SecondhandSense: Peugeot 307 SW
Not everyone who wants space in a car wants an estate or an MPV. There are those who simply need some extra cargo room and some who have small families and they don't necessarily want to spend big money either. This is where a car like the Peugeot 307 SW comes in. It is a car that is slightly bigger than the estate version and has a degree of the practicality of an MPV too.
The 307 SW has been around for some five years and comes in a practical choice of models. There is the 1.4-litre petrol, the 1.4 diesel, the 1.6 petrol, the 1.6 diesel and there is even a 2.0-litre diesel option for those who need a bit more pep and are probably doing high mileage.
I like the look of the SW because it has many of the features of the 307 saloon, which is a chic alternative to the standard VW Golf or Ford Focus models out there.
Yet the 307 has not found as much favour as the former models, mainly because of the fierce customer loyalty they command. But the 307 does have its fans and it is a comfortable and pleasant car to drive. With the SW option you get the flexibility offered by a small MPV - two optional and removable seats in the very rear will allow the normal passenger load plus two children. However, the very rear seats have to be removed rather than folded down.
My preferred option is the five-seat configuration because you can move the rear row back and forward to create either as much passenger or luggage space as you prefer.
The SW has a light steering feel, as do most Peugeots and it is nice to drive in the city. Switchgear and equipment is light and practical and the seats are very comfortable, with good support. Handling and ride are generally good but you will always get a slightly soft response from a Peugeot of this size.
The 1.4-litre petrol model is a limited one and the 1.4 diesel more limited than the 1.6 diesel. My preferred version is the 1.6 Hdi diesel which gives great economy and is a good all-round performer.
The SW does not have a crash test record with EuroNCAP, but the saloon version does. The saloon was criticised because the driver's head hit the fascia and his chest hit the steering wheel.
However, the side impact score was very good, inching the car up to a four out of five rating in 2001. Multiple airbag fittings, however, are reassuring.
The 307 range has been subject to a number of recalls, some of them quite serious. They include faults with brakes, throttle stops, short circuiting, axle joints and potential fire risks in the engine compartment.
Get any car you are interested in checked out very carefully.
A 2004 model with a 1.4-litre petrol engine and 28,000 miles on the clock is priced at €15,000; a 1.6 diesel model from the same year with 39,000 on the clock is about €19,500.
Expect to pay about €15,000 for a 2003 1.6-litre petrol with about 50,000 on the clock .
FOR: Practical and stylish AGAINST: High price for diesels