Clock around 21-06-2023 Peugeot 508 2.0 HDi Hybrid4 – 2012 – 461,448 km – Clock around This hybrid Peugeot 508 Hybrid4 from 2012 still looks new. Still, the 508 has its mileage… 13

When Dennis and his son Sven drive up to Soesterberg at the agreed time, not only the good external condition of his 508 is striking, but we also realize that you rarely come across this model anymore. The SW slightly more often. “I very consciously chose the sedan. It looks a bit sportier and drives as such. I do not like the station wagon of all cars. I keep the inside and outside nice and clean, I don’t like driving a dirty car. It’s my business card.”

508 logical successor Peugeot 407 2.0 HDi

Dennis is regularly told that he has a nice car. His previous one was a Peugeot 407 with the two-litre HDi diesel engine. Then the 508 is a logical successor. The first few years, Dennis was able to drive it with a 14 percent addition. “The hybrid system is quite fun and sometimes I drive a few kilometers electrically in built-up areas when the battery is almost full,” he says. “On the other hand, it has caused disruptions several times. Some things were replaced under warranty. In the ten years that I have it now, the maintenance costs have not been excessive, I think.” The Peugeot dealer in Zwolle does all the maintenance. They know the car like no other and that is an advantage in Dennis’ eyes. “Not so long ago he had a good deal on the head; the clutch was broken.”

Hybrid system malfunction Hybrid4

We receive the printed maintenance history from Dennis and when we look into it, it is indeed striking that there was a malfunction in the hybrid system every now and then. Toyota has really mastered that trick. The 508 has a rather special hybrid system. First of all because it is a diesel. In addition, the extra electric motor is on the rear axle, hence the type name Hybrid4. After all, this 508 has four-wheel drive and a lot of torque with 500 Nm. The two-litre HDI has a good reputation and lives up to it once again. The power is transferred to the front wheels via a robotized six-speed gearbox and that does not appear to work badly at all, says judge Joep Schuurman. “Normally these boxes are not a joy to drive, but in this case the drive force from the rear electric motor compensates for the jerky behavior of the transmission, making it feel like a normal automatic. That did not disappoint me at all. It usually starts with the starter-generator, which is connected to the crankshaft with a strong belt. Therefore, that belt has a strict service interval and must be checked at every turn and replaced if necessary. I understand from the owner that this has always been done on time and indeed the belt does not look worn.”

Consumption 508 Hybrid4 is disappointing

Dennis makes his miles as an independent entrepreneur in the shoe industry. “I’m going to Italy again next week and again a month later. On such journeys, the 508 really comes into its own, although consumption is disappointing. In practice, that is almost twice as high as in the folder.” Nevertheless, Dennis can usually drive a tank for a week if he only visits customers in the Netherlands. Fortunately for him, diesel prices have returned to somewhat normal levels. Dennis says he sometimes uses the rotary knob of the Hybrid4 system. “The sport mode is fun, then it is very fast. While on holiday in Slovenia we got into trouble on a small road and had to reverse back. Then the four-wheel drive came in very handy.”

Tires and clutch last a long time

With a set of tires it lasts above average and according to the garage, the clutch also lasted a long time. Dennis suspects that this is a positive effect of the electric motor. “It helps to get away from a standstill. I also make a lot of kilometers on the highway. And then suddenly you are more than ten years further and the counter is almost at 500,000.” He will probably reach that position sometime next year. Then he considers a successor. “It will be another car in this category. Maybe the current 508, which is very nice. Hopefully the maintenance costs will not be too bad in the coming year. I still have to recover from the last bill.”

What’s wrong with it?

● The front wiper blades are mediocre ● The chassis is very firm over short bumps, but a bit too soft over bigger bumps● The engine is leaking oil

● The front brake discs are rusted on the inside

● The parking brake cables have worn through one of the mounting eyes

This is the opinion of Carrec Technocenter

“Despite the mileage, the 508 looks neat inside and out and everything in the engine compartment is also spic and span. The powertrain works well and even that robotized box performed better than expected. It is a pity that the shock absorbers at the front are not good, otherwise I would certainly have given two thumbs up.”