1980 Peugeot 505 SD diesel from North America
Summary:
Not suitable for regular transportation
Faults:
I bought this car new in 1980 because it was very comfortable and came, in the U.S., with a one year unlimited mileage warranty. I put a lot of miles on cars and needed the warranty to take a chance on the manufacturer.
The car was worked on by 18 dealers in 5 different states in its first year of life. Almost everything that could go wrong, did go wrong.
The electrical system was unstable, blew fuses, popped bulbs, and over cooked the battery. The headliner fell down. The sun roof stuck open. The radiator fell into the engine. The brakes never pulled straight or without a wobble. Even the throttle cable broke.
General Comments:
There is a reason that Peugeot does not sell cars in the U.S. and I think some of it has to do with the amount of warranty work they did on my car.
The dealers did the best that they could, but it was an impossible task to keep it on the road.
But, when it was on the road it was a very comfortable car to travel in.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 5th April, 2005
24th Jan 2012, 23:59
My company purchased a new 505 SD in 1980 for my use. I picked the Peugeot because it was so comfortable on the road, and got very good gas mileage for a large sedan. I had it for a little over a year, and put 60,000 miles on it during that year.
I did have a problem with the fuel injection, and it was fixed by the dealer under warranty, and one power window motor failed; also replaced by the dealer.
The car performed as advertised. It was a diesel with no turbo, so it had problems getting out of its own way. The only regret I had was not waiting for the turbo version the next year.
I was happy with the car. The only reason I got rid of it was, as a company, we cut down on the overall cost of the automobiles, and all the sales force went to the new Honda Accords, including management.
7th Feb 2014, 01:22
Your review is almost a carbon copy of my experience. My 505SD was also a company car, it was very comfortable and got great fuel economy. I also had it for a little over a year and put 50k miles on it.
Had a problem with the fuel injection pump, failed power window, glow plug failure, oil leaks, pulsating brakes and a shimmy at 40 to 50 mph. The dealer did the best they could. In the end we downsized to the new Honda Accord. I did talk the boss into a Cutlass Supreme V6. The Honda was just too small. The boss went from a Lincoln to a Ford T-Bird.
My experience with the Peugeot was typical, and I too wish I had waited for the turbo. Very comfortable car, no power, but comfortable...
20th Aug 2010, 23:40
The diesel Peugeots I drove were excellent. Had no trouble with them. Best handling and very good for long trips.