2012 207 Peugeot....the good the bad and the ugly

[matberry]

Hi guys and gals. First post here as needing some info re new 207's. My mum is looking at buying her first new car at a young 75 years of age. She's looking at downsizing from her '96 XJ6 to a new 207. She has had 3 Renault's and 4 Peugeot's that I can remember, a 403, two 404's & a 504 over the years. The old cars were very reliable and certainly very robust, but are the new models worth the coin? Do they have any issues that we need to take into consideration? Basically comes down to reliability.......any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

Matt

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[bigkev414]

Hi guys and gals. First post here as needing some info re new 207's. My mum is looking at buying her first new car at a young 75 years of age. She's looking at downsizing from her '96 XJ6 to a new 207. She has had 3 Renault's and 4 Peugeot's that I can remember, a 403, two 404's & a 504 over the years. The old cars were very reliable and certainly very robust, but are the new models worth the coin? Do they have any issues that we need to take into consideration? Basically comes down to reliability.......any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

Matt

Found the latest 307 very harsh riding and uncomfortable - have had three of them but the 207s are a bit small for us. Service costs are high and each car had a number of transmission and computer l problems which took the dealer ages and repeated visits to repair. I personally wouldn't buy another Peugeot.
There is a charm about the French cars I admit, but never again. I now have a Mitsubishi ASX which is an absolute surprise.....done 23,000 ks, hasnt missed a beat, no squeeks or anything and fuel economy is great. Very comfy and solid. I wanted a Lancer liftback but wife said to get something easier to get in and out of. Right choice. Grand daughter has a Hyundai i30 - great little car.

[matberry]

Thanks for your reply Bigkev. My search online has brought similar transmission and electrical issues being the main problems, not really what you want to hear about a prospective new car.

Thanks again, any more input very welcome.

[SLC206]

Hi Matt,

Welcome to

So basically, what bigkev is saying is that he doesn't know anything about 207s

Basically, as it's in run-out mode, I think there is only one version of the 207 currently on offer new. The Sportium has a decent level of kit for the money, but it certainly isn't stunning technology. It's a 1.6 non-turbo petrol with a 5 sp man or a 4 sp auto. It's currently being flogged with a 5 yr warranty (2 yrs extended) but they don't qualify for the fixed price servicing (Assured Service Plan) that the latest models attract.

I take it you are aware of the 208 now being for sale?

My 207 has been excellent in the reliability stakes, having owned it from new for 5 years (90k) next month. In that time it's had a new battery and a new bonnet release cable. That's it.

The 4 sp auto option on the Sportium is a bit low tech these days, but it goes ok. You'll read all sorts of stories about the AL4 on here, but I'm sure there's a magnitude more of them getting around with no issues.

I must say it's a bit hard to sell a 207 to an XJ6 owner. They're hardly in the same league

[addo]

I'm a bit dark on some of the QLD Peugeot "experts", having seen what they did to two 605s at several different workshops. Still unpicking the bodges.

On that basis, I'd recommend against a 207 purchase.

[marburg505]

Recently hired a Mitsubishi ASX when the 406 didn't like contaminated fuel. Drove around 1500km over two days: I was surprised at how good it was. More comfortable and more economical than partner's Subaru RS 2.5, and handled really rough gravel roads better than I expected. Not a 406, but if you are used to the comfort of an XJ6 I think the ASX would be worth looking at. Not in the same league, of course , but definitely not a boneshaker.

[matberry]

Thanks guy's, keep em coming. Appreciate that there are always two sides to every story, and bad news travels fastest. My mum was heading to the dealership as a bit of an impulse, yet she's has been thinking of an upgrade for a while, no research has been done, so I must admit Simon, no, I wasn't aware of the 208 hitting the market. We might have to look into other models, but certainly we were impressed with the price tag of the 207, and the new range explains that. Unfortunately we are not interested in Japanese, infact European is it, and only some of them too. I am a mechanic and make my living out of specialising in one make repairs, mods and resto work, but unfortunately the largest motor group on the planet has a heritage that excludes it also from our possibilities. So back to the froggies. Maybe a nice Citroen......open to suggestions, an economical safe, reliable highway capable shopping trolley.....can't be too hard can it?

