1992 Peugeot 405 Mi16 1.9 16 valve

Summary:

Quick and nimble, but a labor of love

Faults:

Replaced exhaust, replaced ventilation computer (apparently a very common defect), replaced part of seat track (a very cheaply made plastic part that couldn't have cost more than 50 cents necessitated a $400 labor bill!), rear brake calipers seized and were replaced, dashboard shakes up and down over irregular pavement.

General Comments:

Probably the low point in Peugeot design and build quality. This thing rattles like a bucket of bolts and you never know what will break next. My 505 was much better made and certainly the new generation models (e.g. 406) are noticeably better made. That said, it has the best mix of comfort and performance I've experienced. Once the engine hits 4000 rpm, watch out. Peugeot's are extremely rare in the US. I love smoking people, especially on secondary roads, and watching them scratch their heads as they wonder what just passed them. I do hope Peugeot comes back to the US market someday!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th July, 2000

1992 Peugeot 405 mi16 2.0 16 valve

Faults:

NOTHING has gone wrong in 6 years, sans a muffler and normal maintenance!

General Comments:

Possibly best car I've ever owned. A friend of mine has a 91 mi16 with 250,000 and he feels that's the best car ever as well!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st March, 1998

19th Jun 2003, 06:42

So a vote of confidence in Peugeot, then?

11th Apr 2005, 10:59

I have a '92 Peugeot 405DL Sportwagon with about 150K miles on it in NJ (USA). It still looks like a new-ish car as it was designed as a modern design like the current Volvo/Audi smaller wagons. It has a longer wheelbase than the Jetta wagon and doesn't bounce as much on highway travel. With rear seats folded, the storage is quite good since the area is boxy and practical for a fair amount of items to transport.

I even fit a table in once that couldn't get into a Ford Explorer (wheelwells obstructed the floor space)!

Although there are only a few "dealers" left in the area, the two I have used (one closed) were ethical and thorough in their service department. After 100K+ and twelve years of regular use, things do wear and I have needed CVS axles, brave disks, and front end struts replaced. Earlier in its life Peugeot warranty covered everything, but the dealer was proactive and supportive.

Engine, brakes, transmission, AC run fine today although I have worn out the fabric on the driver's seat. Rest of the car has no rust or excess wear. Overall gas mileage when young averaged over 30 MPG, but has declined to mid 20's in middle age (regular gas).

With the modern design and the good dealer support I enjoyed, why would I want to change car company's?

"Car 54 Peugeot where are you?"