Faults:
Indicator stalk continually switches to left indicator mode after self cancelling from right.
CV gaiters split at 46000 miles.
Central locking sometimes refuses to lock or unlock at the first attempt.
Front tyres can wear unevenly.
Car vibrates violently on engine start up.
There is a loud rattle from underneath the car when reversing at low revs - nothing found at MOT/Service.
Front sidelights prone to work and fail intermittently.
General Comments:
We traded in a high miler 306 estate with the same engine as this car, based on the fact that the 306 was quick, fairly rugged, and reliable.
The 307 is a very attractive looking car, and our local dealership is first class. Those were two major factors in deciding to buy a 307.
The first thing that we noticed was the car was slower through the gears than the 306. It has been highlighted elsewhere that this is because the 307 is much heavier than the 306. Surely Peugeot should have realised that customers opting to replace their 306 with a 307 were going to notice that the car was bound to be slower by nature of its design and construction?
The handbrake is uncompromisingly placed for right hand drive, and is extremely difficult to operate when the front passenger seat is occupied by an adult.
The windscreen wipers are quirky, and again designed for a LHD car. Their sheer size makes them noisy in operation.
A major niggle with the car is that almost all of the exterior lights are very difficult to replace. The rear lights require removal of the boot trim and its securing rubber strip. I broke the nylon securing pegs trying to relocate all of the bits in their proper places. I also managed to break the headlamp bulb securing bracket when attempting to replace the front offside headlamp. I managed to replace the bulb, but the beam was too high and I had to have it fixed by my local dealer. First time in many years of car ownership where I have been unable to change a bulb, and I previously worked as an electrical fitter on helicopters.
For some reason I find the car exceptionally difficult to park. I can manoeuvre a 40 foot long bus or coach without too much trouble, but the considerable front overhang and rear pillars of the 307 make parking hard work.
Fuel economy is also below that of the 306 with 45 mpg against the 306's 50 mpg.
The car is basically OK and has given us relatively trouble free motoring in the year that we've had it. However, there are some horror stories out there regarding major component failures, and major repair bills to suit.
I reckon we'll keep the car until the finance is clear then it will probably leave us like a greyhound out of a trap.
We also own two Nissan Primeras of 1997 and 1999 vintage. Both are low spec vehicles with high mileage. These cars go on forever, and cost a pittance to keep on the road. Makes us wonder why we bother to play the numberplate snob game every few years, as three old Primeras would do exactly the same job for a lot less money.
Our next "new" car will probably not be a Peugeot despite our pleasant experience with the 306 and our friendly local Peugeot main dealer. There is nothing in the current Peugeot range that looks attractive for buyers of three or four year old cars like us.
