1988 Peugeot 505 Turbo S 2.2 turbo

Summary:

A very quick, super tight car

Faults:

Cylinder head cracked, turbocharger defective, many electrical problems, speedometer/odometer, transmission torque converter, alternator, water pump, radiator, catalytic converter.

General Comments:

When the car runs, it is very fast -- outpacing most other cars with more advertised horsepower. Turbo engine with automatic transmission is very smooth. The car's maintenance history is deplorable -- likely the cause of the engine and transmission problems. It is very fun to drive though -- the engine produces an incredible amount of torque at low RPM. The suspension system is perfect, and the ABS brakes are super at any speed.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th July, 2000

25th Oct 2001, 10:36

Does anyone know where I can purchase a new or late model Peugeot in California?

Thanks,

Robert vpconst@mcn.org

11th Jun 2005, 00:13

You'd have to import one from Europe, and I don't think that's possible due to custom laws.

29th Jan 2006, 22:56

No new cars can be brought into the US unless they were certified for sale here when new. The only exemption is for cars 25 years old or older (so 1981 in 2006), which are not required to comply with NHTSA/EPA standards. That, however, would defeat the purpose of buying a Peugeot for everyday use rather than as a collector car. The other option would be to find a really nice late 1980's/early 1990's Peugeot of the same model sold in the US during the same period, obtain a letter from Peugeot SA stating that the car can be brought into compliance with NHTSA standards without destructive testing, and pay a certified importer to modify the car. This again defeats the purpose, as cars of that age are readily available in the US.

There are some new 2006 models in the country though. Peugeot maintains a North American purchasing office in New Jersey and brings them in as company cars. They can stay on a temporary import certificate, but have to be shipped back to France after 6 months or else be confiscated and crushed.