1981 Peugeot 505 SR 2.0 from Zimbabwe

Summary:

Another semi reliable car from Peugeot

Faults:

Well the car was a dream at first no problems not knowing what was to happen.

Head gasket blew, smashed piston rings, took a long time to stabilize the car. expensive repairs.Thank God after that it was alright.

Everything else was okay though.

General Comments:

The car was quick though, we made a dash to catch a bus and wow we went into overdrive 200km/h plus. The bus had a 30 minute start caught it in no time.

Ugly appearance though, but spoiler, metallic paint and mag wheels made it look good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 5th September, 2006

1981 Peugeot 505 SR 1.8 4 cylinder from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Old car, good car. Still is!

Faults:

Bad electrics. Watch for the fuse box as it's not that well protected. Oxidising and rust can be a big problem in these cars if not cared for.

Gear box blew at around about 290,000 k's. Not bad I guess. Bloody expensive to replace though... Have spent more money on restoration than the value of the car itself (worth it)!

Don't use any other tyre than Michelin. Handling will be downgraded otherwise. In Australia, impossible to find alloy spec rims. They're all taken...

General Comments:

Initially, when I got this car, I never really looked after it. Only until I started to take it on long trips, did I fully appreciate the real meaning that the manufacturer intended. That is, one of the best grand tourer cars around. I've been in a lot of cars made in the 80's, but none than the 505 has more comfortable seats, ride, handling, heating etc...'than the 505' (excluding bmw's) :). Straight line speed from the 1.8 4cyl engine may be a little soft, but, it's not straight line speed these cars are intended for. Around corners, your on rails. It's very hard not to feel confident in a 505 or any pug for that matter. The 505 will keep up with the most modern hog cars around bends these days!

For a 21 year old car with power windows, best seats in the market and a good reliable engine that loves the rpm's! Get a 505. There are heaps around if you look. Just make sure it's been loved. It 'will' love you back!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th May, 2002

6th Jul 2002, 17:59

I agree completely. I own an Australian spec 1982 505 GR. I love it to bits. Luckily mine has barely any rust at all, although the paint on the bonnet is a bit sunbaked and faded.

I recommend all Aussie/NZ 505 owners join www.aussiefrogs.com, as there are heaps of owners of old Pugs there to help you out if you have any problems, or just want to chat.

21st Nov 2002, 19:32

I've owned a 505 GR for 18 months, and it's the most reliable car I've owned, apart from the non-original electronic ignition a previous owner installed. Three mechanics and an auto electrician looked it over, and couldn't find the fault, so I ripped out the impostor electronic ignition, and it's run like a dream since.

The various mechanics said it should hold its tune post electronic ignition, but it didn't. It used more fuel than a Ford V8 I once owned, and ended up flooding on start-up.

Stick to the original specs, if possible, if you want to avoid hair pulling frustration at traffic lights at peak hour, and if you're bald, you can reminisce about the follicular good old days, as you slap your pate while trying to start your Pug.