The Peugeot 307 Phase 1 (internal code 3A/C for the sedan) marked a radical break from the 306. Adopting a semi-high architecture inspired by minivans, it offered exceptional spaciousness and brightness for the category, earning it the Car of the Year 2002 title. Dynamically, it offered a very high-level comfort/road holding compromise, typical of Peugeot. However, its launch was marred by catastrophic reliability problems, mainly due to the introduction of a new, poorly mastered multiplexed electronic architecture (VAN/CAN), and the teething problems of HDi diesels (dual-mass flywheel, DPF). Phase 1 is today considered one of Peugeot's darkest periods in terms of reliability, although certain specific engines (like the 2.0 HDi 90) are exemplarily robust.
The Peugeot 307 Phase 1 is a very high-risk car on the used car market. Its intrinsic qualities (chassis, space, comfort) are undeniable, but they were ruined by sloppy development. The first-generation multiplexed electronics and modern diesel peripherals (dual-mass flywheel, DPF) caused ruinous breakdowns. Buying advice : Absolutely avoid the 2.0 HDi 110 and 1.6 HDi 110 from this era. If you insist on buying a 307 Phase 1, look exclusively for a 2.0 HDi 90 hp (indestructible) or a 1.6 16v petrol, preferably a late 2004 or 2005 model where the worst teething problems have been corrected. When in doubt, opt for a Phase 2 (after July 2005).