Peugeot 207 I (WA/WC) (2006 – 2009)

Reliability score : 6.2/10

The Peugeot 207 (Generation I, internal code WA for 3-door, WC for 5-door) was introduced in 2006 as the successor to the wildly successful 206. It marked a significant shift for Peugeot: it was much heavier, larger, and focused heavily on passive safety and interior quality. However, this era (2006-2009) is infamous for the introduction of the 'Prince' petrol engines (VTi and THP), co-developed with BMW. While these engines offered excellent performance and efficiency on paper, they became a reliability nightmare, severely tarnishing the 207's reputation. The older, carry-over engines (TU/ET series) remain the safest petrol choices. Note: The '207' sold in Mercosur and China (often called 207 Compact) was actually a heavily facelifted 206. This sheet focuses on the true European A7 platfo

✅ Strengths

Excellent chassis dynamics and road holding (typical Peugeot DNA)
High passive safety standards (5-star Euro NCAP)
Interior material quality was a massive step up from the 206
TU and ET series petrol engines are virtually bulletproof
Very comfortable front seats and good driving position

⚠️ Weaknesses

Catastrophic reliability of the Prince engines (VTi and THP)
Heavy weight blunts performance and increases fuel consumption on base engines
Electric Power Steering (EPS) failures are common and expensive
Cramped rear legroom compared to rivals (Clio III)
Notchy and vague 5-speed manual gearboxes (MA5 type)

🎯 Verdict

The Peugeot 207 Phase 1 is a car of extremes. If you buy a model with the older TU/ET petrol engines (1.4 8v, 1.4 16v, 1.6 16v), you are getting a safe, comfortable, and highly reliable supermini that represents excellent value for money today. However, if you are looking at the 1.4 VTi, 1.6 VTi, or 1.6 THP, the verdict changes to a strict AVOID unless the car comes with a massive folder of receipts proving the timing chain, HPFP, and valve stem seals have already been replaced. The financial risk associated with the Prince engines in this era far outweighs the car's value. For diesels, the 1.4 HDi is a solid workhorse, while the 1.6 HDi requires meticulous maintenance history to be a safe buy.

Common issues

Usure prématurée de la chaîne de distribution (moteurs 1.6 VTi/THP) High

🔧 60 000 – 120 000 km

💶 800 – 1 500 €

Vérifier l'historique d'entretien et écouter tout bruit de claquement moteur.

Fuites ou défaillance de la pompe à eau et/ou du boîtier de thermostat (moteurs 1.6 VTi/THP) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 250 – 600 €

Surveiller le niveau de liquide de refroidissement et la température moteur.

Consommation excessive d'huile moteur (moteurs 1.6 VTi/THP) Medium

🔧 Dès 50 000 km

💶 800 – 2 500 € (selon cause: joints de queue de soupape, segmentation)

Vérifier régulièrement le niveau d'huile, prévoir des appoints fréquents.

Défaillance des bobines d'allumage et/ou bougies (tous moteurs essence) Low

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 200 – 400 € (pour un jeu complet)

Remplacer les bougies et bobines par des pièces de qualité pour prévenir les ratés.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing chain	£650 – 1 300
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.