1979 Peugeot 504 GL 2.0

Summary:

The best car Peugeot ever made

Faults:

Rear suspension rubbers needed replacement.

A/C needed regassing.

Like many old 504s rust was an issue. I removed the major spots in the firewall (near the windscreen wiper motor) and in the front door sills. Get one without any rust if you can!

The usual Peugeot oil leaks around the gearbox.

General Comments:

A fantastic car that I constantly regret selling, the 504 epitomised everything that was great about Peugeot. While the next model, the 505 was a more capable car, the 504's aesthetics were spot on.

While certainly not fast, 504s (especially later models) are easily able to keep up with modern traffic. Mine consistently returned fuel consumption of 11L/100km, down to about 8.5L/100km on a trip. Not bad for an old car.

Mechanically very simple, the 504 is easy and cheap to maintain. Although they have no power steering, 504s are very easy to drive. The best thing about 504s though are the seats - the most comfortable of any seat I've sat in. Mine were brown velour - just like big armchairs. Mine also had factory A/C, 505 alloys and CD player - what more does one need?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th October, 2009

1975 Peugeot 504 GL 2.0L

Summary:

Best car ever?

Faults:

Brake load compensator.

Brake master cylinder.

Carburetor worn.

Steering rack boot.

Front springs.

HT leads, belts, plugs, thermostat and other service items.

General Comments:

Bought this car cheap to drive and fix up. When I first got it, someone had painted it in red oxide and cut the front springs. I have since re-painted it in its original dark green and done a bit of work to it.

It now goes great, though not the fastest car on the road, it is very comfortable and quite reliable.

Most of the work I have done so far was due to neglect from previous owners, the air filter element was disintegrated from old age for instance. It is one of the best cars Peugeot (or anyone else) has made, far better than the Porsche 924 it replaced or the Peugeot 306XSI I also own.

Buy one that has been well looked after and it will be great for many years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2009

26th Sep 2009, 13:31

Lots of these are still being used as taxis in Egypt.

In reply to 26th Sep 2009, 13:31

29th Mar 2012, 00:51

Yes, I just got back from Egypt, and had the chance to ride in the back seat of several 504 taxis while I was there, and it took me back down memory lane. I had a '74 diesel for a couple of years, and I loved it. My taxi rides in Egypt were not quite as wonderful as in my memory, but then I was not driving, I was in the back seat of wagon models, and the interiors were much less luxurious than the US sold version I had.

I believe that if you were to find an example of a sedan that has not been used as a taxi or "decontented" down, that you would be hard pressed to find a better or more comfortable ride: certain Citroens excluded, of course.

Wish I had one now. I liked it much better than my '81 505.

In reply to 29th Mar 2012, 00:51

9th Jan 2013, 07:17

I had exactly the same experiences as you have had. We were in Egypt last year, and rode in the back seat of several 504 taxis. I also felt like they were not as solid or comfortable as the '76 diesel I had years ago back in the States.

Like you, I also owned an '81 505 (though I actually had mine before I had the older 504) and I agree that the older 504 model was a much more enjoyable driver.

My 505 was also extremely comfortable and handled well, but I think if it had been a manual rather than an anemic, underpowered automatic diesel, it might have a bit more enjoyable to drive.

Both of my previous Peugeots were sedans, but I wish I had a good 504 or a 505 wagon now.

13th Jul 2022, 15:34

First knew of the Pug 504 from the Bond movie "For Your Eyes Only". I remember thinking as a kid it looked an interesting car, especially in black. Never knew they were so reliable and used as taxi's - Peugeot got a bad rep in later years, but my father says they were reliable back in the day.