207 GTI as the first car

G

GTIPug

Member
Tadpole
Tadpole
Joined
Mar 22, 2023
Messages
23
Location
SA
What could possibly go wrong, right?..

Negatives:
  • Ultra-(un)reliable, high-pressure turbocharged Prince engine
  • Over 100,000 miles on odometer (>160,000 Km)
  • Somewhat unique model, harder to find parts
Positives:
  • 2008 model, presents well for its age, unmolested stock
  • Serviced by a respectable company with all records neatly preserved
  • Replaced timing chain, fuel pump, water pump tensioner, all filters and wastegate flap kit. Installed Mamba turbo oil feed line. Promised good tyres, battery and brake pads.
Am I crazy to even consider such vehicle as the first car? I am friendly with motorcycles and would rather have manual gearbox rather than ancient 4-speed auto.

In the current market, price/performance does not look too bad compared to what else is available in this price range.

I will be able to do a pre-purchase inspection at service station of my choice. What specific items shall I ask them to scrutinise?

Here is the car in question: https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/2008-peugeot-207-gti-manual/SSE-AD-14391424/
 
Stuff could go wrong - we had "fun" with electrics, as well as the engine issues that are well known.
Maybe not crazy, brave might be a better word to use.
Can you do the pre-purchase at a pug specialist?
 
An EP6 (Prince is a BMW term) engined car of that age should have had some dealer updates and a factory replacement of the original timing chain with an improved design. Given the VIN, any dealer can look up this information from Peugeot. It's as important as an inspection and confirms what you have been told. A dealer may have replaced the high pressure pump and water pump as well, and may have a record

Peugeot (and other French) parts are actually easier to get than you think, and quite economical if you use independent importers like EAI, and the engine is widely used in PSA products My cars have been very reasonable to run and service. I have two French cars (Citroens, Peugeot's sister brand) each over 10 years at the moment and have had no repairs - only services and brake pads and discs - wear parts..

I did have to clean the inlet ports of the EP6DT turbo engine, and you should check if this has been done - all direct injected engines of all makes need this as crud formerly dissolved in older systems now blocks the inlet valves

The 6 speed manual is a delight.

Not relevant to this car, but French diesels run to huge mileages. The same EP6DT engine and gearbox power the related Citroen DS3 DSport, which is also a goer as well as eye catching.

French electrics are actually German Bosch, as used in most German cars. I have had no hassles.
 
That one's in NSW! But the DS3 DSport is an alternative to the Pug worth considering. The body and interior are different, not the mechanicals.
 
I think GTIPug want's more performance and a bit more style.

Touch wood, my 13 y.o EP hasn't been a money pit - quite the opposite, and it's used every day.
 
Simon_Tassie said:
Can you do the pre-purchase at a pug specialist?
Click to expand...

I sure can. Any feedback on https://www.dodsonautogarage.com.au/ ?

seasink said:
Given the VIN, any dealer can look up this information from Peugeot
Click to expand...

Checked at https://www.peugeot.com.au/owners/recall-campaigns.html, got "Your Peugeot has no outstanding safety recalls to be carried out".
Appreciate the additional information you have provided.

DoubleChevron said:
You can get a DS3 with proper gearbox and 54,000kms on it for $10k
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NSW. Will need to fly there, collect the car, drive back, re-register in SA... Will end-up paying ~165-175% of the pug in question.

driven said:
Much better buy with Astra 26,000kms manual 2 door
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That's ~210% of the pug above.
 
I'd think the questions you should ask yourself first would include how do you want to use any car you buy, how many kms / year, how long do you want to keep it and will it fit your budget for insurance, basic service, repairs, brakes and tyres?

Overall, it's presenting a tidy example and it's had some helpful parts replaced recently. As for any used car, that's no guarantee it won't need more. The turbos don't give much trouble except for the wastegate pivot and oil feed, which have both been replaced. It's apparently had a 'genuine' timing chain and fuel pump, which are fairly costly items and things that do wear. Don't be too surprised if you need to replace the engine cover (incorporates the PCV) and maybe the turbo inlet hose (splits) at some point.

Have a read of the threads about direct fuel injection and head carbon buildup and how to manage the issue.

A manual with 160K may want a clutch soon if never replaced and you want to listen for any whines that might indicate bearing wear if you test drive it. As a 5-speed, it might be the MA type gearbox, which doesn't like being ignored when the bearings wear.

I had a 2012 208 Allure as a service loan car recently and it was a really good car to drive instead of the larger cars I usually drive, although my boots were a fraction wide for the pedals!
 
Dealer lookups to Peugeot include things done to the car above and beyond safety recalls, including warranty fixes. The original chains that had a poor reputation were replaced outside of warranty if presented.

I shouldn't have mentioned the 6 speed box, which has a concentric release bearing - this was fitted to the DS3 at that time, but not to the 207, which had an older design 5 speeder. I am not sure but the torque available probably needs the BE box as fitted to 2.0 L Peugeots rather than the MA box for the small cars.
 
Hmm... Entering VIN at Peugeot website shows this:

1679464068502.png


While car is being advertised and registered as 2008 model. WTF?.. Anyway, called the garage, gathered some valuable information.

Decisions, decisions...
 
David S said:
It's apparently had a 'genuine' timing chain and fuel pump, which are fairly costly items and things that do wear. Don't be too surprised if you need to replace the engine cover (incorporates the PCV) and maybe the turbo inlet hose (splits) at some point.
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I will make sure to mention these and

David S said:
MA type gearbox
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...to the mechanic who will be looking at it.

seasink said:
I am not sure but the torque available probably needs the BE box as fitted to 2.0 L Peugeots rather than the MA box for the small cars.
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I am not sure I can decipher the above. Could you please elaborate?
 
Re gearboxes again. I checked and the tougher BE box is fitted. The 5th gear wheel is easily accessed from the end, and gears have been sold to lengthen the ratio.
 
The 'Year' could be the model year or it might have sat around unsold for a while? Or maybe, the registration year relates to the date on the Australian compliance plate vs the French build plate date? Sometimes vehicles of the same model year are sold for a couple of years before there is a further update.
 
Re gearboxes again. Small manual Peugeots from recent times have been fitted with one of three transmissions, with various ratios to suit the model. The MA 5 speed box handles the least engine torque, then comes the 5 speed BE design for higher torque, and the most recent 6 speed manuals have the most capable MCM unit.

BEs are also found in bigger hatchbacks with the 2.0 L non-turbo petrol engine, and in the same bodies in newer models with the non-turbo EP engines.

 
Turns out that the timeframe between me talking to the seller and me talking to mechanics was enough to sell the car.

In a hindsight, should have put a deposit. Live and learn.


P.S. To say that I am pissed off would be an understatement. On the verge of purchasing Holden Cruze.
 
Maybe look for something like this C4 instead ...

C4 VTS 4SALE with matching plates

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/612826110226852?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Aa3aac390-27c0-4e24-9d09-64c6adcf1048 Sad to see her go but don't have the space or the time to drive her..... Up for sale is this fantastic 2005 Citroen C4 VTS...
www.aussiefrogs.com
 
GTIPug said:
Turns out that the timeframe between me talking to the seller and me talking to mechanics was enough to sell the car.

In a hindsight, should have put a deposit. Live and learn.


P.S. To say that I am pissed off would be an understatement. On the verge of purchasing Holden Cruze.
Click to expand...
Do not buy a Cruze.....
 
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