDi now comes in 170bhp form (alongside the previous 136bhp option).

 

Checklist

  • ECU faults can mean misfires, poor starting or uneven running – or no running at all.
  • The interior isn’t that tough, so look for damaged or broken trim.
  • The electric sliding doors are a great feature but the electric mechanism can be erratic.
  • Premature tyre wear isn’t unusual, especially on cars with 15-inch wheels.
  • Electrically operated windows and sunroofs can have a mind of their own, so ensure they work as they should.
  • The ball joints in the front suspension can fail prematurely.
  • The 807 has been the subject of new fewer than 21 recalls, so check they’ve all been actioned.

 

We like

  • Practicality
  • Versatility
  • Comfort
  • Refinement
  • Spacious cabin
  • Low purchase prices
  • Torquey diesel engines

 

We don’t like

  • Poor reliability record
  • Interiors get battered
  • Thirsty petrol engines

 

Peugeot

Peugeot 207 (2006-2012)

Richard Dredge ·

It’s easy to see why the 207 was one of the most popular cars in its class when new. Keen pricing and a wide choice of engines, trims and bodystyles made it very accessible. Now the 207 is available only as a used buy, nothing has changed; you’re still spoiled for choice. When Warranty Direct claimed in 2011 that the 207 was the most reliable European car, Peugeot’s transformation appeared complete, but online forums suggest not all owners think their cars are so dependable. That’s why you need to check any potential purchase carefully, but a good 207 can represent spectacular value for money.

Key dates

5/06: The 207 hatchback debuts, with three or five-door options and any combination of 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engines. 

1/07: A 120bhp 1.6 VTi petrol engine joins the range, along with the 207CC (Coupé-Cabriolet), the latter with 1.6 petrol (normally aspirated or turbocharged) or 1.6 diesel engines. 

6/07: A 95bhp 1.4 VTI petrol engine and a 175bhp GTi debut. 

7/07: The 207SW (five-door estate) debut, with a pseudo off-roader edition soon after, the Outdoor. 

8/09: A facelifted 207 brings a fresh nose and interior, a higher quality cabin plus standard Bluetooth.

3/10: Allure trim is added to the range.

4/10: The 1.6 HDi is tweaked to comply with Euro 5 emissions regulations. A six-speed gearbox replaces the previous five-speed unit.

Checklist

  • Peugeot recommends 10 years between cam belt renewals; six years or 60,000 miles is more advisable.
  • Pairing a phone via Bluetooth can be a pain. Disconnecting the battery for a few minutes can fix things.
  • The interior trim isn’t very durable, so check for damaged or missing parts.
  • The dashboard’s LCD can fail. The only effective cure is replacement, which is costly.
  • Anti-pollution warnings lead to the car reverting to limp-home mode. Effective fixes can be elusive.
  • Gear selection problems and difficulty getting out of fifth gear is down to the linkage being incorrectly set up. It’s an easy fix.
  • The ECU that controls the anti-lock braking module can fail, leading to warnings on the dash. Replacement is costly.
  • The 207 has been the subject of a lot of recalls, so make sure any necessary work has been done.

We like

  • Wide range
  • Lots available
  • Looks smart
  • Great diesel engines
  • Cheap to buy
  • Comfortable ride
  • Good to drive

We don’t like

  • Small boot
  • Cramped back seat
  • Uncertain reliability

 

Richard Dredge

Peugeot

Peugeot 308 (2007-2013)

Richard Dredge ·

When it was launched in 2007, the 308 Mk1 was praised for its comfort, refinement, frugal engines and much-improved interior quality over the outgoing 307. Few small family hatchbacks offered the same sort of value as the 308, and as a used buy you get even more for your money. The 308 is safe too, with a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. Rear seat space isn’t great though and the 308 isn’t polished dynamically, but with decent fuel economy available from the diesel engines and very low purchase prices, the 308 can be just the job for a budget-conscious family.

Key dates

9/07: The 308 replaces Peugeot’s 307 in five-door hatch form in September; a three-door option arrives three months later. There are 95bhp 1.4 and 120 or 150bhp 1.6-litre petrol engines; diesels are 90/110bhp 1.6 or 136bhp 2.0 HDi units. 

6/08: The seven-seater 308SW arrives, along with the fleet-focused 308 SR which comes with standard navigation and bluetooth. 

4/09: The 308CC coupé-cabrio appears.

5/11: A facelifted 308 brings a revised nose and tail design, extra standard equipment and reduced CO2 emissions, including a 98g/km e-HDi model which arrives a few months later.

Checklist

  • From January 2010 ESP became standard on all 308s, apart from entry-level Urban editions.
  • If you don’t do many miles, cars with a diesel particulate filter are likely to give costly problems.
  • The electrics can be erratic, with the engine cutting out and the column stalks packing in. Starting can also be a problem, so check everything works.
  • The instrumentation can be troublesome, with trip computers and service indicators failing. The odometer can also over-read; the cure is a software update.
  • The interior trim is sometimes weak, with squeaks and rattles common. Seats can also split, while carpets have been known to come adrift.
  • Look for evidence of water leaking in through the windscreen seals, which can prove ineffective. Also check for cracks in the windscreen.

