Item: Used Peugeot 407 Saloon 2004 - 2011
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Saloon

<p dir="ltr">Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.</p>


PEUGEOT

<p>The Peugeot 407 is a comfy, good-looking cruiser which is at home on the motorway, but others do the same job better</p>


Used Peugeot 407 Saloon 2004 - 2011

<p>You'll struggle to find a cheaper family saloon to service and, should anything go wrong outside the three-year/60,000-mile warranty, Peugeots are one of the cheapest cars to fix, according to Warranty Direct.</p>

<p>V6s apart, all are easy on the juice. The diesels do 46-51mpg and the petrols 31-26mpg.</p>

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The Peugeot 407 is a comfy, good-looking cruiser which is at home on the motorway, but others do the same job better

<p>The diesels are far and away the better drive. You'll pay a premium for them, but we think it's worth it, although we'd steer clear of the 2.7 V6 diesel - it's too expensive to buy and to run. Besides, the 2.0 HDi gives you all the smooth, strong performance you need. There's a 2.2 HDi if you want a little more oomph and the 1.6 HDi is a good choice for those on a tighter budget.</p>

<p>There are four petrol engines - a 1.8 (you need to work it hard), a 2.0 (our choice), a 2.2 (second best) and a 3.0 V6 (plush, fast, smooth but pricey).</p>

<p>Even the entry-level S models have seven airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, an alarm, climate control and CD player, so there's no real need to upgrade to SE or SV trim. For leather seats, and much else besides, look for an Executive model.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

<p>Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.</p>

<p>The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;</p>

Family

<p>Be more careful with a diesel than a petrol. We've heard only isolated reports of trouble with the HDi models and most will have been dealt with under warranty by the time they hit the used market. However, watch out for diesels that rev roughly or are lumpy at idle. Problems with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, a sticky throttle and faulty injectors may be to blame. Blown turbos aren't unknown, either.</p>

<p>There's no point touching a car without a full service history. There are so many ex-fleet 407s, which will have been maintained properly, that it just isn't worth risking a potentially neglected car for the sake of saving a couple of hundred pounds on the purchase price.</p>

<p>Peugeot upped its game for the 407 and the good build quality shows it. So if there are rattles in the cabin or uneven panel fit, look for evidence of accident damage, or just walk away.</p>

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<p>Show the Peugeot 407 a motorway and it will keep you happy all day long. Every engine cruises quietly, wind and road noise are subdued and the ride is comfortable at speed.</p>

<p>Your passengers will enjoy the ride, too, as the cabin will take five of you without too much of a push, although six-footers will find headroom tight in the rear. Being a saloon, it isn't as versatile as a family hatch, but the large boot is family-friendly.</p>

<p>Check you can get on with the driving position - some drivers just can't get comfy. The sheer number of fiddly buttons on the dashboard look confusing, but most owners say they quickly learn the half dozen or so needed for daily driving.</p>

<p>You'll notice that the ride isn't too hot at slower speeds or over broken surfaces. And, the 407 isn't that much better on twisty country lanes where, despite good grip, it's far from agile and the steering is numb.</p>

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Used Peugeot 407 Saloon 2004 - 2011 review

Every 2021 Electric and Hybrid Car Awards winner

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Peugeot 407 saloon?