Used buyer's guide: Peugeot 407
The Peugeot 407 looks like great value, if you can put up with the glitches
How much?
There are far more diesel 407s around than petrols, so they both start at around the same point: £1,500. This buys a high-mile 1.8-litre petrol 407, or a 1.6 or 2.0 HDi; a car with under 100,000 miles will be at least £1,800.
For £4,000 you can get an 06-plate 1.6 HDi S or a 55-reg 2.0 HDi SE. Pay £1,000 more, and a 57-plate 1.6 HDi SE or 56-reg 2.0 HDi Executive is within reach. These prices are for saloons; in theory, estates cost £200-£500 more, but prices vary enough to eliminate this difference.
Running costs
| Model | Insurance group | Fuel economy | CO2 emissions | Annual road tax |
| 1.8 | 18 | 35 | 187g/km | £250 |
| 2.0 | 22 | 34 | 194g/km | £250 |
| 2.2 | 29 | 31 | 214g/km | £270 |
| 3.0 V6 | 27 | 28 | 233g/km | £270 |
| 1.6 HDi | 17 | 53 | 140g/km | £120 |
| 2.0 HDi | 22 | 47 | 155g/km | £170 |
| 2.2 HDi | 27 | 46 | 160g/km | £170 |
All 407s need a service every 20,000 miles or two years, apart from the 1.6 HDi, which cuts this to 12,500 miles. While the 1.6 HDi has two minor services before a major check-up, all other versions alternate between minor (for around £250) and major (£400) services.
Cambelts need renewing after 10 years, but mileages vary. Four-cylinder petrol cars require one every 100,000 miles, four-cylinder diesels every 150,000 miles and V6s every 160,000 miles; you’ll pay £320-£440. Air-con should be recharged (£70) and brake fluid replaced (£55) every two years; fresh coolant (£66) is needed after four years.
