Peugeot 207 I (WA/WC) (2006 – 2009)

Reliability score : 6.2/10

The Peugeot 207 succeeded the legendary 206 with the daunting task of performing just as well. More imposing, heavier (up to +150 kg) but significantly better finished and safer (5 Euro NCAP stars), it marked a clear move upmarket. This Phase 1 (2006-2009) is a pivotal period mechanically: it began its career with the old and robust TU/ET engines, before gradually introducing the "Prince" petrol engines (VTi and THP) co-developed with BMW, which would prove to be disastrous in terms of reliability. In diesel, the 1.6 HDi 110hp of this generation is also notoriously famous for its turbo failures. It's a model with two faces: very reliable in some versions, a financial black hole in others.

✅ Strengths

Excellent road handling, sharp and safe chassis
Interior finish significantly improved compared to the 206 (soft-touch plastics on high trims)
High level of passive safety (5 Euro NCAP stars)
Reliability of older petrol engines (TU/ET)
Suspension comfort preserved despite dynamism

⚠️ Weaknesses

Significant weight increase, penalizing smaller engines
Disastrous reliability of VTi and THP petrol engines (2007-2009)
Endemic turbo failures on the 1.6 HDi 110
Electric power steering sometimes faulty (high replacement cost)
Average rear passenger space and boot volume for the category
Premature wear of seat cushions and leather steering wheel

🎯 Verdict

The Peugeot 207 Phase 1 is an excellent versatile city car, provided you choose the right engine. Its chassis is superb and its safety was top-notch for its time. However, it introduced engines that ruined its reputation. Absolutely avoid the 1.6 THP and 1.6 HDi 110 from those years, as well as VTi engines without an impeccable service history (chain replaced). For a worry-free purchase, prioritize the older petrol engines (1.4 75hp, 1.4 16v 90hp, 1.6 16v 110hp) or the less powerful diesels (1.4 HDi 70, 1.6 HDi 90), making sure to check for any injector leaks.

Common issues

Problèmes de chaîne de distribution (moteurs 1.6 THP et VTi) High

🔧 60 000 – 120 000 km

💶 800 – 1 800 €

Vérifier l'historique d'entretien et écouter les bruits de cliquetis moteur au démarrage.

Défaillance du turbocompresseur (moteurs 1.6 HDi) High

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 1 000 – 2 000 €

Exiger un historique de vidanges régulières avec une huile de qualité et le bon grade.

Dysfonctionnements électroniques (BSI, capteurs, faisceaux) Medium

🔧 50 000 km et plus

💶 200 – 800 €

Tester toutes les fonctions électriques (vitres, clim, radio, feux) avant l'achat.

Usure prématurée des silentblocs de bras de suspension avant Medium

🔧 40 000 – 80 000 km

💶 250 – 500 €

Écouter les claquements ou grincements à l'avant sur routes dégradées.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing chain	£650 – 1 500
Clutch	£750 – 1 400
Complete brakes	£220 – 480
Estimated annual budget	£550 – 1 100

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.