We like

  • Strong diesel engines
  • Low purchase prices
  • Lots to choose from
  • Wide range of engines and trims
  • Five-star Euro NCAP rating
  • Excellent refinement

We don’t like

  • Patchy reliability
  • Cramped rear seats
  • Stodgy handling
  • Unsettled ride
  • Poor rear visibility
  • Offset driving position

 

Richard Dredge

Peugeot

Peugeot 407 (2004-2011)

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Peugeot has long offered great-value cars, and the 407 is no exception. Spacious, well-equipped and comfortable, these saloons, coupes and estates offer a huge amount of car for the money. But such value can come at a price; the 407 can prove frustrating to own, with some examples hit by a variety of faults, which dealers aren't always able to fix. So the 407 makes a great buy only if you get a good one.

Key Dates

5/04: The 407 replaces the 406, in saloon form only, with 1.8, 2.0, 2.2 and 3.0 V6 petrol engines or 1.6 and 2.0HDi turbodiesels.

9/04: An estate (SW) debuts, with the same engines as the saloon.

10/05: A 407 coupé appears, with 2.2 or 3.0-litre petrol engines or a 2.7 V6 turbodiesel.

6/06: A 2.2-litre and 2.7 V6 turbodiesel are offered in the saloon. Range revisions bring enhanced specifications.

7/07: A 2.0HDi turbodiesel is offered in the 407 coupé.

9/08: A facelifted 407 brings exterior design revisions, extra equipment and chassis tweaks.

5/09: The eco-friendly 1.6HDi 110 arrives.

Peugeot 407 (2004-2011) Checklist

  • Clonks from the front is usually down to worn front suspension ball joints.
  • 1.6 and 2.0 diesels go into limp home mode because the throttle butterflies stick, usually because the spindles have worn, requiring new ones.
  • The central dash display can fail.
  • The electrical management system plays up, leading to constant warnings.
  • Diesel 407s with a six-speed auto can cut out because of a faulty ECU.
  • Warnings of ABS and ESP faults can be down to faulty sensors, genuine problems, or because a wheelbearing needs replacing.
  • Clutches are short-lived because of weak release bearings.

We Like

  • Great diesel engines
  • Smart looks
  • Equipment levels
  • Spacious cabin
  • Safety kit
  • Refinement

We Don't Like

  • Awkward driving position
  • Unsettled ride
  • Temperamental electronics

Peugeot

Peugeot 607 (2000-2009)

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No French car maker has ever produced a large car which has been a sales success in the UK. Despite this, all three of the big French car makers insist on building unsaleable executives, which are generally capable enough, but never good enough to distract buyers from the German marques. That's how it was with the 607; a good car, which offers terrific value as a used buy.

Key Dates

6/00: The 607 debuts with 2.2 or 3.0 V6 petrol engines or a 2.2 HDi turbodiesel.

4/01: There are now 2.0-litre petrol and turbodiesel engines available.

12/02: SE models get colour sat-nav as standard.

12/04: A facelift brings a new front bumper and grille, more standard kit and an improved interior.

10/05: The high-spec Executive is introduced - but not with the 2.2HDi engine until July 2006.

Peugeot 607 (2000-2009) Checklist

  • Some early cars were built with incorrect suspension parts, leading to an over-firm ride; this should have been fixed under warranty though.
  • Some pre-2003 607s with electric adjustment for the driver's seat featured insufficient padding, leading to uncomfortable seats.
  • Electrics can be temperamental, especially the powered windows and windscreen washers.
  • The driver's door sticks because of dropping hinges; check it opens and closes smoothly.
  • Airbag warning lights can stay on because of faulty sensors - or a faulty airbag.
  • On HDIs, the rubber-cushioned timing belt pulley needs replacing at the same time as the timing belt - but this isn't always done.

We Like

  • Value
  • Comfort
  • Space
  • Standard equipment
  • Safety kit

We Don't Like

  • Driving position
  • Fussy interior design
  • Low-speed ride

Peugeot

Peugeot 1007 (2005-2008)

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Was the 1007 a lame duck or a dead one? Whatever it was, the car proved to be an embarrassing exercise for Peugeot, which reckoned it was pushing the boundaries with this city car that nobody wanted to buy. Upright and with easy access thanks to power-assisted sliding doors, the 1007 answered a question that nobody had asked. High prices also put off potential buyers, but on the used market the 1007 is far more attractively priced. As a result, the 1007 is now worth a closer look - if you can find one.

Key Dates

4/05: The 1007 debuts with a choice of 1.4 or 1.6-litre petrol engines plus a 70bhp 1.4HDi turbodiesel option. Dolce and Sport trim levels are offered.

7/07: An SE trim level joins the range along with a 110bhp 1.6HDi turbodiesel engine.

Peugeot 1007 (2005-2008) Checklist

  • On the 1.6HDi engine the end of the plastic dipstick can break and fall into the sump, which then has to be removed to retrieve the missing part.
  • The 1.4HDi can whirr and whine; it's the timing belt tensioner failing. It'll need to be replaced, preferably along with the water pump and belt while you're at it.
  • The air-con can play up so make sure it works okay.
  • Those electric doors don't always behave themselves; they can open and close at random.
  • The rest of the electrics can also be temperamental, so check that absolutely everything works. Then check it all again.

We Like

  • High spec
  • Safety levels
  • Practicality
  • Easy access

We Don't Like

  • High purchase prices
  • Firm ride
  • Few about
  • Uncertain reliability