[SLC206]

I'm a bit dark on some of the QLD Peugeot "experts", having seen what they did to two 605s at several different workshops.

I haven't heard anything bad about the dealer in Nambour - Cullen & Sons. Surely that's the closest to sunny Cooroy?

I'd also hazard a guess, due to only 49 Australia sales, that most dealers have never even heard of a 605.

[addo]

"Kim" (the blue 605, named after St Kilda Girl) has been there. Admittedly not so worrisome as others but still everything at Peugeot Oz RRPs.

[matberry]

It's because of Cullens that she's doing the move. Her old Jag specialist in Brisbane (150km away) just isn't worth travelling to anymore and reputable, reliable and honest service centres are hard to find. Cullens are a family business where the original owner is still there on deck so we feel comfortable they care about thier customers.
Nice to hear a few more favourable comments. Here's a link to my post on my home forum if your interested.

http://forums.aussieveedubbers.com/v....php?tid=99736

Thanks again for your input

[bigkev414]

Yes mate, I agree with SL206; don't really know much about the 207s other than having a couple as 'loaners' for 3 months while they tried to repair our 308 which we bought brand new.
What I was wanted to buy but didn't because the dealership closed (bankrupt) while i was pondering was a Renault Megane diesel auto. I drove the 'runout' Citroen C4 and the transmission (kind of auto - whatever it;s called) drove me nuts. Haven't driven the update current model, but I really fell in love with the Renault. It really reminded me of our 3 series BMW the way it handled and performed. I would definately have a good look and test the Renaults rather than the Pugs which I have been very disappointed in. Comfort wise especially - Megane hatch or Fluence which is the sedan equivalent.

Kev

[Gamma]

I have driven a few of the 207s. A bit small for 6 footer, but a perfectly good little car with a reasonable level of refinement.
Have a chat to the dealer about the servicing costs and a deal can be reached without much fuss, (remember you are parting with the cash$$$$$$$).

BTW, what’s happening to the JAG???

PM Me with a spec and cost, I might be interested.....

[DoubleChevron]

Yes mate, I agree with SL206; don't really know much about the 207s other than having a couple as 'loaners' for 3 months while they tried to repair our 308 which we bought brand new.
What I was wanted to buy but didn't because the dealership closed (bankrupt) while i was pondering was a Renault Megane diesel auto. I drove the 'runout' Citroen C4 and the transmission (kind of auto - whatever it;s called) drove me nuts. Haven't driven the update current model, but I really fell in love with the Renault. It really reminded me of our 3 series BMW the way it handled and performed. I would definately have a good look and test the Renaults rather than the Pugs which I have been very disappointed in. Comfort wise especially - Megane hatch or Fluence which is the sedan equivalent.

Kev

I quite liked the EGS gearbox in the C4. For a clutchless manual (remember it's a manual gearbox) it worked remarkably well. As an automatic it's obviously a jerky slow to react piece of junk ......... That's 'cos it's a manual gearbox and is actually slipping the clutch to get you moving then pushing the clutch in for each gearchange. For us it worked really well, it's only downfall was trying to get off the mark in a speedy fashion without having it dumping the clutch and burning rubber into the intersection. The C4 however has the same shitful suspension as the 307, only the 307 feels to have an even crappier interior. Gee's there rough as gutts to ride in. The 407 I find very harsh to ride in too. I could only imagine how frightfully poor the ride on a car even smaller than the bumpy thumpy shuddery 307 is. they ride like a Citroen with "almost" flat spheres, no suspension travel, incredibly harsh etc.....

I'd be trying a renault before the PSA cars, just to see if they have lost all sense of reality too. Hopefully the renaults still have long travel suspension and soft comfy seats.

I'd keep a decent car like the Jag a million times over before I'd buy a little rattle box. For the amount you'd loose in appreciation just driviing the modern junk out of the door, you could feed and run the Jag for quite some years

seeya,
Shane L.

[markbesley]

If you like the ASX then the obvious Peugeot to purchase is a 4008...

[bigkev414]

If you like the ASX then the obvious Peugeot to purchase is a 4008...

