2004 Peugeot 407 SE 2.0 HDi 136bhp from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Does not live up to my expectations

Faults:

Knocking noises from the suspension.

Ride is very uneven over bumps in the road.

Brakes continue to squeal, despite being replaced twice.

Excessive tyre noise.

Engine tick over is not always even.

Rattles from interior panels.

General Comments:

The car looks stunning and has plenty of kit for the money.

This is spoilt by the inferior build quality compared to the 406.

Seats are comfortable, even on long journeys.

Fuel consumption is not bad for a 2.0 litre engine - approx 45 to 47 mpg.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th January, 2006

2004 Peugeot 407 2.0 Hdi from Germany

Summary:

Not as good as it claims!

Faults:

Bad front wheel geometry.

Broken front wheel bearings.

Fire whilst driving in the city (battery and electric system).

The car starts only when it wants.

Brakes are not very strong for this size and type of a vehicle.

General Comments:

I was expecting more from this car. It is very comfortable and very performant, but one year of troubles made me not to buy another French car.

Too many troubles in 20500 Km and one year.Disappointing.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th October, 2005

1st Apr 2007, 04:25

Don't you think your decision not buy another French car just because one particular car of one particular make gave you some trouble is a bit extreme?

11th Feb 2010, 22:26

To be fair, a car is generally the second most expensive purchase after a house, so it's nice to have a good one!

2004 Peugeot 407 Executive 2.0HDi 136 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Absolutely fantastic car let down by the dealer network

Faults:

Brake pad earthing issue, dealer aware of the problem and replaced the pads under warranty. 6000 miles.

Battery back up on Sat Nav system does not work, needs software update, dealer waiting for CD, now been 6 weeks and still nothing...

General Comments:

This car is a massive improvement on the 406, it is very comfortable and handles extremely well when pushed. The traction control system allows for enthusiastic driving since it has been set sensibly and does not interfere constantly. The equipment level is very impressive and the quality of the build is again, impressive. The car seems to be let down slightly by the dealer network however, but this is my third Peugeot and I have always thought the same.

The 136BHP HDi engine is more thirsty than the old 110BHP in the 406, but it suits the car well and fun CAN be had with a diesel! It has 248ftLb of torque available and an over-boost function giving 15BHP more for overtaking.

The class leading car is this market has been the Mondeo for a long time, the 407 at least matches its dynamics and looks stunning. You get more toys and I think Ford should be worried.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2005

29th Sep 2005, 09:42

I had both a 407 HDi 136 and a Mondeo TDCi 130 from the lease company on trial for a week and covered approximately 1,000 miles in each.

The 407's looks are a matter of opinion, and seemed to divide the people I spoke to pretty equally. There's no doubt it's a braver shape than the Ford, but a lot of people commented that the rear end looks bulbous and awkward. Also, everyone I spoke to said how the big Peugeot badge on the grille totally ruins the lines at the front, and again it was unanimously remarked that the car was truly enormous.

I found the 407 more comfortable than the Mondeo, and it has the 406's wonderfully supple ride, but the Mondeo feels far more of a drivers car. The Ford has far more steering feel, better judged servo assistance (read less) on the brakes, and it generally feels lighter and more nimble. Although the 407 handles well, it doesn't communicate like the Ford. The steering weight doesn't change so markedly as different road surfaces and grip levels pass under the front tyres, and it doesn't change direction as crisply.

After all this, I still plumped for the 407 as I spend 99% of my time pounding motorways, and the 407's superior refinement and comfort won the day. However, viewed purely as a drivers car, and purely in terms of dynamics, I thought the Mondeo noticeably better. If I were 10 years younger, or my driving was a bit more varied I would have gone for the Ford. Indeed, on the rare occasion I find myself off the motorway and on a cracking B-road, I sometimes still wish I had.

Ford took Peugeot's crown for driver focused chassis in mainstream cars about 8 years ago, and Peugeot need to try a little harder than the 407 to win it back. At least they're moving in the right direction though, and as the previous owner of two 205 GTI (1.6 and 1.9), a 306 XSi and 306 GTI-6, I would like nothing more than for them to succeed.

2nd Jul 2007, 09:52

I have just bought a 2004 Peugeot 407 HDi Executive with the large colour screen display in the centre console. I have only had the car a couple of days. I started the car yesterday to find that the display on the colour screen is now upside down! I haven't changed any settings, and I would think that there isn't a "display everything upside down" setting anyway.

Has anyone experienced this before?

31st Jul 2008, 14:47

I have also the same problem of an inverted screen, Peugeot have told me it would cost £1000 to fix.