Last Chance To Buy: Peugeot 607

When is it going?

When is it going?

It's already gone. The new one, Peugeot claims, is not just a pretty face. The 3.0 V6 has a six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox, revised suspension and some new bits of interior trim.

What's good about it?

It's big, it's well equipped and that's about it. At least the 607 was different. Here was a Pug that was, technically speaking, several years ahead of the competition. Diesel versions had a filter that destroyed microscopic exhaust particles. Under heavy braking, the automatic illumination of the hazard warning lights alerted other drivers to danger. Finally, a nine-setting suspension system meant greater comfort and control. The petrol V6 also had a standard automatic Tiptronic gearbox made by Porsche. Really, the list of clever gadgets went on forever: electronic sensors that detected any loss of tyre pressure; an Athermic windscreen to deflect heat; clever electronics that tilted the door mirrors downwards while reversing and automatically folded in the door mirror while parked; a parking sensor; automatic windscreen wipers; automatic headlights...

What's bad about it?

The level of depreciation was always alarming. After three years you would lose a truly terrifying 60 per cent of the car's value. As a rival to Mercedes or BMW, no one was ever going to take the 607 seriously, however well equipped and clever it was. The interior looked just a little too fussy, and the design of the driver's seat was ergonomically naïve. At least it had a big boot.

How much?

Not the sort of barge you find at car supermarkets. It's better to buy it through brokers or go direct to dealers who'll be pleased to sell you a 607 - any 607 - for a £2,000 to £3,000 discount. At buyacar.co.uk (0845 226 0101), they had a choice of the old-shape models starting with a 2.0S at £16,313, a saving of more than £2,200.

Any snags?

Not really. However, the complexity of the electrics means that a service history is crucial and checking that all the buttons work has to be a priority. There were some recalls in 2002 and 2003 - two of them, rather worryingly, related to trouble with the very complicated suspension.

FACT FILE

Launched 2000

Engine 2.0Hdi 2.2Hdi 3.0 V6

Performance 2.2Hdi: 127mph, 0-60mph in 10.6 secs

Economy 2.2Hdi: 41.5mpg

NCAP four stars