Peugeot 307 or Honda HR-V?

Raminahobbin

Which would you pick? I'm about to buy my first car and I like both. Essentially I need a reliable, safe hatchback type with a large boot for one, possibly two, dogs. I'm steering away from the smallest entry level cars in any brand, they're just not big enough.

Peugeot 307 (1.4l, 2002) 75000 miles.

Honda HR-V (1.6l, 2001) 110000 miles.

My dilemma: My family HATE the Honda, and they're taking it very personally for some reason that I like it. To them, it's a guzzler of petrol, far too big considering it's my first car, and the parts/insurance will be expensive. I took a knowledgeable friend to drive it with me, and he loves the thing- reckons it'll be unlikely to give me trouble and will be worth it in the long run.

The peugeot is great too, and certainly my family love it, but I'm a bit spooked by all the bad stuff I keep hearing about the peugeot 307 petrol cars.

To be honest, I'd be happy with either car, but I DO prefer the Honda.

So...buy a Honda knowing the parts will be expensive should I need them and that it's a little too bulky for my first car, or buy the peugeot knowing it will probably give me trouble?

Absurdum

Raminahobbin wrote: »

but I DO prefer the Honda.

then get it

Raminahobbin

Absurdum wrote: »

then get it

I don't want to make a stupid decision that will leave me with a car I'll regret getting. I'm looking for people to tell me what they would pick and why.

Andrew42

Who's going to drive the car? you or "the Family". go for the Honda, Pugs can have a few electrical issues (among other things!) after a couple of years.

mikedragon32

I had a 2002 Pug 307. Probably the worst car I've owned and amongst the worst I've driven. I can't put my finger on exactly why I didn't like it, it wasn't responsive and you never really felt much on the road.

In its favour, it was comfortable on long drives on country roads, but you'd never be first away from the lights and you'll feel like you have to get out and push to get up to motorway speeds.

If it has a 16 valve engine, it might be a little better.

Make sure if you do opt for the 307 that the indicator stalk has been fixed. It was a recall job and was a major PITA when it broke!

JJJJNR

307's are not that bad, very spacious for a hatchback and solid enough on the road, 4 star NCAP. We have one its a 05 though.

Chipperf

I have a Honda, not a HRV, but a CRV, waht I would say about pretty much all Hondas is that they are supremely reliable, plus, I don't really think I've ever felt any parts or servicing were particularly expensive.

VolvoMan

Go with the Honda. The 307 is a hunk of sh1te.

lukester

+1

Peugeot used to make nice cars- sadly that's not really true any more.

Get the Honda.

Mr Magners

I had a 02 307 for a couple of years. Comfortable car but as previously stated not the quickest car out of the blocks.

The main thing was that I never "trusted" it. As somebody said it's hard to put my finger on anything specific but it just felt like it could calf it at any time. Also a lot of the probs are electrical and can be costly to repair.

I don't have any experience with the Honda but I wouldn't go Peugeot again.

colm_mcm

The hrv has a tiny boot. Not good for dogs.

Raminahobbin

Thanks guys for your replies, and for confirming what I already knew :P

I'll show this thread to the 'rents for all the good it'll do.

What are the running costs like with the Honda? Do they go through petrol like there's no tomorrow, or are they reasonably fuel efficient?

Colm- I've got a cocker spaniel, the boot is the perfect size for her. It's a little high up, but I don't mind lifting her in and out, even when mucky and covered in eau-de-nature! And i have the OPTION of lowering the seats if I need to transport other dogs.

colm_mcm

I had a hrv from work and it was truly shocking on petrol. Although it was a 1.6 it was worse on fuel than a 2.0 petrol rav4.

Why is it either a 307 or hrv? The 307 is a pretty poor car and doesn't do anything considerably better than its competitors.

Why not go for a 1.6 focus or a Mazda3 for example?

langdang

colm_mcm wrote: »

The hrv has a tiny boot. Not good for dogs.

Even apart from the boot not being as big as you think it would be, would it not be a bit high for dogs to be jumping in and out of? D'oh, answered already. Still think a lower boot would be more practical!

colm_mcm

The other thing with the Honda is the back seat is very low in relation to the boot floor which will creata problems with the dog chewing the top of the seat.

Also, he'll be easily jumping forward if you don't fit a barrier.