Looking to buy 505

[awbeattie81]

Hi,

I am new to the peugeot scene and wanted your advice on the possible purchase of a 505 sedan.

I am looking at a 1980 model, 2.0L auto petrol for about 500 pounds.

I test drove the car today and it drove very well. There seemed to be a couple of faults though.

Firstly there was a rattle in the engine which sounded like a tappet rattle. The noise was present when cold and hot. The guy had taken the car to his mechanic recently because of this noise but he was told that all peugeots have this rattle, and should not be of concern.

Secondly, the battery light on the dash stayed on during my drive (but the battery is fairly new and holds charge).

Thirdly, the temp warning light stayed on during my drive(but the temp guage read just under halfway).

Bodywise, the bootlid was very rusty (confined to bootlid only), however there were only a couple of rust areas at the rear of the 2 passenger side wheel arches.

The car has about 100 000miles and was stored for lengthy periods each year. It has an amazing service record from 1990 and had the timing belt changed in 1996 at 70 000 miles.

Can anyone offer any advice to my prospective purchase? From what I hear these cars are very reliable and solid, and would easily travel around the country.

Andrew

[504V6Ti]

Yes, 505s are as reliable and solid as 504s. Many would wish modern cars were built that way... What model is it you're looking at?

Now to the faults on the car. The mechanic's diagnostic about the rattle made me laugh. It reminded me of an article about a 406 driver who had a noise with his petrol tank and the dealer, not interested in the car, said it was a "characteristic of the 406" ! No, I can tell you that the "Peugeot rattle" has not been invented yet... The rattle on this 505 may not be a problem, but you ought to find out what it is just in case. If it is just something worn, but not of concern, fine...

Battery light usually means faulty alternator or dead battery. This should be looked at. Nothing dramatic, but if there is a fault within the circuit, you'll be left on the side of the road sooner than later... Check the voltage at the battery with the engine running and revving: you should get something like 13-14V and the voltage should be failry constant, proving the regulator is Ok. If the battery isn't charging, you will see the voltage go down slowly and your alternator needs checked/repaired/replaced. If you get a good voltage, but not constant, the regulator is at fault. On this 1980 model, I suspect the regulator to be part of the alternator.

Temp warning light could be due to a faulty thermostat. Happened to me once on a 305. It is replaced in a few minutes and will only cost you a few pounds.

Rust... well the 505 is about 27year old... Peugeot cars of that age are seldomly found without it if never been restored. You say that rust seems confined to the bootlid, you'll easily replace this. For the wheel arches, try and get this looked at sooner than later. This is where Peugeot usually rust from before it extends elsewhere.

Check all doors as well (pay attention to the bottom of them) and the inner wings.

The engine in this 505 is either the 1971cc carb of the 504 or the (then new) 1995cc injection model. Both pretty bullet proof. You said you have extensive service record which is excellent to know what you are buying. The fact that it is extensive means the car was looked after and it also tells you what was done. You should be able to enjoy reasonably trouble-free driving, especially if it is a carb version.

At the same time, this is a 27yr old car with 100 Kmls, available for £500. So, you are buying an "old banger", not a brand new 607. Be psychologically prepared to the odd/occasional problem and some difficulty in finding parts sometimes.

Oh, if you never drove any, 505s are rear-wheel drive, so caution on the wet in roundabouts....

[frank]

dont know what you can expect for 500quid but as a runabout it is prety good

[mikem]

504v6ti said:

Oh, if you never drove any, 505s are rear-wheel drive, so caution on the wet in roundabouts....

That's why they're fun, n'est pas?