Peugeot 207 - Peugeot 207 THP Reliability - Dazl1212

Hi how reliable, in general all the Peugeot 207 THP vs the Fiat Bravo 1.4 T-Jet and Astra 1.6t? Are parts costs generally similar?

Would they be as reliable as say 1.7CDTi or 1.9 CDTI Astra for someone who commutes between a 20-30 miles round trip miles a day?

Looking at spending about £3000

Thanks in advance

Peugeot 207 - Peugeot 207 THP Reliability - SLO76
Wouldn't touch the Fiat and I'd only buy a basic normally aspirated 207 if it was cheap. The more complex they are the more likely they'll go wrong.

The Astra is the only one of these three I'd consider and I've never had real bother with any Astra's I've sold with exception to a recent sting on a 2008 1.8 VVT Astra H. They're generally very robust aside from the occasional gummed up EGR or noisy wheel bearing and the 1.7 Isuzu diesel is great if you can find one without a DPF (all ASTRA J's will have one) but the 1.3, 1.9 and 2.0 Fiat units can be trouble with a capital T so don't get them mixed up.

You'll struggle to find a good Astra J 1.6T at this sort of money but the simpler 1.6 non-turbo should be possible if you don't mind travelling a little slower. They're well made and use tried and tested mechanicals that should run and run if looked after.

Three words I use when advising on a used car purchase on a tight budget... keep it simple. Forget high performance or gadgets and focus on reliability. Look for a full service history with proof of annual oil changes and aim for cars that have had one or few longterm owners. If they've had it less than two years I'd usually avoid unless they've a good plausible reason.

Another two good options at this money would be the Mk II Ford Focus with either the Yamaha designed 1600 or Fords older Zetec 1800 which are both very robust and the Mazda 3 1.6/2.0 petrol which is based on the same chassis design. Both drive better than anything you've mentioned above and will last well.
Peugeot 207 - Peugeot 207 THP Reliability - Dazl1212

Thanks for the advice 1.8 I-vtec is probably another good one.

I sold my octava VRS, was costing a fortune to keep on the road, got myself a 1,7cdti astra as a stop gap. Its the 80 bhp and im struggling with the acceleration or lack of. I really like turbo cars so Im wondering what kind of budget id be looking at to own a reliable one or should I just lease one?

Peugeot 207 - Peugeot 207 THP Reliability - SLO76
I wouldn't be looking for something quick at that money certainly. Best option instead of leasing would be to get a low rate loan and go buy something £8-£12k maybe a Golf GTI, Skoda Octavia VRS 2.0 TSI, MK III Ford Focus ST or the like.

If you lease it then you'll be liable for every wee scuff and scrape over and above normal wear and tear when you come to hand it back so unless you intend on driving like a nun and licking it clean every night it's not the way I'd run a performance car.

No point in flogging an old car you trust only to buy another you don't know so unless you can substantially up that budget then keep on pootling around in that barnstormer Astra til you can...

Peugeot 207 - Peugeot 207 THP Reliability - Gibbo_Wirral

I'm normally one to praise Peugeots, but for me the 207 was the start of a decline in quality, with "shoulder shrugging" from them for obvious design flaws.

The earth wire to the rear nearside light cluster is too weak and burns out. Cheap to fix, but a pain.

There's also a flaw where water can leak from the windscreen washer pipe - right into the ECU and wiring loom.

However, there are many owners on the forums who are aware of and fixed these flaws and very happy with their cars. The trick is to try and find a car where this damage hasn't already begun.

Edited by Gibbo_Wirral on 17/01/2017 at 13:25

Peugeot 207 - Peugeot 207 THP Reliability - Steveieb

Had the rear light problem on our 207 sw which Peugeot eventually refunded but the bill came to almost £300 for waht is an easily fixable fault.

Can you let me know where to check the washer pipe connection you mention Gibbo and also was there a problem with the power steering motor?

Peugeot 207 - Peugeot 207 THP Reliability - RichardW

The 1.6 turbo engine (of BMW origin IIRC) is a disaster area, and best avoided. Timing chain stretches causing all sorts of the running issues, often needs replacing by 50k. The turbo cooling pump is a common failure. The PCV system on earlier cars causes problems - not least of which is allowing oil vapour back into the inlet manifold, which then, since the engine is direct injection and there is no fuel wash of the inlet valves, causes a build up of gum on the back of the valves. This can be removed by blasting with walnut shells, but this is an involved job costing several hundred £s - and most people can't do it on a 207 as access to the inlet manifold is 'restricted' to say the least - and it needs doing every 25k or so.

Peugeot 207 - Peugeot 207 THP Reliability - Dazl1212

Thanks matem Im not doing too great credit wise anyway at the moment so probably best I dont get a lease etc.

I do like the civics Ive so many friends who have owned old versions of them and had very little trouble.

Ive only just got theAstra and its in the garage at the moment lol

Peugeot 207 - Peugeot 207 THP Reliability - daveyK_UK

I though the Fiat 1.4 t-jet engine was meant to be a hidden gem?

Peugeot 207 - Peugeot 207 THP Reliability - Dazl1212

Me too. Would like to know more. The fiat posters live them.

Given the 1.6 Yamaha engine has been mentioned a few tomes I'm looking at fiesta zetec S' as well.

Also like the Isuzu diesel I have I'm my Astra and am looking at the 1.7cdti course sri. I don't need loads of space so a car that size wouldn't bother me much.

Peugeot 207 - Peugeot 207 THP Reliability - veloceman
I had a couple of Bravos, a mjet diesel and 150 tjet. Both. We're great cars, very comfortable and reliable. 150tjet was very quick. No problems whatsoever. Avoid the basic Trim and you get a lot of car for the money.
Peugeot 207 - Peugeot 207 THP Reliability - Dazl1212

The t-ject engine design really appeals to me

I think I have a shortlist of cars I fancy after advice of hear and searching around

In no particular order, budget £2,500

Fiesta ST, probably the simplest design, should be easy to get parts for etc, can be got cheap

Corsa diesel 1.7cdti, should be economical and the engine has been around forever. Again should be easy to get parts for, can be got cheap

Fiat Bravo T-Jet engine appeals to me but mixed reviews.

Astra, same as Corsa but bigger.

Thoughts?

Peugeot 207 - Peugeot 207 THP Reliability - Dazl1212

The t-ject engine design really appeals to me

I think I have a shortlist of cars I fancy after advice of hear and searching around

In no particular order, budget £2,500

Fiesta ST, probably the simplest design, should be easy to get parts for etc, can be got cheap

Corsa diesel 1.7cdti, should be economical and the engine has been around forever. Again should be easy to get parts for, can be got cheap

Fiat Bravo T-Jet engine appeals to me but mixed reviews.

Astra, same as Corsa but bigger.

Civic I-Vtec 1.8

Possibly Focus ST or Fabia 1.9tdi VRS

Thoughts, anyone?