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Peugeot 605: a French luxury saloon, engines and trims
Peugeot 605 (1989–1999) — a large executive saloon that was Peugeot's flagship for many years. We look at the engines, trims and what to check when buying this older, now collector's item.
605 in brief
The Peugeot 605 was Peugeot's answer to the more luxurious German saloon class. The car offered plenty of space inside, smooth driving and a comfortable ride, while the design was understated and elegant.
The model was produced once with updates, its main sales period being the 1990s. Today, it's a rare car, mostly appreciated by collectors and classic car enthusiasts.
What to know about the trims
Throughout its production run, the choice of engines and equipment changed, so always check the specific car's trim by its documents and interior.
Since this is an older car, the most important thing is its condition, lack of body corrosion and whether all the electronics work. The choice in the market is very limited.
Engines and gearboxes
Petrol engines — 2.0-litre (including turbo versions) and 3.0 V6, with the latter producing around 190hp in the 24-valve version. The V6 is quieter and more powerful, but it drinks more fuel and is pricier to maintain.
Diesels — 2.1 and 2.5 turbodiesels, which are suitable for longer drives and more economical. Their availability depends on the year and market.
Gearbox — manual or automatic.
What to check when buying a used 605
Check the body for rust, especially the sills, wheel arches and underside. Test the electrics: windows, central locking, air conditioning, heating and lighting.
For V6 engines, check the history of the timing belt change, and for diesels, the condition of the turbocharger and fuel system. Ask for the full service history.
Test drive the car and brakes, and try out the automatic gearbox. Interior trim and seat details can be hard to find, so choose the best-preserved car.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most commonly found names in Europe.
SR
1989–1999Base trim with good-quality equipment.
- Often — power steering
- Often — central locking
- Often — electric windows
SV
1989–1999Higher comfort version.
- Often — air conditioning or climate control
- Often — leather interior
- Often — alloy wheels
SV 24
part of the production runThe top-of-the-range version with the 3.0 V6 24V engine.
- 3.0 V6 24V engine, around 190 hp
- Often — packed with comfort features
- Often — alloy wheels
Comparing versions
| SR | SV | SV 24 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For daily driving | For comfort | For enthusiasts |
| Wheels (usually) | 15-inch | 15–16-inch | 16-inch |
| Interior | More basic | More comfortable | Most luxurious |
| Engine | 2.0, 2.1 TD, 2.5 TD | 2.0 turbo, 3.0 V6 | 3.0 V6 24V |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € | €€ |
In the case of this older model, the price largely depends on condition. Most buyers will be happy with a well-maintained SR or SV with a 2.0 turbo or diesel engine, while the V6 is for enthusiasts prepared for bigger outlays.
Pros
- Spacious, comfortable interior
- Smooth driving and good handling
- Elegant design
- Rare, valued by collectors
Cons
- Hard to find a car in good condition
- Finding parts and interior details can be challenging
- Old cars often have electrical and corrosion issues
Frequently asked questions
Is the Peugeot 605 reliable?
This is an old car whose reliability heavily depends on its maintenance history and condition. A well-maintained 605 can be a long-term keeper, but expect electrical and corrosion problems.
Which engine is the best?
Many opt for the 2.0 turbo or diesel engine for simplicity. The V6 might be more enjoyable to drive, but it's more expensive to maintain.
Is it hard to find parts for the 605?
Some mechanical parts are still available, but finding interior trim and electronic components can take time. Before buying, check with a service center or club.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
