1982 Peugeot 504 GL review from Australia and New Zealand
"The number of these still on the road is testimony to how good these cars are"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
There were very few things that went wrong with this car.
It first arrived in my family as my sisters first car. It's fair to say that it wasn't treated too well, hardly ever being serviced and being run into the ground. It received a new transmission, before I owned it, from being constantly thrown into drive before the car came to a standstill after being driven in reverse.
Carby jets became blocked a few times, which is a simple job to fix within ten minutes.
Brake light switch under front pedal died. purchased a new one for $19.00 and installed myself. (The Peugeot dealer wanted to charge me $90.00 to have it fitted, saying that it needed special adjustment. I said no thanks, it's a light switch, it's either on or off.)
Rear brake caliper failed, resulting in complete loss of brakes. Had the whole lot replaced, discs machined and master cylinder overhauled. app. $500.00.
Accelerator cable snapped in the middle of nowhere. Tow to nearest town, cable and fitting, $100.00.
Ignition barrel jammed, couldn't start the car. Had a new one fitted for about $80.00.
General comments?
This was my first car and I can't be thankful enough.
It was bullet proof.
No matter what I threw at it, it just kept delivering. Even during the harshest rally driving expeditions.
Peugeot's are famous for their handling and the 504 is no exception. The IRS setup is amazing and keeps the car stuck to the road like glue.
Although the car was a little heavy and boat like, it handled just fine, a lot better than many new cars straight off the showroom floor.
Performance is adequate. It's by no means mind blowing, but the beefy old Pug with the 2.0 petrol carby had enough get up and go to keep up and out perform most traffic. Off road was a different story all together. Peugeot's and dirt go together like peaches and cream, or pigs and mud... You get the idea. This model did win countless rally events.
The interior was well laid out, spacious and very practical. Although the horn on the indicator lever took some getting used to.
The seats, as I have discovered with most Peugeot's, were the most comfortable seats of any car I have owned.
I wish I still had it!
Recommended reviews
  | 1983 - 504 Wagon 2L carby petrol There is a reason it has the longest production run in history 1968-2001 |
One of the true all time greats |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 petrol Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 180000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 210000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Peugeot 504 |
| Date of Entry | 19th May, 2003 |