1989 Peugeot 405 DL 1.9 petrol

Summary:

I love the overall design purpose and execution of the 405

Faults:

Very little.

The engine underwent a Peugeot recall campaign (received new piston rings and valve guided seals) at 98K miles to eliminate a bit of excessive oil consumption. Never any engine or Bosch Motronic 1.3 injection problems. Still has original clutch and throw-out bearing.

Alternator brushes replaced at 65K miles.

Replaced cracking rubber shrouds on lower joints.

Replaced old cracking rubber brake hoses on all four corners, two years ago.

Original fuel pump, starter, injectors, water pump to the car.

A couple of small rust spots showing up here and there, but have contained them and prevented further spread.

Lost the A/C Freon years ago due to leaks somewhere in the piping lines. I didn't want to go through the work of tracking down the leak.

Original shocks (front and rear) to the car. I replaced the front shock absorber rubber pads years ago due to the aging condition of the rubber.

General Comments:

Fantastic design, if you ask me. I couldn't ask for a better combination of seating comfort, economy, reliability, ease of service, suspension ride/comfort and agility, roominess, driving position, reasonable acceleration performance, and overall pleasing sedan appearance.

I am a conservative/conscientious driver with a mechanical interest in cars. So, I assume this helps with keeping the car in good shape and in reducing failures, but this car, as well as my other two 405s (an automatic S and a Mi 16) is top notch in my experience. I plan to keep driving all of them until something catastrophic happens. This car fits me perfectly in size, purpose, and in design philosophy. Thanks, Peugeot!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th January, 2016

20th Jan 2016, 22:52

Would you happen to be Marty Karo by chance? If so, it's Steve from the old Rant n' Rave.

In reply to 20th Jan 2016, 22:52

21st Jan 2016, 14:19

I can't say that I am. My name is John... and I live in Lexington, KY.

24th Jan 2016, 03:57

Really neat review!!!

FYI -> drove one of these new with the automatic transmission -> DUD, subtract 1 forward range while keeping the ratio spread, add the parasitic drain of a hydraulic pump to actuate the internals, and say Hello To Slow :(

Enjoy the manual :)

3rd Aug 2025, 23:39

Great and very detailed review.

I'm not sure if the 405 was the last car Peugeot sold in North America; unfortunately, by the mid-90s, very few were actually seen.

I completely agree with what you say about the design: very beautiful and timeless, much better than many sedans of that era in the US.

Perhaps the 405 wasn't as solid as its predecessors, the 504 and 505, but its design was impressive.

1989 Peugeot 405 Mi16 1.9i

Faults:

Nothing major. It has been very reliable car.

General Comments:

The most fun car I have driven. I am now looking for one with Turbo engine cause I am hooked on the Mi16's speed and control. A true rally car and I've smoked every car I raced on the roads including Fords, Acura, and Subaru.

In the US people make fun of Peugeot, but that's due to ignorance and lack of appreciation to craftmanship (hence, the crappy american cars).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th October, 2005

14th Sep 2008, 03:09

I've got a Mi16 and I'm only a young kid. It is my second car after a Holden Commodore, and people are so ignorant and just don't understand Peugeot's.

The first comment is perfect.. lack of appreciation for craftsmanship. I just don't understand why people buy slush boxes and try tell tell me my car isn't a sports car, and it is no more sporty than a Commodore?

1989 Peugeot 405 MI16 1.9 Fuel Injection

Summary:

A great performer that should be still on the market to rival the Japanese

Faults:

The clutch broke, not worn out! At 130,000km.

Driver seat wears out where the seat belt rubs on it.

Replaced a CPU at 150,000km.

I keep burning out the distributor caps.

Replaced the fan blower twice and will have to be replaced soon.

Braking system does not last long enough.

I have to replace the switches for the power windows repeatedly.

General Comments:

When the car is running well, it is a great pleasure to drive. I used to push the car to the limits, but I have found that this is very costly. These days I take my time, and everything seems to be OK.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th December, 2002