1991 Peugeot 605 SV 3.0 V6
Summary:
A wonderful looking car with less than wonderful mechanics
Faults:
The automatic transmission showed signs of problems within the first week of ownership. We took the car back to the dealership and asked them to look at the transmission, however, they didn't until the car was well out of its dealership warranty. The dealership claimed on our mechanical breakdown insurance for the repair, and as the repair was more than $4,000 (the limit of a single claim), they paid the extra. We were provided with a loan car by the dealership, during the month our car's transmission was being repaired.
While pulling out of the supermarket, the "STOP" warning light came on the dashboard, the car jerked, and smoke started pouring through the ventilation system. The dealership believed the problem was the car's computer, however, this was not a correct diagnosis. They eventually discovered this after sending the computer away to a specialist who said it was fine. Instead, the problem was the car's main electrical cables, which had caught fire. This fiasco took 7 weeks to solve and fix.
The car's starter motor broke while out of town. This was fixed for around $700 by an experienced dealership.
General Comments:
The Peugeot 605 is a wonderful looking car that rides and handles like a dream when it is going properly.
During our time of ownership, it did spend more time going than in the garage, however, I've never had this many problems with a car. You could not rely on it, and when it was in the garage, it was very frustrating and annoying. You don't plan on paying for a supposedly "class car", only to end up driving a loan car for nearly 40% of the time.
Routine servicing was very good value for money for a European car. Parts are specialised, take while to arrive, and can be quite costly though. For example, nearly $700 for front brake pads.
On the plus side, the car was wonderful on trips. It's very roomy, the seats are extremely comfortable, the ride superb and sound from the stereo of high quality. The performance is also quite good, considering the engine is not particularly powerful and the car is heavy. It felt solid and stable at high speeds.
If anyone was considering purchasing a European car, I'd recommend getting it thoroughly checked out my mechanics (not just the AA). Also, consider purchasing mechanical breakdown insurance, as if the car has a problem, it's likely to save you a lot of money.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 13th April, 2001
25th Dec 2006, 21:41
I ran three 505s while in UK and the prices you paid for relatively straight-forward repairs and servicing were astronomic. Face it, UK is hardly cheap. You have to look a lot more blue-collar and less intellectual when interfacing with the motor trade. When a price is mentioned, try saying, "So what planet are you guys from?" Or alternatively, "You're having a laugh, aren't you?"
25th Dec 2006, 18:35
Mine has done 214000+ km drives like a dream all electics function well. I got front brake pads for AU$86.00,at the $700 you paid I think someones rippin someone!