Faults:

Rust is a common problem, especially as the years go by, and even more so when it is very cold.

Some difficulty starting when the weather is cold, and even more so when it's not in the garage (it was not stored in a garage for a few years).

Brakes failed completely at 180,000 miles.

The clutch started making a loud noise and I had to replace it.

Being an imported car, spare parts were difficult to obtain and expensive; Peugeot never had an official dealership in the USA.

General Comments:

I had the car for almost 20 years and I don't regret my purchase back in 1984 at all.

I was looking for a robust family car to replace my old Ford Pinto and came across this 504 wagon. At the time, I was wary of a French car, but it turned out to be superior to the Pinto in every way: more spacious, better finish, easier to drive, and also much safer, more economical, and more reliable.

The materials, though modest, were of high quality and have stood the test of time very well. It was a very well-equipped car as standard, with front electric windows, disc brakes, and even air conditioning (the 504s competed with the Mercedes 123 here, so they had to have corresponding equipment).

The car is slow, like all naturally aspirated diesels from the 70s, but no slower than the competition at the time. A top speed of 90 mph isn't much, obviously, but it's not bad either, considering we're talking about a family car and a diesel at that.

The engine is a real workhorse, as reliable as a 70's Mercedes diesel. My experience confirms this; I've traveled everywhere, covered almost the entire country in 20 years, and not a single engine problem. All it asks is that you fill it with fuel, change the oil every now and then, and that's it. It's simplicity personified.

My old cream-colored 504 was sold over 20 years ago, but I'll never forget the good memories it gave me. It's a shame I couldn't get another Peugeot, but I doubt a 405 or 505 could be as robust and reliable as the 504.

Faults:

Wear on the original carburetor shaft can cause performance problems with fuel.

The fuel tank tends to corrode due to lack of use (the car was old and had low mileage when I bought it) and water ingress, needing to be replaced.

To adapt it to today's daily use, I completely replaced the brakes (they are not very adaptable to current safety standards).

The suspension is also redesigned. All of this makes the car ride better, safer, and more steady than it did 40 years ago.

Although the car was lightly used and well maintained, it did not present any major mechanical problems.

General Comments:

This is a car that was sold for a little over 10 years in the US, throughout the 1970s and early 1980s.

Like its successor, the 505, it's a car I've always liked. Its reputation as a robust and reliable car is well earned. Inside, it's very spacious and comfortable; the seats are like the couches in your house, very soft and adaptable. I've driven few cars as comfortable as this one. Despite being a few years older, in terms of handling and comfort, it clearly surpasses the Chevrolet Caprice (my previous car).

The equipment is more than adequate for a car over 40 years old. It has air conditioning, a sunroof, power windows, and power steering. What more could you ask for in a 1980 car?.

The mechanics are indestructible, the materials are of optimal quality (on par with Mercedes and Volvos from the 1970s). It practically never rusts, and the sheet metal is not only very strong but also quite solid.

The car isn't fast, obviously, but its top speed isn't bad—just over 90 mph for an older diesel is more than optimal.

The engine is a 2.3-liter, also used in the more modern 505, but without a turbo. It's the car's best feature; it runs without asking for anything other than diesel, is simple, and very easy to understand. Fuel consumption isn't high either, especially considering the automatic transmission.

For anyone looking to experience a classic diesel, this car is the one for you. You can cruise easily on the highway at 70-80 mph; it'll take you anywhere.