Used Peugeot 407 SW 2004 - 2011 review

The Peugeot 407 SW is a distinctive family estate that's practical, if not hugely spacious

What's the used Peugeot 407 like?

Never mind outright space, feel the versatility. That's one of the Peugeot 407 SW's main appeals as a family estate. The load bay isn't as big as many rivals' but it's a useful shape and accessed by a split-opening tailgate. The rear seats split and fold to leave a virtually flat load floor, which is probably no more than you'd expect, but to swallow even longer loads, the backrest of the front passenger seat also folds flat - very neat.

Those in the front have plenty of space and the estate's higher roofline creates more rear headroom than in the saloon. There's stacks of kit, too, but all those buttons on the dash can be confusing.

The diesel engines suit the car far better than the petrols. Their undemanding low-down response is more in tune with the 407's softer, more comfort-biased drive. Even so, many rivals ride more smoothly, and many more are sharper in corners, too, where the Peugeot feels slow-witted.

Tips & Advice

Our recommendations

Which used Peugeot 407 should I buy?

You'll find plenty of diesels, which is good news. They'll cost more to buy than the equivalent petrol models, but it's a price worth paying for their smooth, strong, frugal character. There's a 2.7 diesel, but it isn't cheap and you can easily get by with the performance of the far more fuel-efficient 136bhp 2.0 HDi - our favoured model.

advertisment

If you're dead-set on petrol, the 2.0 gives the best balance of cost and ability, but the 2.2 isn't far behind. The 3.0 V6 is quick but pricey and the 1.8 too laboured when loaded.

All cars have seven airbags, climate control and a CD player. Most SV models have alloy wheels and a full-length glass roof. The posh Executive gets a CD multi-changer and useful rear parking sensors.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Tips & Advice

How reliable is the Peugeot 407 ?

Peugeot 407

About the writer

Stuart Milne, digital editor

Name: Stuart Milne

Title: Digital editor

Follow Stuart Milne on

Stuart has been a motoring journalist for more than 25 years, writing and editing for a wide range of consumer titles. Today, Stuart is responsible for the smooth running of whatcar.com and all of its related social and digital channels. And he’s the man responsible for making sure you're able to find What Car?’s industry-leading content whenever you search for it.

News and advice

News

New engines for Peugeot 407 Coupe

* Two new diesel engines
* Cleaner and more powerful
* Cosmetic tweaks, too

News

Peugeot's 407 cleans up

* Tweaked 1.6 diesel engine
* Energy-saving tyres
* CO2 emissions of 129g/km

News

Peugeot 407 revised

* Suspension enhancements
* Slight styling changes
* From 17,295

News

First drive: face-lifted Peugeot 407

* Mid-life face-lift for 407
* Improved 140bhp 2.0 HDI
* Revised interior

See all latest advice