Used Peugeot 307 Estate 2001 - 2009 review
Category: Estate car
The Peugeot 307 Estate looks handsome, but has few other strengths and some nasty weaknesses
What's the used Peugeot 307 estate like?
Most importantly for an estate, the Peugeot 307 Estate's boot area has a wide opening rear door and a flat floor when you drop the seats. However, although it's big, rivals such as the Skoda Octavia can carry more.
Equipment levels are generous across the range, and the high-roofed cabin is pleasant and airy, so it's very comfy to sit in. However, it's not so great to drive, the manual gearshift can feel notchy, and the ride is average.
Once you're on the move, the wind and road noise can become distracting at speed, although engine noise is well suppressed. The diesel engines themselves are fine, but the petrols are no better than so-so for power and economy, while the 1.4 is too puny.
Ownership cost
What used Peugeot 307 estate will I get for my budget?
How much does it cost to run a Peugeot 307 estate?
As long as you stick to the diesel engines, fuel economy is good - the 2.0 HDis return 52mpg overall while the 1.6s offer 56mpg. By comparison, the 1.6 petrol returns 36mpg overall and the 2.0 posts 35mpg, although that's impressive for such an engine.
Diesels need servicing yearly or after 12,000 miles, but petrols stretch intervals to 20,000 miles or two years. The work is simple enough to trust an independent garage with the job, saving money along the way.
Our recommendations
Which used Peugeot 307 estate should I buy?
It's simple - go for a diesel. Peugeot makes good diesel engines but wins no prizes for its petrol motors. First came a 2.0 HDi, providing 90bhp or 110bhp. Then, in 2005, Peugeot face-lifted the 307 and introduced 1.6 HDis to replace the 2.0s. The newcomers produced as much power but used less fuel. If you want a petrol engine go for the 1.6 or, better still, the 2.0.
Estate versions of the 307 provide a choice between just two trim levels. Both have a full tally of safety equipment but the higher S models inlcude the alloy wheels and air conditioning missing from the cheaper Style or (post-face-lift) E models.
Buy from independent dealers specialising in estates for the best value, but don't forget that you can also find one or two keenly priced cars on the forecourts of the larger car supermarkets.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
