Peugeot 807 (2003-2010)

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 207 (2006-2012)

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 308 (2007-2013)

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