I've been following this discussion regarding quality/attitude/opinions
of Peugeot autos with great interest. I think I'm finding it
particularly interesting because I see, from personal experience, truth
on both sides. That is what makes drawing a line very difficult. I
admit there are some very wierd quirks with some models (I've only had
experience with 504 and 505, albiet many of them). I think the question
is whether these quirks are acceptable. The answer is elusive because
that depends on how much you paid for the car, did you buy it new or are
taking advantage of its low resale value and driving cheaply, or are you
simply too picky or passive. Personally, I deal with each "problem" as
it comes up - sometimes choosing to ignore rather than fix, but I'm the
one doing the work, not someone else. Therein lies the big bonus -
these cars are relatively easy to fix yourself (again, talking from
experience with 504 & 505 models only). I don't think there is such a
thing as "over-engineered". I own a Mercedes and some parts that you
could apply that statement to fail miserably because of the complexity
(take, for example, the Type 1 climate control servos used on 123 and
116 chassis during the late 70's and early 80's - piece of junk, way too
complex, cracks, leaks, fails to respond, & worst of all Mercedes
doesn't admit anything is wrong with the design!). It's the simplicity
in the engineering that never fails to amaze me with Peugeots. Indeed,
making cars that are targetted throughout the world one must keep
simplicity in mind as service facilities vary greatly from place to
place. Having said that, however, it's the quality of the parts that
are incorporated in that "brilliant" design that are questionable.
Take, for example, the fan speed slide lever on the 504 model. This
lever simply sides a copper brush over a PC board that has an etched
maze on its surface. The design is simple and probably very cheap to
manufacture, but the material used on the tracing is much to soft and
frequently burns out. What about that load compensating brake pressure
valve under your 504/505 trunk? Does anyone have a working unit on
their car? Great idea, but they should've place a small plastic shield
around it to prevent road crap from killing it.
I am a loyal Peugeot owner but I am also a realist. There is much truth
in what Don says, but I won't go as far as he. I think he is
knowledgable in automotive circles and is applying his knowledge to his
vehicle in a critical way, thereby coming up with a wishlist of what
should've or could've been done to make the car better. It should be
noted, however, that the same criticisms can be made about any model of
any car EVER made on this planet. There is no such thing as "perfect"
engineering. Rather than defending one side or another, I think we
should identify problem areas on each model and devise solutions that we
all can benefit from. That is why we are all members of this list,
isn't it? In the Opel list we openly talk of "work-arounds" or
high-performance replacements that overcome common problems. We must do
this to keep our cars on the road since the Opel GT ('69-'73) also lost
its dealer support/parts distribution network, like Peugeot. Believe
me, the GTs are not without problems either.
If someone asks why I drive my '86 STI, my usual response is "why not?".
It cost me only $2800 CDN (no rust, original paint, loaded except no
leather, 132k kms when bought), it is VERY comfortable (albiet stiff),
and looks great. I, like others on this list have pointed out, refuse
to drive the "en mass" cars like Hondas & Caravans. Every car I own has
a personality and that can't be said for most of todays models, domestic
or import. (BTW, they are a '58 220S Mercedes, '78 300D Mercedes, '86
505 STI, and '71 Opel GT). I do my own maintenance and have great
sources for parts for each model I own. The crucial mechanical parts
for the 505 (brakes, engine parts, tie rods, ball joints, etc) are, for
tbr>
for the 505 (brakes, engine parts, tie rods, ball joints, etc) are, for
the most part, very reasonable - certainly comparable to other import's
prices.
Anyway, I could go on but I think enough has been said along these lines
already.
Senen