Pug 307 Estate - any owners on here?
Discussion
Hi All
I'm a courier covering around 75k miles per annum in a jolly white van. This is not an issue, but the osteoporosis in my lower spine and hips is. As a result I'm in a lot of pain. So I'm looking at changing the van for a car (softer suspenders and better driving position).
Having spent a couple of days trawling the net I've a shortlist of 307, Astra and Focus estates. The 307 has the best load space and storage, mixed with fuel economy and equipment. Courier work is not about being fast these days, more about making what profit you can so I don't need to set the world on fire in performance stakes. Cruising at 65-70mph all day is more important.
So anyone with a 307 1.6hdi estate done moon miles and what can you tell me about comfort, service costs/failures?
Price bracket is £5-£7k. So looking around 4 years old and no more than 50k miles to start. I'd plan to run it for around another 200k miles / to self destruction.
Astra is second choice as it's a bit smaller inside and not so many have cruise.
Focus third 'cos the seats don't fold flat in the Mk2. Tsk!
Any comments devoid of MX-5/335d mentions are welcome
Thanks
I'm a courier covering around 75k miles per annum in a jolly white van. This is not an issue, but the osteoporosis in my lower spine and hips is. As a result I'm in a lot of pain. So I'm looking at changing the van for a car (softer suspenders and better driving position).
Having spent a couple of days trawling the net I've a shortlist of 307, Astra and Focus estates. The 307 has the best load space and storage, mixed with fuel economy and equipment. Courier work is not about being fast these days, more about making what profit you can so I don't need to set the world on fire in performance stakes. Cruising at 65-70mph all day is more important.
So anyone with a 307 1.6hdi estate done moon miles and what can you tell me about comfort, service costs/failures?
Price bracket is £5-£7k. So looking around 4 years old and no more than 50k miles to start. I'd plan to run it for around another 200k miles / to self destruction.
Astra is second choice as it's a bit smaller inside and not so many have cruise.
Focus third 'cos the seats don't fold flat in the Mk2. Tsk!
Any comments devoid of MX-5/335d mentions are welcome
Thanks
307s are awful cars unfortunately. The build, fit and finish are hopeless, they are hideous to drive and the electrics are weak. On the plus side, the PSA HDi engines are very good, refined and excellent on fuel.
If you're adamant the 307 SW is the car you want to buy, go for the SE. They have the more comfortable seats with velour upholstery and individual centre armrests. The ride is fairly cosseting throughout the trim levels.
If you're adamant the 307 SW is the car you want to buy, go for the SE. They have the more comfortable seats with velour upholstery and individual centre armrests. The ride is fairly cosseting throughout the trim levels.
A bigger car may well be more comfy, and if back problems are bad I'd certainly consider that.
Forget anything labelled "sport", unless a car is a proper sports car or hot hatch etc, the moniker normally just means s
te ride quality and rubber band tyres.
As well as ride quality, there's how good the seats are and what the driving position is. These things can be very particular to an individual (one person may fit nicely and be comfy and another has a bad back after a while).
The only way to know is to try the cars in question. Swedes are normally comfy, as are many Citroens.
Put it this way, I had chronic back problems and operation etc. so needed a comfy auto to sit alongside my S2000 (which I could barely get in/out of when my back was at it's worst) and had my heart set on an old Lexus LS400, however I tried one and my head was pushing against the roof unless I really reclined the seat (defeating the point as I needed to get in/out easily), a Jag XJ had nice comfy seats and driving position but was low down so that was off the list. In the end it was between a Volvo S80 and a Vauxhall Omega (which I'd have one of before so knew I fitted in OK), I ended up with the Vaux as there were more about and cheaper.
See link, not a comprensive listing of all cars(and it's only a "driver power" survey), however the 307 is quite low on the list - http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_pow...
Forget anything labelled "sport", unless a car is a proper sports car or hot hatch etc, the moniker normally just means s
te ride quality and rubber band tyres.As well as ride quality, there's how good the seats are and what the driving position is. These things can be very particular to an individual (one person may fit nicely and be comfy and another has a bad back after a while).
The only way to know is to try the cars in question. Swedes are normally comfy, as are many Citroens.
Put it this way, I had chronic back problems and operation etc. so needed a comfy auto to sit alongside my S2000 (which I could barely get in/out of when my back was at it's worst) and had my heart set on an old Lexus LS400, however I tried one and my head was pushing against the roof unless I really reclined the seat (defeating the point as I needed to get in/out easily), a Jag XJ had nice comfy seats and driving position but was low down so that was off the list. In the end it was between a Volvo S80 and a Vauxhall Omega (which I'd have one of before so knew I fitted in OK), I ended up with the Vaux as there were more about and cheaper.
