Background
The French have traditionally been more successful with small cars, preferring to leave the big car to their northern European competitors. With the 508 Peugeot is attempting to break the mould. Peugeot's 508 combines impressive big car luxury with excellent fuel economy and running costs. It has great ride quality, tons of equipment, plenty of space inside and great refinement.
Bang for your buck
The 508 Peugeot saloon is a large vehicle measuring 4.7 metres long and features a host of clever storage ideas and design features that make the car feel tardis like. The boot is a good size at 545 litres in the saloon and 660 in the sports wagon. In both the rear seating system can be arranged to increase this to over 1500 litres. The front of the car offers a large 22 litres of storage capacity including innovative door storage that can hold large drinks bottles. Learning lessons from its leading competitors like the new Volkswagen Passat, the 508 has improved on them and now offers drivers a smarter and more upmarket driving experience.
The used Peugeot 508 offers a range of trim levels to suit a wide range of users and each comes with its own technologies and gadgets. Even the entry level "Access" model features high quality trim including climate control and electric windows as standard. For a little more money, there is the SR model which features electric heated seats, reverse parking sensors, key-less vehicle access and sunroof. The GT range offers better suspension, leather seats, a full colour cabin display and xenon style headlights. However, perhaps the best value for money is the SR model, which offers a level of trim which targets business buyers and includes satellite navigation, cruise control, dual zone air conditioning and 16-inch alloy wheels.
What you pay
Prices are reasonable. Peugeot have struggled to break out of the lease market on its larger cars and with many deals on offer the 508 represents excellent value for money. The 1.6 e-HDI starts at 20K, but it is only a hop skip and a jump up to 25K for a top of the range Allure model.
What to check
It is a very imposing car which makes it ideal for business use. It offers unparalleled luxury at its price point and is bound to make considerable inroads on the lease market. However, private buyers should not let that put them off. Those private motorists looking to save on their fuel bills will be impressed by the approved used Peugeot 508 for sale. Most buyers will be drawn to the diesel engine and the savings in fuel economy that these offer. The range's best performer is the 1.6 e-HDI with a combined figure of 64.2.8mpg. Those wanting a little more power should consider the punchier 140bhp diesel, which isn't far behind at 58.9mpg. Petrol engines offer a sportier drive at 156bhp and only just lose out on economy, managing over 44mpg.
Parts
Peugeot parts can be a little expensive. Current component prices indicate that a clutch kit is around £350, front brake pads are between £60 an £100 and a starter motor is around £100 for lower spec models.
How it drives
The Peugeot 508 for sale is available in a number of different engine configurations to suit your personal driving style. All of the engines push the limits of what is possible in large saloon cars and sports wagons and deliver fantastic economical driving, all achieving between 45 and 60mpg. At the lower end of the range the 1.6 VTi 120 EGC offers 120bhp with an average 45mpg; then combines this with stop start technology and electronic gearbox control. What this all means to the motorist is that the car will produce less than 110g/km of CO2 and qualify for incredibly low annual tax. The complementary diesel range sees the equivalent engine achieve 60mpg. However, it is the 2.0 HDi Automatic Diesel engine that is the star featuring a powerful 200bph engine with 50 mpg fuel economy.
The entire 508 range is equipped with innovative suspension technology which has been installed to manage the cars road handling systems, resulting in increase control, efficiency and improve driving comfort. The approved used Peugeot 508 is also available with two different front suspension configurations. A freshly designed front suspension is the main option on the majority of the 508 range. As well as a refined ride this new suspension reduces overall weight and a drop link double wishbone front suspension helps to separate suspension and steering forces to improve road holding and steering accuracy.
