Used Peugeot 508 SW 2011-2018 review

What's the used Peugeot 508 like?

The increase in popularity of SUVs, with their raised ride heights, chunky looks and practical load areas, has put the traditional family estate under siege. So, how do the makers of these compete? By sculpting them to look less like boxes on wheels and make them more stylish, as evidenced by the Peugeot 508 SW.

The rear of the 508 SW tapers down significantly, which is much more elegant than the rather acute angles of past estates. This does limit the boot's overall load-carrying capacity, though – a wardrobe won’t really fit. But unless you run a removals firm, that probably won't be too much of an issue on a day-to-day basis.

Overview

Sleek styling sets the Peugeot 508 SW apart from its rivals, and its low prices and efficient engines add financial appeal

Pros

• Low running costs
• Good interior space
• Comfortable on the motorway

Cons

• Firm ride
• Rear leg room isn’t huge
• Small boot

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Peugeot 508

1.5 BlueHDi GT Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,671

Peugeot 508 SW

1.5 BlueHDi GT Line EAT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,699

Peugeot 508 SW

1.5 BlueHDi Allure EAT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,495

Peugeot 508 SW

1.5 BlueHDi GT EAT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,795

Peugeot 508 Sw

1.6 11.8kWh Allure Premium e-EAT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,995

Peugeot 508 SW

1.5 BlueHDi GT Line EAT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,360

Peugeot 508 SW

1.5 BlueHDi Allure Premium EAT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,895

Peugeot 508 SW

1.6 11.8kWh GT e-EAT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,989

Peugeot 508 SW

1.5 BlueHDi Allure EAT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£9,995

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The 508 SW's driving experience is markedly better than that of its predecessor, the 407 SW, although it needs to be because the market has moved on considerably since that car was new. It isn’t quite as aloof to drive as the Volkswagen Passat Estate, but it can’t quite match the Ford Mondeo Estate or the BMW 3 Series Touring for overall involvement. However, its turn-in on the way into a corner is quite sharp and its body movements are kept nicely in check. Unfortunately, though, the 508 SW tends to shudder over small surface imperfections and its ride is quite firm around town, whereas its rivals manage to soak up all but the worst of imperfections.

There are petrol and diesel models to choose from, and even a diesel-electric hybrid version. We don't recommend the latter, though, because it has an automated manual gearbox, which isn’t as good as a traditional automatic, and despite the electric assistance, running costs aren’t significantly better than the normal diesel's.

Aside from the hybrid, fuel economy for the rest of the range is very good, meeting or exceeding the figures of rivals. Road tax costs are also low, which is good news if you're watching the pennies.

Read on for the full used review of the Peugeot 508 SW.

Ownership cost

What used Peugeot 508 will I get for my budget?

Thanks to some heavy depreciation, you can now pick up an early 2011 Peugeot 508 SW diesel with a high mileage for just £3500. If you spend a bit more, there are plenty of lowe- mileage examples in mid-range spec for £7500. The overwhelming majority of used 508 SWs for sale are diesels. If this doesn’t fit your driving habits, it might be worth looking at rivals such as the Skoda Octavia Estate, because they're available with petrol engines in greater numbers.

The 508 SW was facelifted in mid-2014, and you'll need to spend around £11,000 to get one of those with less than 40,000 miles.

Our recommendations

Which used Peugeot 508 should I buy?

You'll be lucky to find a petrol-powered 508 SW, so if you need a non-diesel estate, we’d recommend you look for big-booted versions of the Skoda Octavia, Ford Mondeo or Volkswagen Passat instead; you're more likely to find one of those powered by fuel from the green pump.

Of the diesels that are available, go for the superior economy of the 1.6 HDi. While it might take longer to get up to speed than the larger 2.0-litre, the 508 SW isn’t exactly a driver’s car, and the smaller engine is quieter once up to speed.

Access trim comes with air conditioning, electric windows front and rear and an electronic stability programme.

Spend a bit more and get an Active version, though, because this adds cruise control, climate control and alloy wheels.

If that’s not enough for you, the Allure has partial leather trim, heated seats and parking sensors.

GT, meanwhile, adds sat-nav and full-leather seats, with electric adjustment for driver and passenger. We reckon both of these versions are a little pricey for what you get, mind you.

Our favourite Peugeot 508 SW: 1.6 HDi Active

Alternatives

What alternatives should I consider to a used Peugeot 508?

This is where the case for the 508 SW falls flat. It might be cheaper than its rivals to buy, but for a little more money you can get yourself into some much more talented rivals.

The biggest of these is the Ford Mondeo Estate, both in terms of how much of a challenger it is and its sheer size. Its boot makes the Peugeot’s look tiny, and space for rear seat passengers is vast, which is one of many reasons taxi firms love the Mondeo. The 2.0-litre diesel is refined, punchy and efficient, and there will be thousands to choose from at any time, so finding a good one will be easy.

The Volkswagen Passat Estate is the refined choice for those who can’t quite get into a BMW 3 Series Touring or Audi A4 Avant but want something with a bit more class than a Mondeo or Vauxhall Insignia. There is an excellent range of petrol and diesel engines, and it's brilliant on a long motorway cruise.

The Skoda Octavia Estate has space in spades. Its boot can fit anything you want into it (short of a blue whale) and it uses many of the same engines as the Passat. That means there’s an Octavia to suit all budgets and driving styles. It may not be all that stylish inside, but it is well made and well equipped.

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