April 2012

* Peugeot 508 long-term test * Year-long review * Tested by Andrew Golby...

April 2012

**Peugeot 508 SW 2.2 HDi 204 GT

Week ending April 27
Mileage: 22,8128
Driven this week: 270 miles**

Peugeot 508 SW review

I borrowed the 508 because I really needed a big car. In my spare time I organise the events for my local National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and last weekend was one of our nearly new sales.

With the rear seats folded I managed to squeeze in everything I needed and more. It was a bit of a faff removing and replacing the parcel shelf and dog guard, but the Peugeot was definitely up to the job.

My only complaint is the automatic boot opening, I found it slow and cumbersome. It doesnt like you changing your mind half way through closing, either, when you realise you've forgotten to put in that final box in.

Sarah Hossack

Week ending April 20
Mileage: 21,858
Driven this week: 457 miles

Over the past week Ive happened to give lifts to a few people whove not ridden in a 508 before. The same thing always happens, they are really impressed with the cabin quality, and most are pretty complimentary about the Peugeots styling as well. Inevitably, they ask what I think of the car, and my stock answer is well rehearsed now.

Day-to-day it does a great job of dealing with busy family life and weekend chores. The lumpy low-speed ride is a pain, but in most other respects it does pretty well. Its just when you start making comparisons with others, where it begins to look pricey in GT-spec. A Skoda Superb estate offers better value, but for the price of our Peugeot you could be in a Merc C-Class or even an Audi A6. The conclusion has to be that the 508s sweet spot falls somewhere beneath our model.

Andrew.Golby@whatcar.com

Week ending April 13
Mileage: 21,401
Driven this week: 314 miles

When youre busy and your car needs a service, keeping the process hassle-free is the priority. Top marks then to Charters in Aldershot, who collected the car from home, and delivered it back in pristine condition after a comprehensive valet. The service manager called twice, once to advise that they couldnt replace the pollen filter on the day (not in stock) and once to take payment.

The total cost was 294.98, exactly as quoted, and given the 20,000 service intervals, it is reasonable enough I suppose.

Having said that, the service also confirmed that Ill need two new front tyres quite soon. Had I bought them from Charters, it would have cost me another 600 for a premium brand. Ill be shopping around before making any decisions on that front.

Andrew.Golby@whatcar.com

Week ending April 6
Mileage: 21,087
Driven this week: 358

Peugeot 508 SW review

Its service time for the 508, after more than 20,000 miles. On Peugeots website it looked as if I might be able to book everything online, but it didnt quite work. All I was offered was an air-con check, which I dont need. So I phoned Charters in Aldershot and spoke to the service manager who cheerfully booked me in for next week.

Looks like it will cost 295, which is a little pricier than Id hoped, but when you consider the service intervals (the car wont be seen for another 20,000 miles after this), I guess its not so bad. The price also includes collection and return from home, and a full valet.

Andrew.Golby@whatcar.com