>This is the first car I've ever owned and I really enjoyed it until
>now.
>I'd hate to think that I'm going to have to get rid of it, but this
>can't go on indefinitely. I can't afford these kind of bills and I
>don't
>want a car that I can't rely on. Any ideas? TIA.
Boy, does this post sum up the problem with trying to own a Peugeot in
America today or for that matter any older car that's not in the
"mainstream" of American car culture?
Incompetent service breaks car, competent service is nearly impossible to
find, parts are expensive and everyone is probably telling this guy to
dump the car and buy a Toyauto.
I don't see the situation changing, in fact I think it's just going to
get worse as the cars get older. Even when Peugeot returns with new
models, I think their emphasis is going to be on new car sales, not 505
and 405 repair and restoration. So when it comes to keeping our Peugeots
running, I think developing a coping strategy is essential to keeping
both the car and our sanity.
Geography plays a big role in how detailed a strategy needs to be
developed as does the primary purpose of the car. But based on my
conversations with members of this list I think these are some of the
main point to look at.
1. Decide how long you want to keep it. Personally I think the longer
the time horizon the better.
2. Buy the Haynes manually for your car and learn as much as you can
about it.
3. Clean the car and keep it clean inside and out. The best way to learn
about your car is to take it apart and clean it.
4. While cleaning inspect the parts for wear and corrosion, oblivious
breaks and the like.
5. Change fluids and replace wear parts regularly. Learn to do all of
the routine maintenance yourself. The money you save will be used for
the big problems that come up.
6. Find a mechanic and a body shop that cares about your car as much as
you do. If they can't spell PEUGEOT keep looking.
7. Get to know the parts guys on the list. Buy quality replacement parts
for the car. Peugeot parts aren't cheap so used and rebuilt parts can
help some but, these are European sedans and parts and repairs are going
to reflect that fact.
I hope these idea help, I know you're crying for a life preserver and
I'm telling you how to swim, but I know there are bunches of people on
the list who are in your situation or are going to be in your situation.
For most of us outside the northeast and Texas, keeping our Peugeots
running trouble-free for the next ten years is going to take some work
and planning.
Philip Glotfelty
Cincinnati, OH
89 405 DL 145,000
88 505 Turbo wagon 105,000
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