Peugeot 504 (1969 – 1983)
Reliability score : 8.5/10
The Peugeot 504 is a monument of French automotive history. Elected Car of the Year in 1969, it built its legend on extraordinary mechanical robustness, earning it the nickname "Queen of Africa". Replacing the 404, it introduced independent rear wheels (on sedans and coupes/convertibles) offering an exceptional comfort/handling compromise for the time. The sublime Coupe and Convertible versions, designed and assembled by Pininfarina, welcomed the famous PRV V6 starting in 1974. Today, the 504 is a highly sought-after collector's vehicle (especially in Coupe/Convertible and Injection), whose main enemy is not the mechanics, but corrosion. Overall collector rating: 8.5/10
✅ Strengths
- Legendary mechanical robustness (carbureted petrol and diesel engines)
- Exceptional suspension comfort (independent rear wheels)
- Timeless lines of the Coupe and Convertible versions (Pininfarina)
- Availability of common wear parts (L'Aventure Peugeot and remanufactured parts)
- Roominess and trunk volume (Sedan and Estate)
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Endemic and destructive corrosion (disease of the era)
- Maintenance complexity of the Kugelfischer injection (XN2)
- Very high fuel consumption of the PRV V6
- Anemic performances and deafening noise of the Diesel versions
- Prices of specific body parts (Coupe/Convertible) have become exorbitant
🎯 Verdict
The Peugeot 504 is a masterpiece of French engineering from the great era. As a collector's vehicle today, the choice of engine depends on your budget and skills. The carbureted versions (1.8 and 2.0) are the most recommendable for serene use thanks to their biblical simplicity. The injection (XN2) offers superior driving pleasure but requires a specialist in case of breakdown. The PRV V6, although noble and inseparable from the sublime Coupes/Convertibles, demands increased vigilance regarding its maintenance. The purchase must be dictated 90% by the condition of the bodywork: a 504's mechanics can be rebuilt easily and at a lower cost, a shell eaten away by rust is a financial bottomless pit.
Common issues
Corrosion structurelle (châssis, bas de caisse, passages de roue)
High
🔧 Dès 100 000 km, fortement dépendante du climat et de l'entretien
💶 1 500 – 5 000 € (selon l'étendue, peut être non réparable)
Inspecter minutieusement la carrosserie et le châssis pour la rouille avant achat.
Problèmes de carburation (ralenti instable, calage, consommation excessive)
Medium
🔧 Variable, souvent après 80 000 km ou avec l'âge
💶 200 – 600 € (réglage, nettoyage, kit de réfection)
Prévoir un réglage ou une réfection du carburateur, surtout si le véhicule est resté longtemps inactif.
Défaillances du système électrique (faisceaux, fusibles, éclairage, jauges)
Medium
🔧 Dès 100 000 km, lié à l'âge et à l'usure des composants
💶 150 – 800 € (selon la complexité de la panne)
Vérifier le bon fonctionnement de tous les équipements électriques et l'état des faisceaux.
Usure des éléments de suspension (silentblocs, rotules, amortisseurs)
Medium
🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km
💶 400 – 1 200 € (pour un train complet, avant ou arrière)
Tester la voiture sur route dégradée, écouter les bruits et vérifier le comportement.
Fuites d'huile moteur et de transmission
Low
🔧 Dès 100 000 km, lié à l'âge des joints et des carters
💶 200 – 700 € (selon l'origine de la fuite et l'accessibilité)
Vérifier l'absence de taches d'huile sous le véhicule et le niveau des fluides.
Estimated maintenance costs
| Oil change |
£80 – 140 |
| Timing belt |
null (timing chain) |
| Timing chain |
£700 – 1 300 (if needed, rare) |
| Clutch |
£850 – 1 500 |
| Complete brakes |
£300 – 600 |
| Estimated annual budget |
£700 – 1 600 (for a well-maintained vehicle, excluding major restoration) |
Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.