Peugeot 407
Peugeot has simplified the 407 range significantly over the years; there's still a wide range of diesel engines, but there's now only one petrol option and three trim levels to choose from.
The merits of the Bioflex model – which can be run on bioethanol - are debatable, especially when there are some excellent diesel engines to choose from. The entry-level 1.6 diesel is impressively clean and frugal, but you're better off with the extra grunt of the 2.0-litre diesel. When this is so strong, the high premium for the 2.2 or V6 diesel models doesn't seem like money well spent.
2009 Peugeot 407
The 407 isn’t particularly cheap and doesn’t hold its value particularly well, so if you're spending your own money it's crucial that you push for the biggest discount possible.
Style is the main reason for buying a 407, but there are compromises to be made – rear visibility and headroom are compromised by its slinky shape and, unlike many rivals, there’s no hatchback option.