Used Peugeot Rifter: Buyer's Guide
The Peugeot Rifter is the ultimate practical family car, designed to make life easier and ready for any adventure. It comprehensively outclasses conventional SUVs with its enormous and versatile interior, offering a standard boot size of 775 litres. With a comfortable ride, low running costs, and a host of clever features, the Rifter is the most functional and capable choice for families who value space above all else.
Used Peugeot Rifter Popular Trims
Active: A great value-for-money starting point, providing all the essential practicality including five seats, air conditioning, and a touchscreen.
Allure: This is the sweet spot of the range, balancing cost and equipment perfectly. It adds the essential 10-inch touchscreen, parking sensors, and body-coloured bumpers for a smarter look.
GT: The top-specification model, adding a touch of luxury and tech with built-in satellite navigation, a 10-inch digital driver's display, and exclusive styling details.
Used Peugeot Rifter Popular Engines
Running Costs:
The most economical engine for long-distance driving, with low CO2 emissions resulting in a low annual VED rate of £195-£200.
1.2 PureTech 110: Recommendation: A good option for those who cover lower annual mileages or do more town driving. This petrol engine is smooth, quiet, and still offers good economy of up to 43.5 mpg.
Running Costs:
VED is in a similar low bracket to the diesel, making it a cost-effective choice for lower-mileage users.
Running Costs:
Very low per-mile running costs if charged at home, but be aware that VED rates for electric vehicles will change from 2025.
Used Peugeot Rifter Practicality
The Rifter's practicality is its greatest asset, offering more space and versatility than almost any rival.
Class-Leading Boot: The standard model has a vast 775-litre boot, which is objectively larger than any family SUV. In the Long version, this expands to a cavernous 4,000 litres with the seats folded.
Unmatched Versatility: The three full-size individual rear seats can be folded flush into the floor, and on some models, the front passenger seat also folds flat, allowing items of over 2.7 metres long to be carried.
Effortless Access: The wide-opening sliding rear doors are a standout feature, making it incredibly easy to get children in and out in tight car park bays.
Clever Storage: With up to 180 litres of storage space within the cabin itself, including overhead lockers and underfloor bins, there is a place for everything.
Used Peugeot Rifter Key Features
Key Features:
A 775-litre standard boot capacity.
Twin sliding rear doors for easy access.
Three full-size, individually folding rear seats.
Efficient and torquey 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engines.
The Peugeot i-Cockpit with a compact steering wheel.
Desirable Options:
The seven-seat configuration, available on both Standard and Long versions.
The Long-wheelbase version for maximum boot space.
The Zenith panoramic glass roof, which floods the cabin with light and adds clever overhead storage.
The 8-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox, which is smooth and well-suited to the diesel engine.
Used Peugeot Rifter Reliability Rating
The Peugeot Rifter is based on a robust commercial vehicle platform, and MOT data for early models shows an above-average first-time pass rate of 86.4%.
What to Check on a Test Drive:
AdBlue System (Diesel): On diesel models, check for any dashboard warnings related to the AdBlue emissions system, as this has been a reported area of concern.
Suspension and Brakes: Listen for any knocks or rattles from the suspension and check the feel of the brake pedal. MOT data points to these as common wear-and-tear advisory items.
Recall History: Ask the dealer to confirm that any manufacturer recall work (e.g., for potential fuel leaks or ECU software on some early models) has been completed.
Used Peugeot Rifter Safety Rating
The Peugeot Rifter was awarded a solid 4-star safety rating when it was tested by Euro NCAP in 2018, with a particularly high score of 91% for adult occupant protection. All models are equipped with key safety systems, including:
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Lane Keeping Assist
Traffic Sign Recognition
A full complement of front, side, and curtain airbags.
Awards for the Used Peugeot Rifter
The Peugeot Rifter's platform has been a dominant force at industry awards. Its combination of practicality, low running costs, and comfort has seen it and its sister vehicles frequently win 'MPV of the Year' and 'Best Family Car' titles from major publications.
Who is the Used Peugeot Rifter Best For?
Large or active families who need maximum space, versatility, and storage.
Pragmatic buyers who prioritise low running costs and objective capability over styling.
Dog owners, cyclists, campers, and anyone with a hobby that requires carrying bulky equipment.
Key Alternatives to Consider:
Citroen Berlingo / Vauxhall Combo Life: Sister vehicles offering the same class-leading practicality, with minor differences in styling, comfort, and price.
Ford Tourneo Connect: A key rival that also offers huge space in a similar van-based package, but with different styling and engine choices.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Used Peugeot Rifter
How do the sliding rear doors on the Peugeot Rifter make family life easier?
The Peugeot Rifter's sliding rear doors are one of its most practical features, offering significant benefits for families in everyday situations.
