1984 Peugeot 505 GL review from North America

Burned connection in the fusebox caused fuel pump to stop, stranding the car. Fixed for $5.

Replaced tie-rod end - $40 parts.

Clutch slave cylinder developed sudden leak, rebuilt for $15 in parts.

Noisy fan belt sounded like valve-train problem - replaced fan belt and all is quiet now.

Back doors hard to open from outside - sprayed with WD-40 to fix.

They don't make cars this comfortable any more it seems. Cushy seats and compliant suspension makes for a smooth and comfortable ride. 4-wheel independent suspension and rear-drive help of course.

96hp in a 2900lb car means you don't win races, but the drivetrain is very solid. The old-style XN6 engine (pushrod, hemihead, overhead valves) is almost indestructible unless overheated. 5 speed manual transmission has good ratios - car is quite quiet and comfortable at 70 to 80 mph, and feels safe and stable.

Mechanical Bosch K-Jet fuel injection is reliable.

Fuel economy not the best - about 24mpg city, closer to 30 highway.

No Peugeot dealers in North America for many years now, but there are specialists, and advice and parts can be found on the Internet. These are good cars for people who don't mind doing some of their own maintenance, or going out of the way to get parts and service.

I have really enjoyed my 505 sedan for the last three years, and look forward too many more years to come.