the mid-late 80's Peugeot 505 (4 door sedan), seem to be a good comparison test with the type 44's. I've been reasearching them a bit, and they seem like pretty cool cars. 4 cylinder turbo engine/rear wheel drive... heard they drive and handle very well... has anyone ever drove one? What would you say to compare the two (even if you havent driven one) ?

I drove one quite a few years ago when it was practically new. It was being pushed as the "French Mercedes". I remember that it seemed quite solid. Seem to recall that it had a few French oddities. I remember that Volvo, Peuguot and another company joint-ventured on an engine. Don't remember whether that Peuguot has it.

From what I've heard, Peugeot 505s are extremely tight machines. My aunt had (has?) one and it took a severe beating (lack of maintenance) and still ran. The electrical systems in them have been compared to Lucas and parts aren't extremely easy to find. A definate plus though is that a nice one can be had for dirt cheap as they have NO resale value. I was actually going to consider one, but I ended up with the 5000 instead. Sometimes wish I had considered one more intensely.

I think they dissappeared from the American scene about 10 years ago. Go to partsamerica.com, see if they even list parts for them.

I always joke that I'd like to have a 405D wagon. Just cuz it's such an odd ball car. I heard they make excellent diesels. The local Ferrari dealer by me uses a 405 as one of their service depart run around cars which they loaned to my friend when he had his 348 in for service. (go figure, take your Ferrari in and get a Peugeot. Hmmmm) anyway he let me drive it around and It was pretty solid. I DO NOT think it compares to the looks, handling, and ergonomics of the type 44. But still a neat car. Parts? Service? I'll have to give the big HMMMMM on that.
Randolph
1987 5KCS
1997 Cab
1993 928GTS

yup, that is something i figured on too. getting Parts. There are sites online that sell parts for them, but still... Yes they are dirt cheap, but they are still in the same range as the 80's type 44's ;-) figure between 500-2000 dollars(2000 for a near mint) There is one on ebay now for 1300, probably will go a bit higher, but it has 70xxx miles on it, and looks to be in great condition. Rare cars though, click peugeot on ebay, only about 7 cars come up. hehehe. We have an 85 Renault Alliance Convt. Renault (also french) also dissapeared from the American market. But the car rarely needs parts, and if im correct, you can get them through a mopar dealer. What I like about the car is I have yet to see another one on the street. And being that, everyone stares at the car when we drive it around, they dont know what it is :) Same would go with a Peugeot

A girl I dated once owned a 405-S. It was one tight car.

<img src="http://silverstone.fortunecity.com/studebaker/677/peumi16.jpg">

When i was back in Europe few years ago, i drove 405 1.9(4 cyl, non-turbo - just like the one in the picture below) - (now it's called 407) It was a great small car. I say small because for the US standards it is a compact. In Europe it was mid-size level and it was a perfect family car. Performance was decent and highway cruising was very very quiet and smooth as long as you don't try to keep up with the German cars in the fast lane. IN the city it was so much fun to drive. Only complain - suspension was kind of weak - i drove it over some bad/OK roads for a month and it required some serious($$) repairs (i don't abuse cars). Kind of disappointing for a car that had only 15k miles on the odo.

The other Peugeot i had a chance to drive was 605 Turbo Diesel, 6-cyl.(now it's called 607) Yes, it can be called a French Mercedes, i agree.
I drove it in France and in Germany and let me tell you ... this car keeps up with BMWs 5 series and Audi A6 with no problem. Extremely smooth and fast Autobahn cruiser. High speeds are what this Turbo Diesel Engine loves. 240km/h felt like 130 km/h. Very solid car, very quiet and very fast when it comes to high speeds. Superb Gas Mileage.

When compared to Audi cars in the same class, i would say that Peugeot seems somewhat more refined, more "gentle" and more breakable, yes breakable is the word. I think Audis are made for HARD driving in any conditions at any speed. Peugeos won't handle HARD driving that well, from my experience and observations. I would only imagine that having a Peugeot in the USA will be very costly and difficult due to lack of parts and Peugeot mechanics.

I prefer Audi!

I vividly recall the advice my shop teacher gave us in class when a question was raised about a Peugeot. I quote"...If you only take one thing away from this class, it should be this; The French should stick to wine and women. Everything else they screw up."

Sorry if I have offended anyone. Just thought I would share my 2 cents worth.

L8R
Rob

So, everyone here has either maybe driven a Peugeot or knows someone etc.etc.etc. I have owned 3 Peugeots (505S, 505Turbo Gas and 405M16) and they are VERY solid Automobiles if they are maintained (Sound Familiar?) and yes, I worked on them too!

Bottom line is this . . . There is one good aftermarket Parts supplier (Sunset Coachman)they are available online. Unlike Audi, the choices of suppliers is slim, in addition because of limited numbers, you must be carefull to find a good quality car. Like the 5000, the engines &amp; trans. are rock solid. Brakes are super! Ride is quality.

Final thought for the skeptics (so called experts) A close associate (BMW Mechanic) who owns an M6 and 635 has a 505 and 504 he uses as daily drivers for his kids . . . why? he will tell you . . . safe, easy to work on and durable. If you find a good one, great bang for the buck . . .much like 5000's and 100's