Skip advert
Advertisement

Used buyer's guide: Peugeot 407

The Peugeot 407 looks like great value, if you can put up with the glitches

Family cars don’t come much more affordable than Peugeot’s 407: it represents a lot of car for the money. It’s got a wealth of talents, too, from excellent refinement and a superb ride to good looks and plenty of kit. However, while many drivers have enjoyed thousands of trouble-free miles, others have been less fortunate. Some frustrated owners end up selling the car on – and you need to ensure you don’t end up buying one of those ‘distress sales’.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Saloons which don’t wear a premium badge usually sell poorly in the UK, but buyers embraced the Peugeot 407 thanks to its enticing blend of economy, comfort, value and refinement. The 407 was a fleet favourite for much of its life, and is a familiar sight on British roads, with its popularity boosted by the sharp-looking and good-value SW estate.

Yet although the car is cheap to buy, it can prove frustrating to own, with some examples hit by a variety of faults – which Peugeot dealers aren’t always able to fix. However, if you hold out for a good one, this car can make a great purchase.

History

The 407 replaced Peugeot’s 406 in May 2004, in saloon form only. From September 2004 there was an SW estate, too, plus a coupe from January 2006; we’ll cover this separately in another guide.

The saloon and estate shared the same engine choices: 1.8, 2.0, 2.2 and 3.0-litre V6 petrols or 1.6 and 2.0 HDi turbodiesels. A 2.2 HDi appeared in April 2006, along with an excellent 2.7 HDi V6; at this point, the range was revised, with specifications enhanced on most models.

A more comprehensive refresh came in September 2008; this brought a revised nose, plus a new SR trim and a 2.0 HDi 140 diesel engine.

Alternatives

If you’re after a big car that offers tremendous value, the Vauxhall Vectra and Insignia and Ford Mondeo fit the bill perfectly, and they’re available in a range of bodystyles. The Ford is better to drive, but each car offers space, safety and equipment galore.

Toyota’s Avensis is also worth a look if you rate reliability above dynamics (not that it’s bad to drive), and is offered in various bodystyles. Don’t discount the Skoda Octavia, either; it’s well built, spacious, reliable and good to drive, with fine engines.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,499 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,884 off RRP*Used from £11,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025