Peugeot 407 Saloon (2004 - 2011) 2.0 HDi SE Luxury Pack (136bhp) 4d (2004/04) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
-
Summary
What does this car say about you?
Likes to be different; prefers a good bargain over a prestigious badge; brand loyalty; likes to stand out.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Everyone loves it and are generally impressed, amazed or boggled by the amount of equipment including voice recognition, half leather, dashboard phone and electric everything.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Certainly, because it's gorgeous looking and the revised versions were even better. A lot of tasteful body styling kits are available and the top models come with a ridiculous amount of kit.
What are you likely to buy next?
Peugeot 307 HDi SE - just bought one - similar enjoyment, if not quite as quick or reassuring as the 407, but the 307 wins on running costs.
-
Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£8,500
When did you buy the car?
October 2008
Did you get a good deal and why?
A good deal considering the car is quite high spec with a ton of gadgets, also a Ford, BMW or Audi would cost between £1000 more (Ford) or £2,000-£4,000 more (BMW/Audi) for same car in same spec.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Love big Peugeots, love Peugeot diesels, bargain compared to Ford/BMW, very stylish car which stands out (unlike Ford/BMW).
What was the dealer like?
No problems at all with the dealer or the service.
-
Driving it
What's it like to drive?
The car is a lot of fun to drive. While the old 406 was one of the best cars I've ever driven for sheer driver enjoyment, the 407 feels more like a big, comfy tank while still retaining a surprising amount of agility despite a massive increase in weight. Very solid, very reassuring, with good acceleration and handling that feels confident in all conditions. ESP cuts in too firmly and can only be disabled under 30mph, so the 406 is the one to get if you fancy yourself as the next Tim Harvey.
What's it like to park?
Not as tough as expected despite weird visibility caused by the car's shape. Parking sensors are a Godsend - would be a lot worse without these. The front overhang is occasionally hard to judge, but very good ground clearance on the nose.
-
Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
New clutch needed - £1,000! You'd expect to pay that or more for a Honda NSX, not a diesel Peugeot!
What's most practical about your car?
It's a very big, heavy car but still does about 37mpg - not sure how anybody manages to get more than this in the real world. So general running costs are lower than expected for a car this size and spec.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The engine - it's just so powerful.
