Peugeot 605 Buying Guide

A Peugeot 605 should be inspected by engine and transmission rather than by the amount of leather in the advert. Confirm the offered Peugeot 605 matches its paperwork, then book an inspection that covers its construction and fitted equipment.

I used Jonathan Crouch RAC Peugeot 605 review when preparing this November 7, 2026 guide. Those sources describe the model engineering and historical context, not every surviving chassis. So, the checks below turn that background into questions for a seller and a workshop; they do not assign a failure rate or current market value.

Choose the 605 engine before comparing running costs

A Peugeot 605 should be inspected by engine and transmission rather than by the amount of leather in the advert. RAC describes four-cylinder petrol, V6 and turbo-diesel versions with different performance and equipment. Ask for engine identification, service records and the original market. Have a Peugeot specialist quote the maintenance due on that actual unit. The review is dated 2005, so its old parts prices and bargain-car language cannot establish a sensible repair reserve for a surviving example today.

Demonstrate every electrical convenience feature

Electrical equipment needs a deliberate stationary test before the road test begins. RAC describes early connector problems and recommends testing windows, locks, mirrors and the sunroof. Use each fitted function with the seller and write down intermittent faults as well as complete failures. Ask the workshop to diagnose supply, wiring and component problems before promising a cheap replacement switch. A battery reset or a cleared warning message does not establish that the underlying fault has been repaired.

Ask for belt evidence and engine-specific diagnosis

The engine file needs actual maintenance invoices rather than a neat stamp book alone. RAC warns about cambelt maintenance on the two-litre petrol and manifold trouble on V6 cars. Ask a specialist to compare the fitted engine with its current applicable service instructions and inspect the manifold if symptoms suggest a problem. Arrange cold and warm running checks and a leak inspection. Do not copy an old mileage interval into a maintenance plan without checking time limits and the exact engine specification.

Inspect the cabin and road behaviour after warm-up

A comfortable ride should be assessed alongside brakes, tyres and transmission operation. RAC describes the 605 as a strong cruiser but also warns about slipping clutches and ageing trim. Have the mechanic distinguish worn components from the normal character of the car during a controlled drive. Test the heater and ventilation and look for moisture beneath accessible carpets. Make a list of damaged trim and missing fittings before the offer, because a cheap executive car can become difficult to finish if the correct parts cannot be located.

Put the identity and import file beside the inspection

The physical chassis identifier must agree with the sale documents before a report is ordered. Use our VIN identity checks to organise that comparison and our imported-car report guide to understand why foreign history may be thin. Ask for original registration, import and ownership papers as applicable. NMVTIS offers a U.S. title-history route with defined coverage; it does not certify a bespoke build or replace foreign records. A fake PDF can disguise an ownership gap, so verify evidence through the issuing source rather than accepting a seller screenshot.

Agree the specialist work before leaving a deposit

Tell the shop which version and components it will see, then agree lift access, a controlled road test and a written description of limitations. Our pre-purchase inspection checklist helps frame the appointment, while NYC used-car guidance recommends an independent mechanic. Ask the specialist to separate immediate safety work from cosmetic preferences and optional upgrades. Look, a repair estimate is useful only if a supplier will actually provide the required part. Have the shop obtain a response for any known missing item.

Keep the offer conditional on the findings you care about. Put any seller repair promise in the purchase agreement. If the workshop cannot establish structural condition or a route to a needed safety part, defer the deal rather than inventing a discount. The final decision should reflect the documented car and your intended use, not a figure copied from a launch story.

We are a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller, not affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck or Experian. Wholesale reports cost a few dollars; confirm current coverage and the total at checkout. A quiet report can miss unreported repairs. Keep the independent inspection even if the seller sends an impressive PDF.

Sources

• Jonathan Crouch RAC Peugeot 605 review
• U.S. DOJ NMVTIS
• NYC used-car buying guidance