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The 508 never set the standards by which other cars were judged, but it is competent, safe, affordable to buy and run and has the potential to provide cash-conscious motorists with transport for years to come.
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Comfort is the name of the game, but at least that makes it a relatively relaxing cruiser on long runs.
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Those who place fuel economy above all other considerations should seek out the 1.6-litre diesel engine with the stop-start system and automatic gearbox, as it returns up to 64mpg. The most frugal petrol unit, also a 1.6-litre, managed 45mpg, while road tax across the range is pleasingly low.
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Inside, the dashboard and driver’s environment is conservative with a capital C. Aside from a few splashes of chrome-effect trim, the interior could belong to any French, Korean or Japanese car from the same era.
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The saloon version of the 508 offers 473-litres of luggage space, which is quite a way down on the 540-litre boot of the Ford Mondeo or 586-litre boot of the VW Passat.
