Help! I'm fixated on a Peugeot 505!

I've been looking for a cheap and cheerful commuter car. Mostly looking at '90's and early 2000's Volvos, Saab 900's and 9-3 Se's, and A2 &A3 VW's. My criteria is that it be fairly cheap (<$4000), fuel economical, older, fun to drive, and unque.

But I stumbled upon an 87 Peugeot 505 that looks to be in great shape and I'm intrigued. It's not a turbo, and it's an automatic, but it looks like it could be nimble (or made to be so) and has a great 80's European style to it. 

Just as a point of reference, I've owned and wrenched a great number of older British ans Swedish cars, and watercooled VW's over the years, and I tend to go for the oddball and unloved "classics". I currently drive a 17 year old Ford Ranger, which has it's own quirks, so I'm a bit of a glutton for punishment.

But nonetheless, I probably need to be talked out of this one. If so, what else should I be looking at that fits my criteria?

curious if your refering to the 505 listed in Milwaukee craigslist?

79rex said:

curious if your refering to the 505 listed in Milwaukee craigslist?

Not aware of that one. Im looking at one here in the northeast. 

I "always" liked the styling of the 505 and the Turbo in particular. When I was a kid one of my class mates dad had a 505 Familiale (estate) but that's the only real experience I have of the car. Almost 40 years ago. I mostly remember it as being very big.

However, a french car in the same class as a Volvo 240, Ford Granada (European) and Mercedes 123, "nimble" is not really what springs to my mind :-)

From what I hear from my friends involved in French cars of the era, they tend to be a bit peculiar in places but nothing outrageous. I think you came to the wrong place to be "talked out of it" :-D

Gustaf

I see nothing wrong with your plan.  I like the looks of them and you won’t see yourself all the time.

I owned a 504 for a spell.  Fun(ish) car 4 speed on the tree that was interesting to drive. 

When we were running a Honda Civic in the Sundowner races at Mosport Park in Canada there was a pair of Peugot 505's that ran the race as well.  Seemed to hold up well and they did look good.  

therealpinto said:

I "always" liked the styling of the 505 and the Turbo in particular.

From what I hear from my friends involved in French cars of the era, they tend to be a bit peculiar in places but nothing outrageous. I think you came to the wrong place to be "talked out of it" :-D

Gustaf

Thanx, Gustaf! I'm dying to go see the car, which is still for sale according to the ad anyway. Maybe if I procrastinate long enough it will be gone before I finally get around to seeing it...

do it!