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.

Faults:

The rear brakes seized, and I had to drive home with the brakes on!

There was a major oil-leak from the gearbox, which became more apparent after it's first service, when it dumped half a liter of gearbox oil in the driveway.

The radiator was blocked causing overheating; this blockage was caused by the previous owner removing the thermostat and causing a loss of pressure in the radiator.

The head gasket blew in spectacular fashion in the middle of Sydney, I almost made it home, with steam pouring from the exhaust, but I decided to stop in case I did more damage. The repair bill was $2,800...it would have been cheaper to leave the car at the side of the road and walk away!!

General Comments:

Undoubtedly the most comfortable car I have ever driven, but it was past it's prime when I got it, not helped by sub-standard repairs by previous owners.

Comfy seats were very handy when waiting for the breakdown truck!

It was eventually sold to a gentleman who exported old Peugeot 504s and parts to 3rd world countries to use as taxicabs.