SecondhandSense: Peugeot 307In the medium car sector the limelight tends to get hogged by Ford's Focus, Volkwagen's Golf and Toyota's Corolla, all cars with proven reputations for reliability and value for money.
It's not easy therefore for an interloper to break into this tight competitive bracket, although there are some fairly worthy challengers. One of them is the Peugeot 307, a car that has always had an appeal because it has a less sharpened profile than the Focus, has not dated as the Golf has and has a good deal more flair than the Corolla.
It has been around for six years now and has weathered well, with its slightly higher roofline, nicely rounded rear and generally fluid design. Its interior, like that of other French cars, is also more appealing with nice attention to detail, large soft but firm seats, and good driving position. The fact that it is a hatchback means practicality has not been sacrificed and it will take quite a good load.
The 307 comes with a good choice of engines, ranging from the 1.4-litre petrol and diesel to 1.6- and 2.0-litre options for both fuels. The 1.4-litre petrol is the entry level but the 1.4-litre diesel feels a good deal more peppy and has excellent fuel economy. For anyone doing slightly higher mileage or caught in the commuting drudge it is a very good option. The 1.6-litre petrol is the better choice of the petrol units, but again the 1.6-litre diesel is a more efficient option for those who benefit from diesel.
You also have a choice of coupé or station wagon (skywagon in Peugeot parlance) bodystyles but it is the hatchback we are concentrating on here. Early models did have some reliability problems but a new electrical system was introduced to remedy them.
The 307 is a very pleasant car to drive. Bumps are absorbed easily and cornering is very capable. Those not familiar with French cars will find the steering to be light and while it is not wanting it does not have that safe feeling you have with the steering on the Focus or Golf. Gear changing is generally smooth but can feel notchy.
The car comes with good equipment levels, even from the 1.4-litre on and perhaps the most impressive standard equipment is the six airbags. You have to move up the model range to get some extras but climate control is standard on the 1.4-litre.
The six airbags helped the 307 to get a four-star rating out of a possible five in the EuroNCAP crash tests.
The biggest recalls of the car have been for corrosion of electrical circuits, a risk of fire in the engine compartment because of a flaw in the sealing of electrical connections for the steering pump and problems with lower axle swivel joints. Anyone buying a 307 should check whether the car was liable to have been recalled.
A 2005 1.6-litre petrol with 9,000 miles on the clock is on offer at €20,495; a 1.4-litre diesel of the same year with 13,000 miles is on offer at €19,975 and a 2005 1.4-litre petrol saloon with 25,000 miles is on offer at €14,750.
FOR:stands out from the crowd
AGAINST:early recall problems