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A big number for Peugeot but sadly not a big success. This was the car that replaced the long-dead and almost forgotten 604. The 605 shared the same 'platform' (what we once called the chassis) as the Citroen XM. They both hit exactly the same problems shortly after launch in 1990 - poor build quality that destroyed early resale values. Sales and resale-value wise, neither car ever recovered. Though the XM continues in production, the 605 has gone from dealers' price lists to be replaced by the all-new 607.
Much had been expected of the then-new, big Peugeot. The company was on a roll after the huge successes of the 205, 405 and 309 models. Sadly, the 605 was not to enjoy a similarly warm embrace from European buyers. Second-hand they make great buys as the early problems were eventually sorted out. However, resale values on the new cars sold up to 1999 were an accountant's worst nightmare.
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Detailed ratings
Full-Sized Executive Cars
What you get
A big luxury car without the German heritage or price tag. Peugeot themselves all but gave up advertising the 605 and a truck load of new V6s arriving at a dealer's must surely have sent salesmen scurrying to turn the lights out and lock the doors. A little exaggerated, perhaps, but you won't find many (if any 605s) on the forecourt of your local dealer. Scour the classifieds and you should turn up a few examples. Hopefully you'll locate top-spec cars which are definitely the ones that offer the most for not much money.
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What to look for
If it's a 1990 or 1991 car (or indeed any 605) be on the safe side and check that all those electrical convenience features work. Open and close the sunroof, twiddle the mirror toggles, lift and lower the windows, lock and unlock the doors.
Interior trim is a bit cheap and not too cheerful it should be said but, for the money, you can't complain too much.
The V6 has a tendency to crack manifolds - it was originally a V8 that never made production but instead got two cylinders lopped off, so it's not the smoothest of motors. The 2.0-litre must have its cam-belt replaced every 30,000 miles or you'll risk an intimate meeting between your engine's valves and pistons. They simply go bang and it's 'hello, new engine needed'. You have been warned.
Also listen for clattery crankshafts on two-litre petrol cars with big mileages and watch for slipping clutches. These are not cheap cars to maintain so a well-stamped service book is highly desirable.
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Replacement parts
(approx based on a 1995 V6 - ex Vat) A clutch assembly will be around £280 and brake pads are just under £55 for the front and £45 for the rear. An alternator should be close to £300 and a starter motor around £250.
A headlamp will be close to £250, and it will cost you about £650 for a full exhaust system (excluding the catalyst). A radiator can be up to £210 if air conditioning is fitted.
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On the road
Bit of a difficult one, this. To be fair, the 605 was a great car to drive when it was new but the competition moved on substantially since then. Today, it's a bit similar to the contemporary Rover 800 or Ford Scorpio: better for motorway cruising than hustling along a B road. The ride is super-smooth but not too floaty and, for what is now an outdated chassis, it handles pretty well.
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Overall
What are you waiting for? Prices are low and chances are that any problems will have been sorted out by the previous owner(s). A 605 is a lot of car for the money and you can bet that the neighbours won't have a clue what the smoothly styled machine on your driveway is.
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