Used car tests

Used buyer's guide: Peugeot 407

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

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27 Nov 2012

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What to look for

• ABS and ESP warnings can be traced to faulty sensors. Or it could be a genuine issue, like tired wheelbearings.• Diesel 407s with a six-speed automatic gearbox can cut out for no apparent reason; this is down to a faulty ECU.• On diesels, failed exhaust gas recirculation valves or tired/faulty injectors can cause poor running.

French cars have long majored on ride comfort, and while the 407 is excellent in this respect when cruising, around town it’s not so accomplished. It’s also not as good to drive as some rivals, with numb steering and below par agility.

The engines are hard to fault, though, and all are worth a look – especially the frugal and flexible diesels. The 2.0 and 2.2 HDi give the best blend of performance and economy, and with even top-spec 407s now worth relatively little there’s no point going for an entry-level car; find at least an SE.

Recalls

A tally of 15 recalls between April 2005 and July 2011 won’t inspire confidence in the 407, especially as pretty much any car built up to September 2010 is affected by at least one of them.

A third of these recalls were because of the possibility of fuel leaks, while other potential issues include the starter motor operating for no reason, the engine stalling plus electrical and handbrake failures. Further glitches centred on the brake servo failing (there were three recalls for this), plus oil leaks.

Check out the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website for up-to-date recall information.

Driver Power

Our view:Despite its popularity, the 407 hasn’t appeared in our Driver Power satisfaction survey in the past five years. Other Peugeots like the 206, 207 and 307 have, and they generally sit near the bottom of the tables; hopefully 407 owners are more satisfied.

Your view:Christopher Grist from Bournemouth has owned the 2004 2.0 HDi in our pictures for two years. “It’s done 117,000 miles and is totally reliable,” he told us. “It’s superb value, well equipped and spacious, plus good to drive and practical.”