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Peugeot 504: bodies, engines and what to know before buying
The Peugeot 504 is a rear-wheel-drive car introduced in 1968 and named European Car of the Year in 1969. This article looks at its body styles, engines, and what you need to know when buying a used 504.
Peugeot 504 in brief
The Peugeot 504 is renowned for its longevity and comfortable ride. It features rear-wheel drive and independent suspension, while the elegant design by Pininfarina remained modern for years.
A range of body styles were offered: sedan, estate (Break and Familiale), coupe, convertible, and pickup. The pickup was produced for many years in some countries, especially in Africa, making the model stand out with a long history.
Which version to choose
The sedan is the most practical and easiest to find. It's ideal for those wanting a classic with a comfortable interior and straightforward mechanics.
The coupe and convertible are more elegant and highly valued. They often come with a V6 engine, and the body design was created by Pininfarina. Estates and pickups are practical options, but they often show significant wear.
Engines and transmissions
The main petrol engines are four-cylinder, around 1.8 and 2.0 litres, with some versions featuring fuel injection (Ti). The coupe and convertible received a V6 engine. Diesel engines were also offered, known for their longevity.
The transmission is manual or automatic. The design is simple and robust, with parts and knowledge for repairs still available in Europe.
What to check when buying a used 504
Rust — the main enemy. Check the sills, wheel arches, front wings, floor, and boot floor. Even a car that looks healthy from the outside can have hidden damage.
Check the engine condition, oil leaks, gearbox operation, and suspension. Many 504s were used intensively, so pay close attention to the service history. For coupes and cabriolets — especially check the roof mechanism and V6 engine maintenance.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most commonly found trims in Europe.
504 sedanas
1968–1983Base version with a four-cylinder engine.
- Comfortable suspension
- Simple tech
- Often — manual gearbox
504 Ti
Injection versionSportier version with fuel injection.
- More powerful engine with injection
- Sportier driving
- Often — more luxurious equipment
504 dyzelis
From the 1970sAn economical and long-lasting choice.
- Diesel engine
- Lower fuel consumption
- Slower acceleration
504 Break / Familiale
estatePractical estate body styles.
- Spacious boot
- Familiale — more seating
- Ideal for families
504 Coupé
coupeElegant two-door coupe.
- Pininfarina design
- Often — V6 engine
- Rarer version
504 Cabriolet
convertibleOpen body with a distinctive style.
- Pininfarina design
- Often — V6 engine
- Highly prized by collectors
Comparing Peugeot 504 versions
| Sedanas | Ti | Break | Coupé / Cabriolet | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For the classic daily driver | For more dynamic driving | For practical use | For those who appreciate elegance |
| Body | Sedanas | Sedanas | Estate | Coupe / convertible |
| Engine | Four-cylinder | With fuel injection | Four-cylinder | Often V6 |
| Ease of maintenance | Average | Difficult | Average | Difficult |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | €€ | € | €€€ |
For most buyers, the best choice is a well-maintained sedan or estate. Coupes and convertibles are for those who prioritise style and uniqueness.
Pros
- Long-lasting construction and comfortable suspension
- Simple, easily serviceable technology
- Elegant Pininfarina design
- Wide range of body styles
Cons
- Rust is the main issue
- Safety and comfort lag behind modern cars
- Coupes and convertibles are quite expensive
Frequently asked questions
How renowned is the Peugeot 504?
It's famed for its robustness, comfortable ride, and long production history. It was named European Car of the Year in 1969.
Is the Peugeot 504 suitable for daily use?
A well-maintained example can work, but it falls short of modern cars in terms of safety and comfort. It's often bought as a classic.
Which 504 version is the best?
Most buyers will be happy with the sedan or estate. The coupé and cabriolet are prized for their style, while the diesel is valued for its longevity and economy.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