Naturally....same car with a few cosmetic differences and you get the French badge which seems to be important.. I'm very pleased with my ASX. Mitsubishi/Peugeot joint production with Jap quality and reliability and Froggy badges - best of both worlds. Take note of double chevron's remarks about the ride comfort of the Peugeots, - we actually took delivery of a 308 in 2010 and on agreement the dealer took it back because the ride was UNBEARABLE and we were repeat customers.
I found the renault ride better by a country mile, but Mark's suggestion of a 4008 is righton the money.

[matberry]

Wow, thanks again all. Is the ride THAT bad !!! Think I'll need to test one drive myself. We have been considering the options for literally years and have settled with keeping the Jag as it's arguably the best model built (not me talking, but for the record it's a 6 cyl Sport) but the fuel and maintenance costs are consuming $$$ and we roughed out that the Pug (or smaller car generally) will pay for itself in around 5 years. We also considered Renault, but having a friend at a local dealer (Crick) recommending to keep well away due to major gearbox issues, we have done that and not considered them. Mitzy and Pugs hey..... well that is interesting. Not that I've ever liked Jap, but Mitzy is not high on my list to say the least, tinny cheap build/interior keeps me away, might be reliable, but my experiences are that finish quality leaves a lot to be desired.

[Morpheus]

My 207 HDi is proving to be a fantastic little car. Its a manual as I have a distaste for auto's. The feel and the unreliability!
The 207 is economical, reliable, beautiful to drive and has every feature imaginable in a car of this size.
The only comment against them is the ride which is much more harsh than the old RWD models. But that is not uncommon in modern small cars. Other than Citroen, or some other things that don't bear mentioning, you will find most of the modern small cars have stiff ride. Its a function of keeping the cost and complexity down. It also helps give them a somewhat sporty feel which keeps the motoring journos happy - ish.
The only other thing with modern Poogoes is that they do not have the robustness of the old RWD ones. You cant treat them like they are made by Toyota. They will break if you are careless with them. Treat them like a beautiful French supermodel however (with care and tenderness) and you will have years of trouble free and rewarding motoring.
I love them and my next one will be a 508.

[bigkev414]

Wow, thanks again all. Is the ride THAT bad !!! Think I'll need to test one drive myself. We have been considering the options for literally years and have settled with keeping the Jag as it's arguably the best model built (not me talking, but for the record it's a 6 cyl Sport) but the fuel and maintenance costs are consuming $$$ and we roughed out that the Pug (or smaller car generally) will pay for itself in around 5 years. We also considered Renault, but having a friend at a local dealer (Crick) recommending to keep well away due to major gearbox issues, we have done that and not considered them. Mitzy and Pugs hey..... well that is interesting. Not that I've ever liked Jap, but Mitzy is not high on my list to say the least, tinny cheap build/interior keeps me away, might be reliable, but my experiences are that finish quality leaves a lot to be desired.

You speak without recent experience - my ASX is definately not tinny or cheap crap finish. Take a look and learn. I have owned 3 Lexus, 2 Mercs. and three BMW's and while not up to their standard the ASX is best value for money that I could find. My experience with another branch of the dealer you mentioned would also advise you to ignore anything they tell you. No further comment other than definately look at and drive the Pug 4008! Make your own decision.........

[James504]

Bigkev, you must have done some whingeing for them to take the 308 back! The current range of bitsamissing are just about the most ugly, boring and uninspiring of any car going around (with the exception of the 3rd gen outlander which is even uglier!). Having looked at them everyday this is what I've learnt bigkev. The Asx is tinny. The interior is cheap and plasticy. The panel gaps are poor, especially the bonnet if it was not adjusted at PD. The lancer/outlander/asx platform are fairly reliable, but then again so are toyotas. The 4b11 is dull and sounds terrible. 4n13 diesel is actually very powerfull for a 1.8 and would be my pick. The invecs cvt... its just sh*t. The brakes to me don't enough bite. The seats are hard and only electrical adjustment for drivers seat. The optional rockford sound system is very good. Bluetooth opperation is anoying. Handles like playdoh. Everything above goes for the 4008, with the exception of looks. The 4008 is exceptionally good looking, but thats about it. Personally I would look at the 208, which is only a couple of grand more expensive than the runout 207.

