Cheap and cheerful French family hatch, now bargain-priced
The Peugeot 307 sold in huge numbers in the UK between 2001 and 2009, making it one of the most common cheap used cars available today. Prices are rock-bottom — most examples sell for £500-£2,000. It was European Car of the Year in 2002 and offered as hatchback, estate (SW), and coupe-cabriolet (CC). The main competition is the Ford Focus Mk1/Mk2 and Vauxhall Astra H, both of which generally score better for reliability.
We track 5 known issues across the Peugeot 307 range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Peugeot 307? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
T5 (2001–2005) — Petrol options included the 1.4 16v, 1.6 16v, 2.0 16v, with 1.4 HDi, 1.6 HDi, 2.0 HDi on the diesel side. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Brake hose deterioration (£150–£300 to address).
T5FL (2005–2008) — Petrol options included the 1.4 16v, 1.6 VTi, 1.6 16v, 2.0 16v, with 1.6 HDi, 2.0 HDi on the diesel side. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Brake hose deterioration (£150–£300 to address).
The 307 exhibits exceptionally high brake hose failure rates, with MOT data showing failures up to 110 times the national fleet average. The flexible brake hoses connecting the brake lines to the calipers are prone to deterioration, cracking, and bulging under pressure. This affects the structural integrity of the brake system and represents a serious safety risk.
Brake hose failure can cause sudden total loss of braking ability, creating an extreme safety hazard. Even minor deterioration affects brake performance and will cause MOT failure. Complete brake system inspection and hose replacement typically costs £200-400. A catastrophic hose failure while driving could result in a serious accident. The vehicle should not be driven if brake hose integrity is in doubt.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The 307 diesel variants suffer from significantly higher smoke opacity levels than the national fleet average, with MOT data showing failure rates up to 140 times higher than typical cars. This indicates problems with the diesel particulate filter system, EGR valve carbon build-up, or injection system wear. The issue affects all diesel engine variants and becomes more prevalent with higher mileage as carbon deposits accumulate.
Failed MOT test is likely if smoke levels are excessive. DPF regeneration or cleaning typically costs £200-400, but a blocked DPF requiring replacement can cost £800-1500. Continued driving with a blocked DPF can damage the turbocharger and engine. The car remains driveable but will fail its annual test.
Ask about the car's typical usage — short urban journeys prevent DPF regeneration. Check for DPF warning lights and ask about any previous regeneration issues. A forced regeneration at a garage costs far less than a DPF replacement.
The 307 shows exceptionally high failure rates for steering ball joints, with MOT data indicating failures up to 111 times the national average. This affects the track rod ends which connect the steering rack to the front wheels. The design appears prone to premature wear of the ball joint seals and internal components, leading to excessive play that creates safety concerns and MOT failure.
Worn ball joints create dangerous steering unpredictability and will cause MOT failure. If a ball joint separates completely, the wheel can fold inward causing total loss of steering control and potential accident. Replacement of both track rod ends typically costs £150-300 plus wheel alignment. The car should not be driven with severely worn ball joints.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
MOT data shows the 307 suffers from suspension bush and joint wear at rates up to 60 times the national average. This typically affects the front suspension drop links, rear beam bushes, and subframe mounting points. The rubber components deteriorate prematurely, causing knocking noises, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
Worn suspension bushes cause poor handling, increased tire wear, and knocking noises. The car remains safe to drive but handling deteriorates and MOT failure is likely. Replacement of drop links typically costs £80-150, while rear beam bushes can cost £200-400. Multiple worn components can result in repair bills of £300-600.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The 307 shows steering rack gaiter failures at 26 times the national fleet average according to MOT data. The rubber protective boots that cover the steering rack ends deteriorate and split, allowing dirt and water to contaminate the steering rack mechanism. This leads to premature wear of the rack internals and potential steering problems.
Damaged gaiters allow dirt contamination of the steering rack, leading to accelerated wear and potential rack failure. This will cause MOT failure and progressively worsen steering feel. Gaiter replacement typically costs £80-150 per side, but if dirt has already contaminated the rack, a complete steering rack replacement may be needed at £400-800.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Peugeot 307 common problems page.
Based on 280k real DVSA MOT tests, the Peugeot 307 fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is emissions failure at 140x the fleet average, followed by track rod ends worn (112x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Peugeot 307 MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 10k miles) typically costs £60–£90 at an independent garage.
See the full Peugeot 307 service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Peugeot 307 has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2005-2008 facelift models are the ones to target — Peugeot revised the electrical system and front-end styling, fixing many of the early niggles. The 1.6 HDi 110 (DV6) is the best engine for economy and reliability; cambelt due at 144,000 miles. Avoid 2001-2003 cars which suffer the worst electrical faults and panel alignment issues. The 2.0 HDi needs a cambelt at 96,000 miles — check it has been done.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Peugeot 307, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Peugeot 307 issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.