2002 Peugeot 307 Rapier review from UK and Ireland

Day One! Turbo problem. Loose exhaust. Loads of rattles and trim niggles. Parking Aid was only operating as a random beep generator.

Day Three. Turbo problem (again). Noticed paint problem on drivers door. Dealer called it 'over spray'. I called it a mess. After a couple of polishes it was acceptable.

From then on the car was in the garage every month or so for an abundance of minor and the odd serious fault.

The minor niggles were mostly annoying rattles and squeaks, but also included the fit of the carpets which was terrible.

The most serious failure was at 18000 miles (just over a year old) when during the intermediate service a fault was found on the high pressure fuel pump. The pump was disintegrating and basically passing metal fragments into the fuel system. The entire fuel system had to be replaced on Peugeot's authority. This included the fuel tank, fuel pumps, fuel lines, injectors, filters and I'm sure lots of other bits. The car was off the road for 4 days while the work was taking place. There has been no recurrence of the problem thankfully.

But the worst problem with the car which I believe is a fundamental problem of the model as a whole is the suspension and ride quality. Slowly in the time I've had the 307 the ride quality has been steadily getting worse. As it stands now even if I go over a minor bump the car sounds as though it has just broken something. It was first noticed at about 15000 miles and reported to the dealer. Everything on the suspension was checked and passed with no problem. Now at just over 30000 miles I've been told that the front wishbone bushes are worn and need replacing and the rear bushes will need replacing soon.

Also I've been through two complete sets of tyres which I think is pretty poor and probably suspension based.

The car looks good especially with the added spoiler body colour mudflaps and the cabin is spacious and modern, but in this case beauty is most definitely not skin deep. This is the only car I've owned that I genuinely hate with a vengeance. I have only ever owned Peugeot before, but this one is the last.

Peugeot have really done a terrible job on the 307 and they will need to go some to recover the situation.