Peugeot 307
by Ken Richardson 03.01.02
I have been a Peugeot fan for some years with the 205 GTI, 405 GLX and 406V6 all being superb. I wanted to change my V6 to something smaller (but still petrol) for economy reasons. I test drove the 307 and really liked it, needed the 2 litre so the drop from the 3 litre V6 wasn't so noticeable performance-wise, and brought the XSi.I have been generally pleased but there have been one or two niggly problems- probably due to this being "brand" new from a model point of view and not just a new car. The car looks really great (mine's in Aegean Blue, which I think is the best) and has some excellent features (apart from the niggly bits - more later).
It is responsive and fuel efficient, comfortable and well-equipped, and unlike the other guy who reported this, I don't a find a problem with my feet when using the pedals. I like the air con glove box and the auto lights. It isn't a small car though, and I do have trouble reversing past my house (tight gap) which I didn't in the 406 or in my daughters Escort - probably me though!As to the niggly bits: 1. Well, I suppose this isn't niggly and I feel it is a real hazard (especially as it's supposed to be an award-winning safe car). The indicators do not stay on when turning right. I think it is a badly adjusted ring system but the dealer has said "it's a problem with the 307" and didn't seem to be too bothered. I insisted, however, and they have at last ordered a new indicator stalk but this has been on back order for months. My wife won't drive it now, it's so bad, and I am constantly being tooted when they self-cancel too quickly. They now tell me that other owners are complaining. I actually think this needs a recall. 2. Auto wipers are useless. On my 406 it was the best thing since sliced bread, a really useful option. On the 307 (or this one anyway) they are terrible. In effect there isn't an "intermittent" setting now. Even in the lightest rain, when everyone else has their wipers on intermittent, mine keep going. I have taken it back to the dealer who has tried replacing the sensor and the blades, but to no avail. I now have another sensor and wiper arms coming but they're on back order too! 3. On top of the above, the larger of the "clap hands" wipers squeaks abominably (not just when it's only damp) and of course this makes driving (especially now it's winter) unpleasant. 4. When you lock the car the mirrors fold in automatically - great feature - unfortunately, on mine the driver's one regularly (and the passenger side on acouple of occasions) doesn't come out automatically and (when you've noticed) you have to manually put them in and back out. Again, with this being a "safe" car this could be a distinct hazard. 5. A minor thing but the auto-volume on the radio doesn't appear to work. I have friends with other marques that have this function and you can really notice a difference when road noise increases due to speed etc. but not on the 307. The dealer tells me it's subtle but this is so subtle it's a waste of time. 6. Again minor, but the handbook tells me that when you switch off the auto lights and auto wipers you should get an audible warning - with the lights you do (sometimes) but nothing happens with the wipers. All in all though I like the car - I just want these issues sorted, and properly. As I said, the main problem seems to be that because it's so new there aren't any spares, and they won't (quite) admit to problems with it yet.
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