[SLC206]

I haven't driven a 4008, but I agree, its best selling point is that it doesn't look like an ASX from the outside. They certainly got that right compared with the 4007.

The new Outlander looks hideous.

[bigkev414]

Bigkev, you must have done some whingeing for them to take the 308 back! The current range of bitsamissing are just about the most ugly, boring and uninspiring of any car going around (with the exception of the 3rd gen outlander which is even uglier!). Having looked at them everyday this is what I've learnt bigkev. The Asx is tinny. The interior is cheap and plasticy. The panel gaps are poor, especially the bonnet if it was not adjusted at PD. The lancer/outlander/asx platform are fairly reliable, but then again so are toyotas. The 4b11 is dull and sounds terrible. 4n13 diesel is actually very powerfull for a 1.8 and would be my pick. The invecs cvt... its just sh*t. The brakes to me don't enough bite. The seats are hard and only electrical adjustment for drivers seat. The optional rockford sound system is very good. Bluetooth opperation is anoying. Handles like playdoh. Everything above goes for the 4008, with the exception of looks. The 4008 is exceptionally good looking, but thats about it. Personally I would look at the 208, which is only a couple of grand more expensive than the runout 207.

My bonnet doesn't fit properly I admit. As for the rest, for the money it does the job I want. There are no rattles, the interior trim, doors and dash are padded. The seats are firm but nothing on the hardness scale compared to the little Pug. I found the voice activated blutooth as good as in our BMW320.
Let us recalll the original post - reliability is paramount. The lady is 75. She currently has arguably one of the most comfortable cars ever built.
The Mitsi is a plain Jane, dull, boring, handles well, is easy to get in and out of, has an excellent turning circle, is very economical and is totally reliable and easy to park and drive. It's not prestige - not meant to be and certainly not overpriced. I think it's certainly worth a look.

[orestes]

Mr. Cullen has always been part of the local woodwork and Gerry is a top guy, I would not recommend any more highly then dealing with Cullens in Nambour.

[bigkev414]

So what's the prognosis? How far have we (your mum) got with the decision?

[matberry]

Well to be honest, we (well mum really) just keep fueling up the Jag. Nice to hear the good feedback re Cullens. That's the biggest issue, honest servicing. Thinking I need to feel out the ride quality and size of the 207, but really finding it hard to commit to any new vehicle.

[mr bern]

Well, we liked the 207s so nice we bought one twice.

I think a lot of contributors here may simply not know too many 75 y o ladies in XJ6's. My guess is that she probably doesn't want something she has to climb into, nor something to scorch away when the lights turn green; may not care all that much about panel fit and finish; may not be 6 feet tall; probably doesn't drive every day (or maybe even every week), and even then, not very far; doesn't abuse her car, other than through not driving it every day (or even every week), so rugged endurance is hardly a criterion, in any case; will probably only ever move the gear lever from P to D and back again, and might not care too much about lightning responsiveness when she does; and may even like the idea that it's not the latest model IF it saves her money (and well more than a couple of K for equivalent features, I'm certain). After all, if she's in an XJ6, she's already demonstrably immune to fashions and new-car bling, and is almost certainly looking at buying something to (again) outlast several model lifetime cycles.

My venerable mother in law drove an XJ6 for many years (and I helped her quite enthusiastically from time to time), and even eventually put a Chev V8 into it (changed the 2.8 badging to say 8.2 ), but on the strength of that experience, I can well imagine a whole lot of reasons why your mum would want to be rid of it by now, or even sooner. Fuel economy is just the most obvious and frequently-recurring one, next to parking and manoeuvring something the size of a small aircraft carrier in today's traffic ...

But let me list all the issues we've had with my 207 in a brisk 30,000+ kms of definitely-NOT-particularly-sympathetic treatment (and my missus in 20,000+ in hers) ...

... want to see that list again?

Having said all of that, we're more than happy that our purchasing decisions don't especially need anybody else's endorsement. Good luck with your mum's decision, all the same.
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