See link, not a comprensive listing of all cars(and it's only a "driver power" survey), however the 307 is quite low on the list - http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/driver_pow...
Edited by Dracoro on Sunday 15th May 22:00
Edited by Dracoro on Sunday 15th May 22:00
A non PH mate has had a 307 estate since new, 8years now. Followed us on holiday to Europe a few times, fully loaded, no problems. He's not had any issues that I know of. Don't know what engine, petrol I expect. Not mega mileage though, probably only on 40k or so.
Having said that, I'd say the C5 suggestion above is a very very good one for your needs.
Having said that, I'd say the C5 suggestion above is a very very good one for your needs.
We've got a 307 5 door. 56 plate but petrol. It's exceptionally comfortable, quiet, seats are great and the build quality is pretty good, no cheap plastic, quality fabric on the seats etc. Apparently most of the mechanical/electrical gremlins were on the early 2004/05 models, but the perceived quality issues keep the prices of the models of all ages low. We've done 20K without an issue, if I was to get one again I'd get the diesel.
I've had two 307's. One electrical problem fixed under warranty while I waited at dealer. Other one popped a pipe off the washer bottle that was it. My old man's had one for 4 years, one electrical problem in that time, fixed at an auto spark in a couple of hours. He's not spent anything on it at all except some wiper blades!
The 1.6 diesel can have turbo issues though ?
Might be better with a 2.0 110 ?
The 1.6 diesel can have turbo issues though ?
Might be better with a 2.0 110 ?
robsco said:
I thought the 2.0s were only available as a 90?
You can get a 90, 110, 138. My dad has the 90. Absolutley terrible its the slowest thing on planet earth. Ive never actually been in a car when you press the throttle, and then you think actually i want to plant it to gain some speed, and you find out you are already foot to the floor. Its really wierd to describe. It doesnt seem to make any more noise or a hint of pick up. Ive had all sorts of cars, old land rovers, megane f1, 3 series bmw, vitara, and in any of them, you know when you press the foot to the floor. Ive never driven it on a motorway so it might be one of the slowest things but sit there all day long? I dont know. Was cheap though for a 2004 car. Was crap in he winter aswell with the starter motor problems they have. Ended up fitting a high powerd one which sorted the problem of the lack of speed when cranking.
Sorry if this is a bit long-winded, but in my experience I'd avoid:
307's seem to be hit and miss. For every story of one doing a billion miles without a service and only needing a tyre changed, there's a story of one that blew up precisely 10 minutes out of warranty. Personally, my experience with them is bad. My driving instructor uses them. He had a 1.6 petrol at first (06 plate). Couldn't gel with the car, found it very difficult to drive for some reason, and I'd driven a fair few cars already and usually clicked within 10-20 minutes. Had the odd problem, nothing major though.
He replaced that with a 2.0 diesel one (maybe 53 plate?). I found that very easy to drive but it threw a cambelt tensioner (?) a week before my test, despite being well serviced. Luckily no major damage was done, instructor got it fixed pronto and it was alright for test. Other minor problems with that, one that sticks in my mind being the indicator self-cancel had broken and would cost £350 to fix. 'Concept 2000' unit, or something like that. Needed the VIN number so had to go to Peugeot directly.
That was replaced by a 1.6 diesel one, my gf's learning to drive currently. Before her first test (like, hours before) it threw up a problem. Undiagnosed still, sorted itself out but completely threw her confidence. I don't think he's had any major problems other than that though.
Also, a few years back we hired one for holiday, an estate as it goes. 1.6 diesel. 2,000 miles on it and it was a wreck. Bits of trim were falling off, it was asthmatic. Yes, it was a hire car, but none of the others we've ever hired have had this problem, in fact all felt like new cars. (Pre-facelift Focus mk2 estate, Pug 407 estate, Renault Laguna estate, Ford Mondeo estate, a post-facelift Focus hatch).
By far the most comfortable estate I've personally been in (without being a premium jobby) was the Mondeo (08 plate). I found the seats very supportive and the ride very smooth. I'd definitely recommend trying one.
307's seem to be hit and miss. For every story of one doing a billion miles without a service and only needing a tyre changed, there's a story of one that blew up precisely 10 minutes out of warranty. Personally, my experience with them is bad. My driving instructor uses them. He had a 1.6 petrol at first (06 plate). Couldn't gel with the car, found it very difficult to drive for some reason, and I'd driven a fair few cars already and usually clicked within 10-20 minutes. Had the odd problem, nothing major though.
He replaced that with a 2.0 diesel one (maybe 53 plate?). I found that very easy to drive but it threw a cambelt tensioner (?) a week before my test, despite being well serviced. Luckily no major damage was done, instructor got it fixed pronto and it was alright for test. Other minor problems with that, one that sticks in my mind being the indicator self-cancel had broken and would cost £350 to fix. 'Concept 2000' unit, or something like that. Needed the VIN number so had to go to Peugeot directly.
