Peugeot 207 I phase 2 (WA/WC) (2009 – 2012)

Reliability score : 6.2/10

The Peugeot 207 Phase 2 (mid-life facelift) was introduced in summer 2009. It features a redesigned front bumper, LED taillights, and engine updates to comply with the Euro 5 standard. While the 207 excels with its imperial road handling, its meticulous finish for the era, and excellent passive safety, it suffers from a high weight that penalizes smaller engines. In terms of reliability, this generation is notoriously famous for the widespread introduction of the "Prince" family petrol engines (VTi and THP, co-developed with BMW), whose timing chain failures and oil consumption issues have tarnished the model's reputation. Choosing a petrol version therefore requires extreme vigilance.

✅ Strengths

Exceptional road handling (precise front axle, comfort/road holding compromise)
Significantly improved finish and material quality compared to the 206
High level of passive safety (5 Euro NCAP stars)
Excellent sound insulation for the category
Reliability of TU petrol engines (1.4 75hp) and HDi 8v diesels (post-2010)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Disastrous reliability of VTi and THP petrol engines (Prince family)
High weight (often > 1200 kg) penalizing performance and fuel consumption of small engines
Average rear passenger space and boot volume (270 L) for its size (4.03 m)
Clunky and long-throw 5-speed manual gearbox control
Premature wear of front headlight bulbs (H7)

🎯 Verdict

Buying a Peugeot 207 Phase 2 with a petrol engine is a perilous exercise. If you're looking for a simple city car and performance isn't your priority, the old 1.4i 75hp (TU3A) engine is the only truly serene choice. Conversely, the 1.4 VTi, 1.6 VTi, and 1.6 THP engines are to be avoided unless you have a service history proving recent timing chain replacement, resolution of oil consumption issues, and meticulous maintenance. Paradoxically, for a car of this era, the diesel versions (especially the 1.6 HDi 92/112hp from after 2010) prove to be much more robust and recommendable if your usage (long journeys) allows.

Common issues

Problèmes de chaîne de distribution (moteurs 1.4/1.6 VTi et THP) High

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 800 – 1 800 €

Écouter les bruits au démarrage à froid; vérifier l'historique d'entretien.

Consommation excessive d'huile (moteurs 1.4/1.6 VTi et THP) Medium

🔧 Dès 60 000 km

💶 1 500 – 3 000 € (si segments/joints de queue de soupape)

Vérifier le niveau d'huile régulièrement; privilégier un moteur suivi.

Fuites de liquide de refroidissement (pompe à eau ou boîtier de thermostat - moteurs VTi/THP) Medium

🔧 70 000 – 120 000 km

💶 300 – 600 €

Surveiller le niveau de liquide; vérifier les traces de fuite sous le capot.

Défaillance des bobines d'allumage (tous moteurs essence) Low

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 150 – 400 €

Remplacement préventif des 4 bobines et bougies recommandé.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing chain	£650 – 1 500 (si remplacement nécessaire)
Clutch	£550 – 1 000
Complete brakes	£280 – 550
Estimated annual budget	£450 – 900

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