1975 Peugeot 504 GL 2.0L from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Best car ever?

Faults:

Brake load compensator.

Brake master cylinder.

Carburetor worn.

Steering rack boot.

Front springs.

HT leads, belts, plugs, thermostat and other service items.

General Comments:

Bought this car cheap to drive and fix up. When I first got it, someone had painted it in red oxide and cut the front springs. I have since re-painted it in its original dark green and done a bit of work to it.

It now goes great, though not the fastest car on the road, it is very comfortable and quite reliable.

Most of the work I have done so far was due to neglect from previous owners, the air filter element was disintegrated from old age for instance. It is one of the best cars Peugeot (or anyone else) has made, far better than the Porsche 924 it replaced or the Peugeot 306XSI I also own.

Buy one that has been well looked after and it will be great for many years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2009

26th Sep 2009, 13:31

Lots of these are still being used as taxis in Egypt.

In reply to 26th Sep 2009, 13:31

29th Mar 2012, 00:51

Yes, I just got back from Egypt, and had the chance to ride in the back seat of several 504 taxis while I was there, and it took me back down memory lane. I had a '74 diesel for a couple of years, and I loved it. My taxi rides in Egypt were not quite as wonderful as in my memory, but then I was not driving, I was in the back seat of wagon models, and the interiors were much less luxurious than the US sold version I had.

I believe that if you were to find an example of a sedan that has not been used as a taxi or "decontented" down, that you would be hard pressed to find a better or more comfortable ride: certain Citroens excluded, of course.

Wish I had one now. I liked it much better than my '81 505.

In reply to 29th Mar 2012, 00:51

9th Jan 2013, 07:17

I had exactly the same experiences as you have had. We were in Egypt last year, and rode in the back seat of several 504 taxis. I also felt like they were not as solid or comfortable as the '76 diesel I had years ago back in the States.

Like you, I also owned an '81 505 (though I actually had mine before I had the older 504) and I agree that the older 504 model was a much more enjoyable driver.

My 505 was also extremely comfortable and handled well, but I think if it had been a manual rather than an anemic, underpowered automatic diesel, it might have a bit more enjoyable to drive.

Both of my previous Peugeots were sedans, but I wish I had a good 504 or a 505 wagon now.

13th Jul 2022, 15:34

First knew of the Pug 504 from the Bond movie "For Your Eyes Only". I remember thinking as a kid it looked an interesting car, especially in black. Never knew they were so reliable and used as taxi's - Peugeot got a bad rep in later years, but my father says they were reliable back in the day.

1975 Peugeot 504 GL Automatique 2.0 from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

First car, treated badly

Faults:

Nothing, believe it or not.

General Comments:

Owned by a catholic priest for many years, it came with an extensive service history.

I bought it as a 16 year old as my first car. It served my wild teenage years.

The 504 endured an accident one Friday night when my friends and I visited Blackhead Quarry in Dunedin to pull donuts. Smashed into a low solid timber fence. Oops. Poor car. Was in the paper for sale next day, but mysteriously didn't sell. Heh heh.

Performance wise, according to the AA, this car "couldn't pull a hen off its nest" yet it never failed to start and never left me stranded. A hardy car worthy of a decent send off. It was unceremoniously traded in on a mega-high-mileage Toyota Corona.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th August, 2006

1975 Peugeot 504 GLD XD 90 - diesel from North America

Summary:

This car is a well-built, rather slow, very comfortable, dependable 'tank'

Faults:

Motor required rebuild at 94,000 (due to dried cylinder seals only)

Rear brake compensator valve rebuilt

Brake and clutch cylinders rebuilt

Surface rust on rocker panels needs frequent inspection/attention.

General Comments:

My father purchased this car new, and I took over its care 10 years later. Not one element of comfort or drive-ability has changed in the last 27 years. With proper care it seems this car will outlast any and all drivers.

Most wonderful seats I've ever had the pleasure to command; 4-6 hours produces no driving fatigue! (much better than my Lincoln!)

Very inexpensive car to keep.

I'm currently searching for a 5-speed, as it is rather slow by today's standards - 70 mph is about max. Does very well on curves and stopping.

Very well-designed and built, I only wish cars of its quality were being built today.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th September, 2002

1st Jun 2005, 12:46

If you are still looking for a five speed gearbox, the 505gti has an interchangable gearbox. This should plug straight on.