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What to look for
Electrical problems are the 307's Achilles' heel. However, choose one of the facelifted cars built after September 2005 and you'll find that the revised wiring loom makes for much better reliability. The 307 has also been the subject of an unusually high number of recalls. Many affect only a handful of cars, but you need to ensure any potential purchase has been sorted. Alternatives?
THe compact family hatch sector is packed with talented rivals. The latest Honda Civic or its practical predecessor provide stiff competition. Alternatively, the Toyota Corolla is unfalteringly reliable, although it's dull to drive and to look at. If you want something that offers entertainment on a twisty road, you should consider either the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus or Mazda 3. Of this trio, the Ford is our choice, because there are plenty available, it's dynamically superb, is reliable and cheap to buy and run. How much?
There are 307s available for well under £3,000, but they're all high-mileage and low spec. Reasonable 1.4-litre petrol cars start at £3,200 privately, while an equivalent 2.0 HDi carries a £250 premium. Facelifted examples start at £6,500 for a 1.4 S, while diesels begin at £8,000 for a 1.6 HDi. The 307 SW is a great load-lugger and £9,500 nets you an 05-reg 1.6 HDi, while £800 less gets a 1.6-litre petrol. If it's drop-top motoring you want, the 307 CC starts at £9,500 for an 03-plate 2.0-litre, but add £4,000 to secure an 05-plate diesel edition. Running costs
Petrol 307s need attention every 20,000 miles or two years, with services alternating between minor (£155) and major (£340). On pre-December 2006 cars, new cambelts are required every 80,000 miles or 10 years - later models can cover 100,000 miles (typically £340). Diesels need attention every two years or 12,000 miles for 1.4 and 1.6-litre units, or 20,000 miles for 2.0-litre and post-December 2005 1.4s. The schedule runs minor, minor, major, with costs of £155 or £360 respectively. Cambelts are required every 10 years on diesels, or at 144,000 miles for 1.4 and 1.6-litre cars and 96,000 miles for the 2.0 HDi. Post-December 2005 engines last 160,000 miles, but expect to pay £400 for the work. Reader review
Lyn Jennings from Southampton has owned her 03-reg 1.6-litre auto since it was six months old. Despite many problems, she'd consider buying another: "The brakes are poor, engine rough and the auto is jerky and saps performance. Forward visibility isn't great, and I've lost track of all the electrical glitches, some of which still aren't resolved. However, it's spacious, comfortable and well equipped. But I'd only buy another if it didn't have the reliability issues that mine has."
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