Easy Access in Tight Spaces: They allow for a wide opening even in tight car park bays, making it much easier to get children in and out of the car without worrying about hitting adjacent vehicles.
Improved Safety: The design prevents the doors from swinging open into traffic or towards cyclists, adding a layer of safety on busy streets.
Simple Operation: The doors are light and easy to operate, even for children, making school runs and daily errands much less of a hassle.
What is the real-world fuel economy of the Peugeot Rifter diesel engines?
The Peugeot Rifter's 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engines offer excellent real-world fuel economy, making them a very cost-effective choice for high-mileage drivers.
BlueHDi 100: This engine has an official WLTP combined figure of up to 50.6 mpg, providing a great blend of efficiency and performance.
BlueHDi 130: The more powerful 130hp version is similarly efficient, with an official WLTP combined figure of up to 50.1 mpg.
Low Running Costs: Combined with affordable VED rates, these diesel engines make the Rifter an economical vehicle to run for families who cover a lot of miles.
Can the rear seats in the Peugeot Rifter be completely removed?
Yes, one of the Peugeot Rifter's standout features is its incredibly versatile seating system, which includes the ability to completely remove the rear seats in some versions.
Maximum Load Space: Removing the seats transforms the Rifter into a van-like space, opening up the load area to its maximum capacity of up to 4,000 litres in the Long version.
Magic Flat System: The seats can also be folded flush into the floor using the 'Magic Flat' system, creating a perfectly level loading surface without needing to remove them.
Ultimate Flexibility: This flexibility allows you to easily switch between carrying up to seven people and transporting large, bulky items.
What is the official WLTP range of the electric Peugeot e-Rifter?
The electric Peugeot e-Rifter is equipped with a 50kWh battery that provides an official WLTP combined range of up to 199 miles.
Battery and Motor: The 50kWh battery is paired with a 100kW (136hp) electric motor, offering smooth and silent performance that is ideal for town and city driving.
Rapid Charging: The e-Rifter supports 100kW rapid charging, which can replenish the battery from 0 to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.
Efficient City Car: Its electric drivetrain makes the e-Rifter a highly efficient and cost-effective choice for families who do most of their driving in urban environments.
How does the Peugeot Rifter's i-Cockpit affect the driving position?
The Peugeot Rifter features the brand's signature i-Cockpit, which uses a small steering wheel and a high-set instrument cluster to create a unique driving position.
Small Steering Wheel: The compact steering wheel is designed to provide a sportier, more agile feel and quicker responses.
Heads-Up Display: You look over the top of the small wheel to see the instrument panel, which acts like a head-up display, helping you to keep your eyes on the road.
Driver Adjustment: While most drivers find the position comfortable, some may find the top of the steering wheel can obscure the dials. It's recommended to take time to adjust the seat and wheel to find a comfortable position.
Is the Peugeot Rifter available in a long-wheelbase version?
Yes, the Peugeot Rifter is available in two different lengths to suit different needs: a Standard version and a Long version.
Standard Length: The Standard model is 4.40 metres long and is available as a five-seater.
Long Version: The Long model is 4.75 metres long, and the extra length provides more luggage space and the option of a third row of two individual seats, making it a full seven-seater.
Increased Capacity: In the Long version, boot space increases and the maximum load volume with all rear seats folded is a huge 4,000 litres.
What are the most common advisories on a Peugeot Rifter MOT?
Analysis of MOT data for the Peugeot Rifter suggests it has an above-average pass rate, but it's wise to be aware of common wear-and-tear items.
Dependable Performance: The 2018 Peugeot Rifter has a strong first-time MOT pass rate of 86.4%, which is better than the UK average.
Common Wear Items: Data suggests that an average of 5.5 advisories are recorded per test. These commonly relate to service items that are designed to wear over time.
Key Checks: It is advisable to check the condition of wear items such as the suspension components and the brakes, including discs and pads, as these are typical advisories.
Does the Peugeot Rifter have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, higher specification versions of the Peugeot Rifter are equipped with the latest infotainment technology, including wireless smartphone connectivity.
i-Connect System: Allure and GT trim levels feature Peugeot's modern 10-inch i-Connect touchscreen infotainment system.
Wireless Connectivity: This system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for seamless integration of your smartphone without needing cables.
Standard Connectivity: Even on models with the standard touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are typically included.
What is the towing capacity of the Peugeot Rifter?
The Peugeot Rifter is a capable tow car, thanks to its strong diesel engines and stable, van-based platform.
Maximum Capacity: The 1.5-litre BlueHDi 130 diesel models offer the highest braked towing capacity, which is rated at up to 1,500 kg.
Other Engines: Petrol and lower-powered diesel models will have a lower towing capacity, so it is important to check the specific rating for the vehicle you are considering.
Practical for Towing: Its combination of a strong chassis, good visibility, and torquey engines makes the Rifter a practical choice for towing trailers or small caravans.
