Head gasket changed twice, first time on warranty.
Anti-pollution (Pulsair) rotted out, creating the only serious disablement.
Outstanding mechanical and human engineering, versatility, utility and value.
Over-built - shocks lasted 15 years, alternator 16 years, clutch 17 years. Still on original starter.
Outstanding electrics
Comfortable ride and predictable handling.
Never been stuck in the worst blizzards with all season Michelins.
Although underpowered, will cruise all day at 150-160 kph.
Excellent paint and good rust protection, even in salty clime.
Still gives me the same pleasure after 18 years as it did on day one.
The only thing I could replace it with is another.
Agreed. The 505 wagon is a Great car, mines an '85 and still going strong. Great handling, great looking, solid at speed, and holds anything w/7ft+ length of flat cargo space.
When my pulsair canister and it's pipes inevitably rusted out, I simply pitched them, plugged the holes where they had been connected, and never looked back. (This on the advice of a few shops that work on/deal parts for old Peugeots) Has continued to run great ever since.
Our family has a 1985 Peugeot 505 wagon in Australia and over the past 4 years not a lot has gone wrong with it. I think it's a great car, comfortable, economical and safe. Our car overheats sometimes, but is overall a good car.
I wrote the original review in 2002. The 1984 505 GL wagon is still on the road in 2009 (and almost certainly will be on the road in 2010) with its second owner. I was so impressed with my 1982 505 sedan, and the aforementioned 84 wagon, that I have purchased a number of 505s since. In the current fleet are:
1986 XN6 5 speed GL wagon - my designated "Winter Warrior" with snow tires on all four corners. It goes where some Jeeps fear to tread. About 150K miles on it.
1986 Turbo GLS 5 speed sedan - a helluva fun summer car. 140K miles.
1986 Turbo Wagon (auto) - a lovely touring car - OK around town, but really in its element on a long cruise. 200K miles
1987 Turbo S 5 speed sedan - ditto above. This one saved my life and that of my wife when we got driven off the road by a huge semi-trailer truck. Decided to repair, rather than scrap the car; it's much cheaper than psychiatry and a hell of a lot more practical. 160K miles.
1987 V6 auto STI sedan. A lovely car for the city and for the open road. 145K miles.
Peugeot really broke the mould with the 505. Superb ergonomics - which one appreciates more with each passing year, as there are no blind spots - an extremely rare quality with today's cars. I have looked for a suitable replacement for the 505 for the last five years and have found nothing, which is why I hang on to my current fleet and am always on the lookout for additional 505s - either as daily drivers or as parts cars.
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