Trendy 1.4 16v 5dr

A reliable companion

Here is my report of the car. Bought new in 2008 on the continent (I am from the continent) 1.4 liter 16 valve (65 kW) Trendy (manual aircon, electric front windows and mirrors, ABS, BAS, - not much, but enough for me). Has now (June 2013) 130.000 km (80.000mi) on the clock.
Engine:
1.4 16v 65 kW (88 hp), engine type KFU, belt cam; a little bit rude and sometimes noisy but very reliable and virtually unbreakable. I did not need (nor want) a diesel when buying the car, so this engine was the logical choice. Average fuel consumption with my driving style is around 6,6 liter/100 km (43 mpg) which is a very good number. After four years of light use I switched jobs and last two years need to drive approx. 700 kilometers/450 miles per week; it was therefore converted to LPG, so the driving is even cheaper than with a diesel although the fuel consumption, when running on LPG is 10-15% higher than running on petrol.Only thing that needed a replacement so far was the ignition coil – was exchanged FOC by Peugeot under warranty (water ingress due to failed sealing or something like that).
Still driving with the first battery and with the first exhaust.
Interior:
Black with silver inserts. Solidly built, no squeaks in the dashboard, after almost six years no sign of wear. There was a choice of two different seat materials: a heavy duty fabric and velour – I always hated the velour on Peugeot’s seats because it starts to have a shiny look after only a few miles of use – looks then cheap and worn. Of course, it is only my opinion, but if you consider buying one, go for the fabric. My daughter was constantly riding in the back because we don’t have a separate family car (this car is perfectly capable for one-child family use!); the ISOFIX anchors are easily accessible, so child seat installment is done in a matter of seconds. A-pillars are very thick, so special care to be taken when cornering or taking a turn at an intersection.
Wind and engine noise a little bit annoying at speeds above 120 km/h (75 mph) but the car is no racer so these speeds are probably not to be achieved so often (I myself am quite a slow driver).
Boot space average (270 liter), but in almost six years I have only once had to use a roof box; speaking of the roof: maximum permitted load is 75 kilograms (most of the competition allows only 50 kg), although (only) once I had to put approx. twice as much on it (IKEA!!!) and drove for 30 miles without noticing any change in the stability or handling of the car. To comply with the common sense: I do not recommend such enterprises. Roof racks were standard Peugeot.
Exterior:
Two faces available: the sporty one with chromed fog light rims – fog lights mounted into the grille and the classic one without the chrome and with the fog lights mounted into the bumper. I chose the classic one; the sporty look was too artificial for me.
The paintjob is good, sturdy. The paint has up to now no significant stone damage although I experienced countless stone hits on the motorways across Europe. Front and rear lights are still moisture-free and the plastics are still completely clear.
Tire dimension is 185/65 R15 and is the only one allowed. This dimension is also cheap to buy – Michelin Energy fuel saver tires cost me less than 70 € a piece.
On the road:
Very well built, 1.2 tons of steel, confident road holding due to slightly wider track than the competition, feels very safe on the road, high Euro NCAP crash test result rounds up the overall high safety level of this car.
Handling is good, gearbox is a dream compared to the one in 206 (could use the sixth though), long distance cruising can be a little tiring because the seats are not the greatest – depends how does this affect you; I drive a lot and for me it is only annoying.
Overall:
Local Peugeot dealer was c***, so mine was serviced by an independent garage as soon as the warranty period expired.
A bit heavy on the light bulbs, but seems to get better with age (down to one light bulb change per every two months from one every two weeks). Have tried the expensive ones (Osram, Philips, Narva) and the cheap supermarket H7’s – do not buy the expensive ones because they do not last a day longer than the ones from supermarket!
And do not let the garage to change your bulbs; the bulbs in the Peugeot package are Osram + work = unnecessary costs. Contrary to some other cars, the light bulb exchange at a 207 (both front and rear) is quite easy and can be done by the owner itself. Just make sure you properly secure the rubber caps at headlights after the work is done. If not, dirt from front wheels can enter the headlight.
I would buy it over and over again. Hopefully it lasts as long as possible, since I know of better ways to spend my money. If you are considering buying one, go for the petrol variants; I can’t speak for the VTi’s, but the predecessor engines (KFW, KFU, NFU) are a trustworthy companion.

Update 13th April 2015
Has now 190.000 km (115.000 mi) on the clock. Still the first battery and the first exhaust. Needed a new petrol pump though. Still no rattles or funny noises present...

Update 28th February 2017
Sold the car with 220.000 km on the clock back in September 2015, with the first battery first exhaust and first clutch. Driver's seat was finished though and needed replacement. Missus asked if I want to be buried in it, so I decided it was time for a new buy.

Cheers.

Report as offensive