2002 Peugeot 307 XR 1.6 patrol from Israel

Summary:

Like anything French, either you love it or you hate it

Faults:

Battery died at approximately 2000 km.

Ignition failed several times. Was fixed by software update.

Left indicator self-cancels too easily.

Car alarm system is buggy.

Most of the problems are the result of software bugs, and are not expensive to fix.

General Comments:

The 307 is a beautiful car from the outside and from the inside.

The drive is comfortable for the driver and passengers on long routes. City drive is less pleasant.

The engine is quiet. No wind noise at high speeds.

Automatic gear is not smooth, but the Tiptronic manual control is a good compensation.

High performance and good handling. Brakes are OK especially in regressive behavior. Great kickbacks.

Generally fun to drive once you get used to it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th September, 2002

2002 Peugeot 307 XSE 2.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Great handling and style at a competitive price

Faults:

Seat Belt buckle cover broke after 2500km.

Occasionally car doesn't start first time. This usually happens when you don't rev the engine.

No other problems as yet.

General Comments:

II must say that I love this car. It handles great and grips the road like nothing I have driven before. The ride is nice and firm, unlike Japanese cars, which are everywhere here in Australia.

The one criticism I do have that the performance from the automatic transmission is not quite up there with the handling. Being able to change the gears yourself using the Tiptronic system helps, as you can get the revs up which does make the car zip along quite nicely.

There is no Cruise Control on the Aussie models, which is a bit of a pain.

The interior is modern and good looking, but the quality of the trim is probably only average. I can see it will probably wear quite badly. After thing of note is that this car isn't that great on fuel, even when you aren't hammering it, it'll still use about 12.0L per 100km.

Still I am happy with my purchase. There aren't many on the roads here in Perth, which makes it an even better buy, as I like something a little different.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th September, 2002

6th Oct 2002, 00:59

I would get your fuel consumption checked as I am getting on average around 8.0 L/100km. I have the 1.6 XS. That is a combination of city and hilly country driving. I am thrilled with my car also. Without a doubt, the best value car in its range.

18th Oct 2002, 01:05

Thanks, I will do that when I take it back in to the dealer. I have the auto 2.0L XSE, which is should be worse in fuel than the 1.6 XS.

Also, the car has a couple of times stalled, which an automatic shouldn't do. I think this might be because of the low grade (95 ron) fuel I had put in it. Usually I put in 98 ron (BP ultimate 98).

On the whole through, this car is great!

Regards.

Chris.

5th Nov 2002, 09:54

Cruise control is available as a $695 option in Australia. I heard that it would become a standard feature by December 2002.

I am thinking of purchasing a XSE with leather trim, sunroof and sports exhaust. Does the 307 have cold start problems? I suppose the minimum RON rating required is 95?

9th Dec 2002, 02:00

You need to put 95 Ron in the 307 at least, BP ultimate 98 is even better. Twice lately the car didn't start, and this was in 30C heat...

Took the car back to the dealer to get the fuel problem looked at, and they couldn't find a problem... not happy about that.. They did try a few things, but if it doesn't get better, the car will be back there in a few weeks. the dealer is pretty good, we get a 206 to drive around for no cost while it's there.