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Prior to the 505, the 1970's 504's were a "big seller" for them … especially the Diesels. I saw far more of these than the few gasoline powered 504's, and the 505 gas powered cars were few and far between. 505 TurboDiesel was a pretty nice luxury car for the Peugeot line, but again … a very limited appeal in the USA market with few dealers and even fewer techs that could work on them properly. Parts support was problematic, I had to order most of the repair parts from a specialty importer in CT to get anywhere near reasonable prices for the parts compared to dealer "retail" pricing.
Had a few clients with 604 gas powered cars with the V6 engine in them, they were a very problematic car and came off the road pretty quickly. Had a modest number of 504D station wagons which were a pretty nice riding/comfortable car with good utility space in the cargo area.
Prior to the 504's, Peugeot's presence in the USA was very limited … with very few dealers to sell and support them, and a car built to a very different set of priorities than most of the USA market demand.
504D's could "run away" from the competing MB 4-cylinder diesel cars, start much better in cold weather, and get significantly better fuel economy. I routinely got mid-to-high 30's (35-38 mpg) with the 504D's composite use (in town/highway). My 505TD's could deliver as high as 50 mpg highway mileage, but the engine cooling systems were marginal at best and most of these cars blew head gaskets when they ran a little hot.
The 504D fuel injection systems … be they Bosch or CAV … were very polluting compared to other diesel cars of the era. I remember one trip back from the Colorado mountains (in my 300TD wagon) smelling a diesel exhaust for some miles … and was concerned that my car exhaust system had failed. After several miles, I crested a hill and was following a smoky diesel exhaust trail … my reaction was "I'll bet that's a Peugeot 504D". Sure 'nuff, a couple miles later I caught up with that car and it was a nice looker … 504D … belching black clouds out the exhaust, even on the descents from the mountains heading back to Denver. Was very happy to pass that car and get into clear air again. My bet was that somebody had turned the fuel delivery way up on that 504D in a misguided effort to get "more power". More power from an XD2 engine was not to be had without turbocharging.
Prior to the 505, the 1970's 504's were a "big seller" for them … especially the Diesels. I saw far more of these than the few gasoline powered 504's, and the 505 gas powered cars were few and far between. 505 TurboDiesel was a pretty nice luxury car for the Peugeot line, but again … a very limited appeal in the USA market with few dealers and even fewer techs that could work on them properly. Parts support was problematic, I had to order most of the repair parts from a specialty importer in CT to get anywhere near reasonable prices for the parts compared to dealer "retail" pricing.
Had a few clients with 604 gas powered cars with the V6 engine in them, they were a very problematic car and came off the road pretty quickly. Had a modest number of 504D station wagons which were a pretty nice riding/comfortable car with good utility space in the cargo area.
Prior to the 504's, Peugeot's presence in the USA was very limited … with very few dealers to sell and support them, and a car built to a very different set of priorities than most of the USA market demand.
504D's could "run away" from the competing MB 4-cylinder diesel cars, start much better in cold weather, and get significantly better fuel economy. I routinely got mid-to-high 30's (35-38 mpg) with the 504D's composite use (in town/highway). My 505TD's could deliver as high as 50 mpg highway mileage, but the engine cooling systems were marginal at best and most of these cars blew head gaskets when they ran a little hot.
The 504D fuel injection systems … be they Bosch or CAV … were very polluting compared to other diesel cars of the era. I remember one trip back from the Colorado mountains (in my 300TD wagon) smelling a diesel exhaust for some miles … and was concerned that my car exhaust system had failed. After several miles, I crested a hill and was following a smoky diesel exhaust trail … my reaction was "I'll bet that's a Peugeot 504D". Sure 'nuff, a couple miles later I caught up with that car and it was a nice looker … 504D … belching black clouds out the exhaust, even on the descents from the mountains heading back to Denver. Was very happy to pass that car and get into clear air again. My bet was that somebody had turned the fuel delivery way up on that 504D in a misguided effort to get "more power". More power from an XD2 engine was not to be had without turbocharging.
So USA didn’t get any of the smaller and racier models Peugeot sold in Europe and other parts of the world.
So USA didn’t get any of the smaller and racier models Peugeot sold in Europe and other parts of the world.
No.
Peugeot perceived their position in the USA market as a luxury car competitor to MB and priced comparably for the respective models.
But the Peugeot's didn't compare for reliability and durability.
With their terribly weak dealer network and minimal support in the USA marketplace, they were sunk here.
The cars resale value dropped to nearly nothing in a few years and made buying a new one a poor value for most buyers … after mostly frustrating years trying to keep one on the road running properly.
It's like a time warp at times over here. Our neighbour has a 505 as a daily runner. There was a Talbot Solaro in the village until recently. Another neighbour drives a 1970's Renault 5.
Location: By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea
68,326 posts, read 54,350,985 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by victimofGM
So USA didn’t get any of the smaller and racier models Peugeot sold in Europe and other parts of the world.
We had the 405. The 405 Mi16 which was a fun little car, it seemed its weak points were a questionable clutch lining (some dealers had them re-lined locally with a premium lining when doing a replacement) and a lack of the low-end torque most Americans are used to. There was no automatic trans available in the 16 valve model which no doubt limited US sales and the 8 valve engine was plagued with cylinder head issues.
The 205, especially the convertible was a little gem of a car which we unfortunately never got in the states.
Peugeot perceived their position in the USA market as a luxury car competitor to MB and priced comparably for the respective models.
But the Peugeot's didn't compare for reliability and durability.
With their terribly weak dealer network and minimal support in the USA marketplace, they were sunk here.
The cars resale value dropped to nearly nothing in a few years and made buying a new one a poor value for most buyers … after mostly frustrating years trying to keep one on the road running properly.
Shame, as a kid and teenager the 505 was a head turner in looks. It stood out from the crowd and looked elegant. Because of where I live, you couldn’t buy a new Peugeot anywhere close by so it was rare to see one on the road. Only French cars sold locally was Renault via the AMC dealer.
Location: By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea
68,326 posts, read 54,350,985 times
Reputation: 40731
Quote:
Originally Posted by victimofGM
Shame, as a kid and teenager the 505 was a head turner in looks. It stood out from the crowd and looked elegant. Because of where I live, you couldn’t buy a new Peugeot anywhere close by so it was rare to see one on the road. Only French cars sold locally was Renault via the AMC dealer.
I had an '85 Turbo Diesel I put 168K before I sold it, a bit sluggish around town but a great highway cruiser, probably had the most comfortable seats of any car I've ever owned and very few mechanical issues.
My father had a 1983 505, gasoline powered one. It was the top of the line, Silver Edition.
Wonderful ride, nice seating position (you sat high and upright), airy (unlike today's window-slit high beltline cars). Fairly roomy - despite being 10 inches shorter than a Olds Cutless Ciera of the time - thanks to a relatively long wheelbase (108 in).
Interior furnishings however didn't wear all that well.
Peugeots, to my understanding, were very popular in many African countries where they could stand up to the conditions there; don't quite understand how they have a reputation for fragility in North America, though.
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