Peugeot 407 GT Used Buyer’s Guide: Key Checks & Tips

The Peugeot 407 GT stands out in the used car market as a sophisticated coupe blending French flair with practical grand touring credentials. Produced from 2005 to 2011, it offered buyers a stylish alternative to German rivals, emphasizing comfort and diesel efficiency over outright sportiness. This guide draws on real-world tests and owner feedback to evaluate its appeal today.

Design and Build Quality

The 407 GT’s exterior captures Peugeot’s bold styling era with a long bonnet, raked windscreen, and pronounced rear overhang designed for pedestrian safety. This overhang, while controversial, contributed to its distinctive profile but drew criticism for practical loading issues. The bodywork, available in sedan and coupe forms, featured high-quality paint and chrome accents on GT trims, holding up well over time if rust is checked.

Inside, the cabin impresses with spacious seating for four adults, supportive front pews, and a quiet environment aided by double-glazed windows in higher specs. Materials mix soft-touch plastics with leather options, though some hard plastics show wear after 15+ years. Visibility suffers from thick A-pillars creating blind spots, a common owner complaint. Build quality is generally solid, but check for dashboard cracks and electronic glitches common in French cars of this vintage.

• Key Dimensions: Length around 4.8m, wheelbase 2.73m, providing ample legroom rearward.
• Boot Space: 407 liters in coupe (expandable), but narrow opening hampers utility.
• Weight: 1700-1800kg, influencing handling and economy.

Engine Options and Performance

Peugeot equipped the 407 GT with a versatile lineup, from frugal diesels to potent V6s. The star is the 2.0 HDi diesel (136-150hp, 320-340Nm), delivering strong mid-range pull and up to 48mpg in mixed driving—ideal for long hauls. Real-world figures hover at 35-40mpg, with smooth six-speed manuals or autos.

Petrol choices include the 2.2-liter four-cylinder (158hp), adequate for daily use but rev-hungry, and the thirsty 3.0 V6 (211hp, smooth but 23mpg only, suited to enthusiasts). The rare 3.0 V6 HDi diesel (208hp) offers grand tourer poise with refinement, idling at just 41dB. All engines pair with reliable ZF automatics in top trims.

Performance suits relaxed cruising; diesels excel in torque for overtaking, though autos can feel sluggish.

Driving Dynamics and Ride Comfort

Ride quality defines the 407 GT, with supple suspension soaking up bumps on poor roads, earning praise for Melbourne’s roughest surfaces. The coupe’s chassis remains composed, limiting body roll and resisting understeer even when pushed. Steering is light yet precise, prioritizing ease over feel.

Noise insulation shines: diesel V6 models are among the quietest tested, with wind and road hush at highway speeds. Braking is strong, stopping from 70mph in under 49m, though pedals feel soft initially. GT models add 18-inch alloys for poise, but watch for worn bushings causing vague handling.

Owners note a ‘disconnected’ feel—refined but not engaging like BMWs. Ground clearance is low, risking scrapes on ramps.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety was a highlight, with five-star ANCAP (2006) from eight airbags (including curtains and knee), ESP, ABS, and EBD standard across trims. Euro NCAP gave adults four stars, but pedestrian protection lagged at two stars due to the overhang.

• Standard: Dual front/side/curtain airbags, stability control.
• GT Extras: Bi-xenon lights, parking sensors.
• Weakness: Thick pillars obscure views.

Reliability, Maintenance, and Costs

Electronics top common issues: faulty BSi module (central computer), window regulators, and sat-nav failures. Diesels suffer DMF wear (50k+ miles), turbo issues if neglected. V6 petrols demand timing chain checks. Parts are pricier than mass-market rivals, but availability improves via specialists.

Running costs favor diesels: £30k used examples yield 8.3L/100km. Insurance groups 15-19. Service intervals at 10k miles; expect £400-600 annually. Fuel: diesels £1.50/L equivalent savings over petrols.

Owner ratings average 3.5-4 stars for comfort, docking for ergonomics (e.g., left-side handbrake) and small boot.

Trims, Specs, and Buying Tips

Entry SR offered basics; ST/SV added leather, nav; GT topped with 18s, xenons. Aim for post-2008 models with updated electrics.

Buying Checklist:

• Service history: Full stamps, especially DMF/timing belt.
• Body: Rust on sills, undertray.
• Electrics: All windows, central locking test.
• Engine: Smoke-free, smooth idle.
• Mileage: Under 100k ideal; scan for codes.

Budget £3k-£6k for clean examples. Diesels hold value best.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Peugeot 407 GT reliable?

Moderately so for diesels with maintenance; electronics are the Achilles’ heel. Budget for fixes.

What’s the best engine for used 407 GT?

2.0 HDi for balance of power, economy, and reliability.

How fuel-efficient is it?

Diesels achieve 35-48mpg; petrols 23-32mpg per tests.

Peugeot 407 GT vs rivals?

Beats VW Passat on style/comfort; trails BMW 3-Series in dynamics.

Common problems to avoid?

BSI faults, DMF failure, A-pillar blind spots.

Final Ownership Verdict

The Peugeot 407 GT rewards patient buyers seeking refinement over thrills. Prioritize low-mileage HDi autos for modern used value. Test drive for that signature smoothness—it’s a forgotten gem in a sea of Teutonic efficiency.