That was replaced by a 1.6 diesel one, my gf's learning to drive currently. Before her first test (like, hours before) it threw up a problem. Undiagnosed still, sorted itself out but completely threw her confidence. I don't think he's had any major problems other than that though.
Also, a few years back we hired one for holiday, an estate as it goes. 1.6 diesel. 2,000 miles on it and it was a wreck. Bits of trim were falling off, it was asthmatic. Yes, it was a hire car, but none of the others we've ever hired have had this problem, in fact all felt like new cars. (Pre-facelift Focus mk2 estate, Pug 407 estate, Renault Laguna estate, Ford Mondeo estate, a post-facelift Focus hatch).
By far the most comfortable estate I've personally been in (without being a premium jobby) was the Mondeo (08 plate). I found the seats very supportive and the ride very smooth. I'd definitely recommend trying one.
Personally, i had 2 and i would have another one in a heartbeat. Done over 50k miles between the two and never had any problem.
i had a fully equipped 2l hdi 136bhp, and it was great value. Went to the alps 5 up, with a ski box on the roof full of skis and boards, and a boot full of beer & luggage and coped great in the mountains, always having enoug 'juice' left.
The 1.6 110 was ok and better on fuel, but id avoid the 90bhp as it's pretty slow when loaded. Also, note there's some difference between a 307 estate and a 307 SW, the sw being the better equipped (Glass roof is nice).
also, some have a 2/3 2nd row, others have 3 full seats. The latter can take 3 adults, which is often not that great in even bigger cars.
i had a fully equipped 2l hdi 136bhp, and it was great value. Went to the alps 5 up, with a ski box on the roof full of skis and boards, and a boot full of beer & luggage and coped great in the mountains, always having enoug 'juice' left.
The 1.6 110 was ok and better on fuel, but id avoid the 90bhp as it's pretty slow when loaded. Also, note there's some difference between a 307 estate and a 307 SW, the sw being the better equipped (Glass roof is nice).
also, some have a 2/3 2nd row, others have 3 full seats. The latter can take 3 adults, which is often not that great in even bigger cars.
vit4 said:
He replaced that with a 2.0 diesel one (maybe 53 plate?). I found that very easy to drive but it threw a cambelt tensioner (?) a week before my test, despite being well serviced. Luckily no major damage was done, instructor got it fixed pronto and it was alright for test. Other minor problems with that, one that sticks in my mind being the indicator self-cancel had broken and would cost £350 to fix. 'Concept 2000' unit, or something like that. Needed the VIN number so had to go to Peugeot directly.
Comms 2000 unit, very common problem.I know three people that have owned 307 SW's. All diesels. Two out of three have had dual mass flywheel failures - I think this around the £1k mark to fix. Add to that a long list of electrical faults, suspension turret issues, a gearbox rebuild and a number of other issues. Two of the three got rid quick...
307 hdi is well known (although I didn't know until after I got one!) for the "anti pollution" warning which seems almost impossible to fix at all let alone cheaply. It cuts the power on the car until you get it fixed. Mine has this problem presently - just had all the injector seals replaced, now it needs a new mass air sensor ...
I'd avoid a 307 again.
TX.
I'd avoid a 307 again.
TX.
I've a 307 SW 2.0 Hdi 90 on a 52 plate, that I use as my daily hack of 160 a day, I've done 35.000 in it in the past 12 months and its now got 177,000 on the clock.
It is as boring as hell to drive, and I do have a proper dislike for the car. BUT
It does 55mpg all day every day even with the AC on most of the time, is fairly comfortable, has enough gadgets to be able to live with it and decent all round visability.
Being a sw its big enough to carry quite a suprising load of kit when needed, (rear seats fold flat to give a flat floor pan 'van style' to load in), but its also compact enough to dob in and out of the city.
I do keep it well serviced and it has had a few issues, but nothing excessive.
As a replacement for a van to use for courier work it'll probably be ideal. (They're still horrid, but fit the purpose)
It is as boring as hell to drive, and I do have a proper dislike for the car. BUT
It does 55mpg all day every day even with the AC on most of the time, is fairly comfortable, has enough gadgets to be able to live with it and decent all round visability.
Being a sw its big enough to carry quite a suprising load of kit when needed, (rear seats fold flat to give a flat floor pan 'van style' to load in), but its also compact enough to dob in and out of the city.
I do keep it well serviced and it has had a few issues, but nothing excessive.
As a replacement for a van to use for courier work it'll probably be ideal. (They're still horrid, but fit the purpose)
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