Car shopper purchases secondhand Peugeot 508 SW for towing purposes
The Peugeot 508 SW is no doubt a head-turner on the road, boasting a stylish design and certain swagger. But what about its performance, particularly when it comes to towing and daily use? Let'
s dive in and find out if this vehicle lives up to the hype.
Is this Peugeot a reliable tow car for caravans? The best tow cars should deliver stability, reliability, and a cozy interior. Let's take a closer look at the 508 SW.
How does the used Peugeot 508 SW handle the road?
The turbocharged 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel engine is a solid choice for towing, although a 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel took over in 2021. While the newer variant offers better fuel economy, its towing capacity isn't quite as powerful as the older model.
The 2.0-litre engine generates 295 lb-ft of torque when paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing for quick acceleration when towing. It excels at dealing with hill starts, thanks to an electronic handbrake.
Cruising down the motorway, stability is rock-solid, and the vehicle easily maintains a constant speed—perfect traits to look for when searching for the best used car for towing a caravan.
When you're not towing, the 508 SW is relatively quiet and handles safely, although the ride may feel a bit firm at times. Improving the steering's responsiveness can be achieved by switching to Sport mode, and the light steering assists maneuverability in tight spots. Economy-wise, it averages 42.2-51.1 mpg with an estimated 29 mpg when towing.
Inside the used Peugeot 508 SW
As with most Peugeots, the 508's dashboard is slightly eccentric, known as i-Cockpit. Drivers face a small steering wheel and view digital instruments over the top of it, which can be challenging for shorter drivers. However, the front seats sit high to compensate for this.
Despite the lofty seating position, there's reasonable headroom and legroom for those up front, with plenty of adjustment for the driving position once you're accustomed to the low-set steering wheel. In the back, headroom is fair, but legroom is tighter than expected—a disappointment considering estate cars are commonly chosen for their spacious interiors.
Space is what estate cars are all about, with their bigger boots. The 508's offers a respectable 530 liters of cargo space when the rear seats are up, expandable to 1780 liters when they're folded down. While it doesn't lead the pack, its back seat folds flat with a simple pull of the levers, making loading a breeze.
Equipment-wise, the 508 is well-appointed, regardless of the trim level. Entry-level models come with dual-zone climate control, alloy wheels, and rear parking sensors. A good caravan navigation system can elevate your towing experience. Top trims boast extra features such as heated seats, part-leather upholstery, LED lights, sports seats, an electric tailgate, and adaptive suspension.
What can the used Peugeot 508 SW tow?
- Kerbweight: 1575 kg
- Towing limit: 1800 kg
- Noseweight limit: 70 kg
A closer look at running costs
- Insurance group: 30
- Annual VED: £180
- Average economy: 51.1 mpg
- Service prices: Interim/full service - £168/£218, provided by Servicing Stop (0844 324 5262)
Trouble spots
Although the second-generation 508 SW has had fewer recalls compared to some of its competitors, it has still been issued a few recalls due to software updates, faulty batteries, incorrectly tightened bolts, and the potential risk of cracks in the diesel particulate filter. For a full list of recalls, visit check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
Pricing
- High: £28,995 - 2022 1.5 BlueHDi GT Premium, 13,000 miles
- Sweet spot: £18,700 - 2019 2.0 BlueHDi GT Line, 30,500 miles
- Low: £11,300 - 2019 1.6 PureTech Allure, 104,000 miles
Final thoughts
The Peugeot 508 SW delivers a practical and well-equipped towing experience. The stable handling, sensibly sized boot (albeit not the biggest), and user-friendly interior make it a strong choice for those towing medium-sized caravans. While it doesn't have as much room for passengers as some competitors, its style and capabilities make up for it.
Looking for another Peugeot model? Check out my thoughts on the used Peugeot 2008 MK1 - an attractive choice for those not planning to tow heavyweights.
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Written by: EuanDoig
- The Peugeot 508 SW's finance options make it an appealing choice, given its strong towing capabilities and stylish lifestyle appeal.
- With a towing limit of 1800 kg and a noseweight limit of 70 kg, the Peugeot 508 SW is well-equipped to handle medium-sized caravans.
- The used Peugeot 508 SW is not just about performance and technology; it also excels in daily use, with its comfortable interior and user-friendly features enhancing overall lifestyle appeal.
