Faults:

Noise due to the harmonic balancer (faulty when I bought it in 2009 at 63,000). Dealer repair.

Passenger sunvisor lights inoperable (faulty when I bought it at 63,000). Quoted $900 to replace with a new unit. Still faulty.

Electric window regulator front passenger. Repaired twice. At 90,000 with exchange unit and 102,000 with OEM replacement parts. Own repairs.

Wiring harness in boot lid effected rear brake and fog lights at 90,000. Auto electrician diagnosis and repair.

Also boot light at 90,000. Not yet repaired. "Possibly due to a micro-switch" I've been told.

Coils and plugs at 102,000 after alarms from pollution detection.

Alternator failed due to ingress of oil from an oil leak from cam covers gasket (dodgy mechanical work on timing belt by non-dealer after local dealer closed down. Not inherent product fault). At 103,000. Own repair with reconditioned alternator. Not an easy job if you are time-poor.

Awaiting replacement are the two upstream oxygen sensors. Diagnosed by dealer.

ABS/ESP alarms following wheel alignment by non-dealer mechanics at 91,000. Dealer needed to re-calibrate angle sensor in steering and redo wheel alignment.

Now that the alternator has been fixed, I expect the newly discovered second "services battery" will need attention. I suspect it is the original unit, so it's 10 years old already. Not bad for a lead-acid battery.

General Comments:

After owning a 504 for 20 years, and then test driving an early model 607, I was hooked. Couldn't afford the one on offer at the time, but a few years later in 2009, when depreciation of this 2002 model allowed me to offer less than $20,000, I had to own it.

For long distance cruising, it is exceptional. Solid, and loves the work over all terrains.

For carrying extra luggage, including wheel chairs and walking frames, it's a blessing.

I love the black body/cream leather combination. Not fussed about the grey interiors on other 607's.

Faults:

Starter motor failed at 50,000 miles, 4 days before the warranty expired; dealer fixed in 2 days.

Occasional (incorrect) punctured tyre warning light. Only lasts minutes, then disappears, but once detected a nail in the rear tyre I hadn't spotted.

Heater/air con fan failed two weeks ago at 102,000 miles, fixed for 55 pounds by a Peugeot specialist, but he did say it may happen again as he couldn't really find a fault, but got it working.

Alloy wheels suffering a mixed fate, 2 slightly poor, one good, one very pitted - might get them re-conditioned.

Drivers seat slightly loose, but got no worse in last 3 years.

Last week the original battery exploded! Turned the key - loud bang - no start. Blew huge hole in front cell, but a brief charge got me started. Breakdown man said it's quite common with modern diesel engine batteries, particularly commercial vehicles. New Halfords battery, all fine.

General Comments:

I bought this car after a friend owned two high mile Peugeots, a petrol 405 (165,000 miles) then a diesel 406 (still owned at 170,000 miles). I suspect early 607s are less reliable, but I bought mine at 11 months old with 13,000 miles from Peugeot dealer for 13,800 UK pounds. I was driving 500 miles/week on A and B roads.

Tried Rover 75 (too small), Volvo S80 (awful ride for an executive saloon - worse than my company Vectra), Skoda Superb TDI 130 (best of the four, but couldn't afford a used one), and my 607.

Now done 90,000 miles in the 607, still love it, but the electrics do worry me. Hasn't cost a lot, still on original front pads and discs, but getting worn. MPG 40, 48 on motorway.