Thinking of buying a 307

[cowsar]

Iam thinking of buying a 307 xsi hdi 110,I recently sold my gti-6 after being made redundant,I got some money and I'am looking for a reliable diesel that looks ok and will hold a pram as Iam about to be a dad.
I'am looking at a 3dr, '04 plate with 86000 on the clock for £4000.I just want some feedback from owners of these cars on what they are like to run and service,costs etc.

Used car expert.com says,they are hard on tyres and suspension parts.There is also a filter on the exhaust which needs changing at 70000 miles which costs £300.They also said the cam belt has a 96000 life span,is this right and do they go early like they often do on the gti-6?

I would be grateful for any feedback?

[rfn]

The 3 door has HUGE doors. Parking was a real nightmare as I struggled to get the doors open and slip out in tight spaces. If you're going to become a father I'd suggest a 5 door as a much better alternative.

I wasn't particularly impressed with the fuel economy of the 2.0 HDi 90 I had for 6 months, about 42mpg IIRC (check profile). I did about 13k in 6 months - but could have done nearer 20k if it hadn't spent so much time in the Peugeot garage with electircal issues. It had three radio/Multi-function displays, two reversing switches (as the light kept not working). The handling wasn't brilliant but then I'd come from a 106 Quiksilver which handled really well.

Bear in mind my car was 18 months old when I bought it...

HTH .

[cowsar]

Thanks for the reply,I've been looking at a 04 plate focus for the same money.I can't decide on the two but I think the focus would be better for reliability if the 306 gti-6 is anything to go by.Although it never actually broke down,it did need things doing to it alot in the two years I had it.Parts weren't cheap and the quality wasn't good.The drive did make up for it though.I don't need a car for playing now though,I need a good car for my family.

[Alfa_75_Steve]

The Focus and 307 use the same engine in 1.6 HDI 90 / 110 form.

I would avoid them at all costs - noisy, gutless and don't get anywhere near the economy of VW TDI-PD engines.