Faults:

Oh, only parts that come into contact with air.

General Comments:

I have had three 205 GTis over the years.

The first blew up on the motorway, the second (a limited Sorrento green 1.9), which was a very nice car to look at and had full leather, only cost me ten pounds in repairs over two years. Until it became impossible to see out of the rear view mirror due to a mile long smoke screen pouring out of the exhaust, so that went.

Then recently I thought what the hell, I'll buy another, maybe it was just bad luck. This came in the form of a limited edition Miami blue 1.9, which was a very clean example with a tight gear shift (yes, I said tight gear shift). I have owned the car one month now, and it has well and truly done me over, and will never start in the mornings.

The list of problems with mine and many friends GTis is endless. I have come to the assumption that you cannot prolong death; these are old cars; however nice to look at and drive round the block, they will endeavor to be a constant drain on your cash, and therefore any so called "un-abused" or "never raced or rallied" GTis should be kept in museums and well out of my way! I never want to own one again.

I apologise to the people who dedicate many hours of hard labour into funding these creaky, tinny heaps of crap. I've had a trying life with many recent wintery mornings, stuck with no way to get to work.

Yours, hoping that in heaven there are no pugs. Lee Clarke, Solihull, West Mids.

Faults:

Brake servo failed.

Needed new rear wheel cylinders.

Reverse lights didn't work.

General Comments:

This was one of the earlier models and although it was quick and fun I will never have another for the road. (Can't rule out the track though)

The worst build quality ever. Made of tin foil, held together by mud and rust.

The interior was probably worse with cloth seats that ripped and wore if you looked at them too hard.

Also the thing leaked water in through the rear clusters every time it rained.

Smokey engine as well.

I of course did write mine off. Although I still insist that the brake servo failed.

Test: Push the brake pedal all the way to the floor. If when held tight there it still continues to creep to the floor the servo is gone. Also walk away if you here a hissing noise.

I coudln't recommend to anyone that you bought one. If you must get a low miles, end of the line, spotless 1.9Gti. Good luck finding one though.

Faults:

Exhaust decided to fall off in the Dartford tunnel.

Speedo drive failed and it was an absolute pig to replace. I since found out I put the wrong one in and so the dial reads slow!

It currently has a collapsing fuel pipe, and I can't replace it because it's been raining for a while.

Persistent oil leak.

General Comments:

Customise to look like a 1.6 GTi, with the alloy wheels and side mouldings.

Retro-fitted part leather interior from a 1.9 GTi.

GTi instrument panel (6 dial type).

Engine has minor tweaks to improve exhaust flow and breathing, and power up 5 BHP to 86, otherwise standard. Other things to come soon, I hope!

Quick, comfy and reliable. I'm over 6 feet tall, well built and can comfortably sit in the back of this tiny little French car!