Used Buyer’s Guide: Peugeot 207
Peugeot 207 starts from around £2,000 and is a great choice, but check carefully before buying
Verdict
It’s easy to see why the 207 was one of the most popular cars in its class when new; keen prices and a wide choice of engines and bodystyles mean there’s something for everyone. Warranty Direct claimed in 2011 that the 207 was the most reliable European-built car, too. But read online forums and you’ll see that not all owners think their cars are so dependable. So check any potential purchase carefully, but if you can find a good 207, few used cars offer so much in return for so little cash.
How much?
Prices for the 207 start at just £2,000 for a 100,000-mile 1.4-litre petrol hatch, and there’s no significant difference in cost between three and five-door cars. Cap the mileage to 80,000 and you’ll need to find at least £2,300. Diesels (1.4 or 1.6-litre) with this mileage start at £3,000 – for an extra £500 you can have a 1.6 auto. If you’ve got £5,000, you could buy a 207 1.6 HDi 90 Sport or a 207 GTi on an 07 plate – or a 10-plate 207 1.4 VTi S.
Running costs
Whicever engine is fitted, all 207s need servicing every two years. For the petrols (and 1.4 HDi without a DPF) there’s a 20,000-mile cap, while diesels go 12,500 miles between services. Costs vary by engine, but minor, intermediate and major services cost roughly £100, £200 and £300. VTi and THP engines are chain-driven; others have a timing belt, which should be changed every 10 years or 80,000 to 160,000 miles. Expect to pay £350 for this. New brake fluid is needed every two years (£49) while coolant needs renewing after four years, at £65.
Recalls
A total of 18 recalls is worrying. Five were down to the engine potentially cutting out, while two were because it could destroy itself due to manufacturing faults. Another four recalls were to erase electrical gremlins, including window faults, short circuits and wiper failure. Others included loose seatbelts, the engine losing power and brake fluid leaking from the rear hoses. There was also the possibility of a brake pipe failure, while an air-con duct could come adrift, blocking access to the pedals.
Our view
The best the 207 has managed in our Driver Power survey is 55th place (in 2008); this year it didn’t get into the top 150. Low running costs are the 207’s strongest area; in most other respects 207 owners think their car could do much better.
Your view
Tom Booton from Wrexham bought his 207 1.6 HDi three years ago. Tom says: “The car doesn’t feel well made and the cabin is a bit small, but it’s good to drive, good value and comfortable. I’ve had a few reliability issues, though.”
