Peugeot

Peugeot 407 (2004-2011)

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