RE: Keeping my '87 505 STX

From: Francois Dion (francois@hyperreal.org)
Date: Tue 01 May 2001 - 15:41:37 UTC

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    Hugo,

    Are you looking to buy a new or used car to replace it? By replacing it, I
    mean something equivalent. A 5 speed manual tranny, v6 (or i6) engine, good
    handling, comfortable, potentially RWD. Audi A6 2.8 or 2.7T (check the audi
    board on edmunds, makes our 12 year old STX look utterly reliable), BMW 5
    series, Lincoln LS v6 manual w/sport package. That's pretty much it, and
    that'll come out to $35K to $42K depending on options (+prep/dest, tax etc).
    Add $1200 for sunroof, $350 for heated seats etc... With auto tranny you
    would get a few more options for as "low" as $28K.

    Now back to the STX:
    The PRV found on the Peugeot is almost bulletproof. 300K miles between
    overhaul is a good estimation, altough you could probably go further. Are
    you respecting the oil/filter change intervals? Is the cooling system
    keeping up? As far as I know, the #1 ennemy of the PRV is severe overheating
    which might warp the head(s) but most likely will blow your head gasket(s).

    Also, this is vital: all relays that say Cartier have to be replaced. They
    are original and are way past their usefull life. You'll see 3 on the right
    side + 1 on left that are in the pouch at the firewall. You need the dual 87
    pin type (I just posted the proper bosch number for these over the weekend).
    Another 3 near the battery (of the 87a/87b type). I dont remember if you
    said you had done this or not. Might have been Alan.

    If your compression is good and you dont have any trace of oil leak, I'd
    switch to full synthetic. Would more than likely extend your engine life
    past the 300K miles mark. One could get much higher mileage than that if
    it's their daily drivers. The Peugeot age more quickly it seems when you
    dont drive them.

    I dont know how much of a car hobbyist you are and if you enjoy mechanical
    work, but you could get a spare tranny and PRV. Disassemble them and rebuild
    them to spec. In a few years down the road, you have a brand spanking new
    engine and tranny you can slap in, ready for another 300K+ miles :)

    Overall, the STX is relatively easy to work on, except the ABS and variable
    assist. You can have the vario disconnected and never worry about it again,
    and ABS can eventually be replaced by a regular booster/master cylinder.
    You'll need also to go over all shocks, bushings, rubber parts etc.

    Still well worth it. The body of the 505 is extremely well built/designed.
    And you cant get a car with the "glass house" view anymore. They all try too
    much for aerodynamics and loose a lot in ergonomics. Not to mention the
    seats...

    Ciao,
    Francois

    -----Original
    From: norgo@cybertrails.com [mailto:norgo@cybertrails.com]

    I'm trying to make some decisions about keeping and maintaining my
    505 STX. I don't want to sell it, but am a little bit concerned about
    some related financial and parts issues.

    First, I want to put in a new clutch (and rear main seal while I'm
    at). It's probably good for another 20,000 miles, but the gear
    changes have to be done slowly. The car has done 153,000 miles
    though... is it worth putting in a new clutch on a car with such high
    miles? I have heard that the V-6 engine is good for 300K miles.

    Second, how much would an engine rebuild cost? Or is it better to put
    in a used engine? (Assuming that good ones are will be available 5
    years down the road?)

    Third, the 5-speed gearbox is whiny in fourth gear. Are the parts
    still available to rebuild the box? Used gearboxes are about $300 and
    all have high miles(over 100K miles).

    It sounds like PSA will not bail in 2002, so the parts supply in the
    US could be okay for a few more years yet.

    Does anyone have the answers?

    Cheers,

    Hugo

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