Peugeot 505 thoughts

EvanB wrote: The only thing that concerns me is that it has needed a fuel pump for over a year, if it is easy to replace why didn't they just do it and get it running?

Because sometimes you just want your problem to be someone else's problem.

93EXCivic wrote: I want one....

The list of what you don't want is smaller.

Come on, you knew I was going to give you a hard time.
FYI, we all have our wish fleet.

wlkelley3 wrote:

93EXCivic wrote: I want one....

The list of what you don't want is smaller. Come on, you knew I was going to give you a hard time. FYI, we all have our wish fleet.

I have a fairly long list of what I don't want. It mostly consist of stuff normal people do want...

I found an email from April when I was thinking about it. He said he drove it for about 3 months after the engine was rebuilt before the fuel pump went out. At that point it had been sitting for a year.

How hard/expensive would it be to replace the fuel pump in-situ? Agree to buy it subject to engine working, or something.

That's kinda what I am thinking, the fuel pump would be about $120 and not hard to change since it is external.

I am just wondering why the owner would rebuilt the engine, drive it for 3 months then try to sell it for a year when the fuel pump dies. Maybe I am overthinking it.

They look better at speed with a fleet of mechanics working on them. In your driveway

You guys aren't helping talk me out of it.

I was all set to buy a non-turbo 5-speed a few years ago until the seller stopped returning my emails. I passed on a turbo wagon earlier this year since I wasn't sold on the automatic.

I sent the seller an email asking about the possibility of changing the fuel pump to see if it would run before I buy it.

EvanB wrote: You guys aren't helping talk me out of it.

You know you're in the wrong place for that. We'd (me) help you change the fuel pump first if we were close enough ...

EvanB wrote: I am just wondering why the owner would rebuilt the engine, drive it for 3 months then try to sell it for a year when the fuel pump dies. Maybe I am overthinking it.

I think you are. I'd bet the fuel pump was the final straw; if the guy went through the trouble of rebuilding the engine, I can only imagine the other parts he's thrown at it. Also, don't factor SWMBO out of the situation...

Hi EvanB,

A buddy forwarded this discussion to me so I had to comment. I'm the webmaster for www.505turbo.com, and pretty much certified hardcore 505 Turbo owner.

The car looks decent for sure, but with any car - you get what you pay for, and buying the best example you can afford will save you grief in the long run. That said there are diamonds in the rough that are in great mechanical shape and have a TON of life in them.

Some quick advice:

• Make sure the car has 15" rims
• Apply 12V direct to the fuel pump (under car - under the driver side rear seat) as the tachymetric relay is a common cause for the pump not to run.
• If the pump is shot - it's quite easy to replace, and I'd recommend doing the filter at the same time if it's been sitting.
• "Rebuilt engine" means a lot of different things to a lot of different people - find out the details.
• Head are known to crack, and the tell tale is bubbles in the coolant reservoir when running. Lots of theories on why it happens and how to prevent, but it's repairable just like on so many other cars. (Cracks between the exhaust valve to the coolant jacket on #2 and #3 cylinders.)

The guys in VT that race the 505's are Arlo (Dad) and Nick (Son)Cota.

If the guy that had a 505 at a rally cross remembers it being a gorgeous blue sedan in VA (or close by) that was my brother. V6 5-sp car - and just wait until he fits proper tires and the Torsen diff I just sent him. :)

I rallycross my very rare 89' 505 Turbo 5-sp whenever I can, and it's simply fantastic.

Most under-rated sedan ever IMHO, and an absolute joy to drive if they're in good shape. Buy the wrong one / poorly maintained one and you'll just join the masses of ignorants that judge the car by poor services and idiot mechanics / previous owners.

Rabin www.505turbo.com

Thanks for chiming in Rabin. I've been browsing your forums for a few years now but I'm not sure if I registered or not. I was just watching your rallycross video today and that would definitely be a big part of what I use this car for if I get it.

Thanks for the info on the relay, I still need to call the seller but I'll check that out.

No problem at all - it's nice to see these cars actually starting to be appreciated, and I'm happy to help anyone looking into owning one.

If you want to PM me your e-mail or any other log info you might remember I can search the memberlist on the forum and reset any ID if you want to post more questions there.

The 85's are kind of neat being the first year for the 505 Turbo in North America, and the last year of that series 1 interior.

BTW - the front driver seat should have fore and aft tilt adjustment, and at 6' there's lots ,of room. A bit tight with a helmet on, but not bad at all.

Rabin

I'm only 5'8" so I rarely have to worry about buying a car that won't fit me.

My current rallycross car is a Miata so I am used to limited headroom.

Close inspection of the car in the OP and I think it is NOT a sunroof car.

I just called the seller a few minutes ago to ask him some questions.

He said the main fuel pump is fine but the in-tank pump is the one that is dead. He is in the process of changing it and putting the tank back in but said he hasn't had much time to work on it. The engine rebuild consisted of headgasket, rods, bearings, injectors, etc. He said he has also replaced the brakes and steering rack with tie-rod ends. It isn't his first 505 and he also has an 87 Turbo automatic.

EvanB wrote: I just called the seller a few minutes ago to ask him some questions. He said the main fuel pump is fine but the in-tank pump is the one that is dead. He is in the process of changing it and putting the tank back in but said he hasn't had much time to work on it. The engine rebuild consisted of headgasket, rods, bearings, injectors, etc. He said he has also replaced the brakes and steering rack with tie-rod ends. It isn't his first 505 and he also has an 87 Turbo automatic.

Buy it. Please. I want one, but none are local right now. I'd like to live vicariously through you.

I might consider it if it is running, I can't justify spending $1500 on it not-running.

I want a Maserati Biturbo but none are local right now (not running at least).

I'd bet 505 ownership is way easier than Bitrouble ownership. :)

EvanB wrote: I might consider it if it is running, I can't justify spending $1500 on it not-running. I want a Maserati Biturbo but none are local right now (not running at least).

Wow, I think I just heard you say "I'm trying to get off of coke, so I'm gonna transition with meth"