1991 Peugeot 405 MI16 review from UK and Ireland

Sunroof glass blew out like an ejector seat due to worn guides @ 162,000 miles.

Sunroof cable guides corroded.

Exhaust manifold snapped @ 180,000 miles.

Exhaust back box replaced 3 times.

Rear axle replaced @ 179,000 miles.

Brake lines, 2 ABS sensors and all brake disks and pads replaced at least once.

Throttle housing replaced because gears inside were sticking @ 170,000 miles.

Idle speed valve replaced due to incompetent roadside assistance mechanic (see above)

Rotor arm exploded @ 172,000 miles so distributor replaced.

Starter motor replaced @ 175,000 miles.

Alternator replaced @ 174, 000 miles.

All wheel bearings replaced at least once.

All engine mounts replaced at least once. Apparently, they are not strong enough to withstand abuse, ie, a heavy right foot.

Both drive shafts including CV joints replaced at least once.

Headlamps and/or glass replaced due to pitting or dulling of reflectors at least once.

Heater fan squeaking so dismantled and rebuilt to eliminate noise.

Both headlamp washer motors replaced.

All consumables such as clutch and cable, gaskets, handbrake cable, bulbs, etc replaced as necessary.

These cars sound quite fragile although I REALLY abuse mine, possibly not the right thing to do in a 12 year old car with more miles on it than the starship Enterprise. It's just so much fun though. Maybe this is why my engine has started to clatter, sounding like piston slap. Another entry on my 'to fix' list.

They need to be driven hard to maintain decent progress on the twisty turny stuff and when pushed, the MI16 can reach 130mph on an open road in standard form, without breaking sweat.

A typical family saloon? No way. Good handling coupled with 160bhp can see off most other boy racer type cars when given a chance. Vauxhalls and VW's stand no chance, especially in a straight line drag. Watch out, the MI16 does attract a lot of attention from lads wanting to race, especially since you're only driving a supposedly slow 405.

It has a killer rep and always attracts positive comments from people in the know. Take yours to a garage and hear what I mean.

Whatever you do though, DO NOT take your Pug to a main dealer for servicing or repairs, they will have your teeth out. Find yourself a good parts supplier and a trustworthy, reasonably priced mechanic and watch your maintenance costs more than halve.

After all the above comments and associated costs, you'll no doubt be asking-Will he sort that engine noise out, that piston slap? YES and it'll be worth every penny.