About the Peugeot 508 SW
Launched in 2011, the Peugeot 508 SW replaced the 407 SW as the brand's flagship estate. The first generation (2011-2018) offered practical load space, comfortable ride quality and competitive running costs, though interior quality lagged behind German rivals. The second generation, arriving in 2019, transformed the 508 SW with striking styling, a premium cabin featuring Peugeot's i-Cockpit layout, and advanced driver assistance systems. Both generations provide generous boot capacity of 530 litres (1,780 litres with seats folded), making them popular with families and business users alike.
Engine options have included 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol units, plus 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesel engines, with the BlueHDi diesels proving particularly popular for their economy and refinement. The second-generation model introduced plug-in hybrid variants combining a 1.6 petrol engine with electric motor for up to 30 miles of electric range. Trim levels have varied from Active and Allure through to GT and GT-Line, with higher specifications offering features like panoramic sunroofs, adaptive cruise control and premium sound systems.
What Affects the Price of a Used Peugeot 508 SW
Age and generation: First-generation models (2011-2018) now start from around £5,000 for early high-mileage examples, whilst second-generation cars (2019 onwards) command £18,000-£25,000. The styling and quality leap between generations significantly impacts values.
Mileage: Lower mileage examples attract premiums, particularly for diesel variants which were often used as company cars and can show high annual mileage. Cars under 30,000 miles typically command 20-30% more than equivalent high-mileage examples.
Fuel type: Diesel models, especially the 2.0 BlueHDi, remain popular and hold value well due to their economy and torque. Plug-in hybrid versions carry a premium but appeal to tax-conscious buyers. Petrol models are less common and can offer good value.
Specification: GT and GT-Line trims with features like leather upholstery, navigation, reversing cameras and larger alloy wheels add £1,500-£3,000 to values. Full service history is essential, particularly evidence of cambelt changes on older engines.
Tips for Buying a Used Peugeot 508 SW
Check service history: Ensure the cambelt has been replaced at the recommended intervals (typically 100,000 miles or 10 years) on older diesel engines. Missing services can lead to expensive failures. Verify oil changes have been completed annually on BlueHDi engines to prevent DPF and turbo issues.
Inspect electronics: Test all infotainment functions, parking sensors, and the i-Cockpit digital display on second-generation models. Some owners report software glitches requiring dealer updates. Check the panoramic sunroof (if fitted) operates smoothly without creaking.
Examine suspension and steering: Listen for knocks from front suspension over bumps, as drop links and anti-roll bar bushes can wear. The small steering wheel on newer models takes adjustment but shouldn't feel loose. Check for uneven tyre wear indicating alignment issues.
Diesel particulate filter: On diesel models, ensure the DPF warning light isn't illuminated. Cars used mainly for short journeys may suffer blocked DPFs requiring expensive replacement. A test drive including motorway speeds helps confirm regeneration capability.
Hybrid battery health: For plug-in hybrid variants, verify the electric range matches expectations (around 25-30 miles when fully charged). Check charging cables are present and request evidence of battery health checks during services.