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...
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!
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.
I've owned a 505 GR for 18 mths 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 elect. looked it over and couldn't find the fault, so I ripped out the impostor elec.ig. and it's run like a dream since. The various mechanics said it should hold its tune post elec. ig., 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 folicular good old days as you slap your pate while trying to start your Pug.
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