Faults:

2 CV joints/driveshafts.

2 track rod ends.

CV boot.

2 sets of brake pads.

Starter motor.

Alternator.

Ignition module.

Distributor cap.

Alarm.

Heater blower.

General Comments:

I bought this car after reading good reviews from friends. However once I'd purchased it the first roundabout produced a grumbling CV joint. £140 later I had a whole new shaft. 1 month later the other side did it. Then the car didn't start. Broke down on the motorway!! Nice. Had to have two track rod ends fitted.

The car was great to drive but the problems with it added to French part costs led me to get shot of it.

Get a good one and get it checked out by the AA or whoever. Better to be safe than as sorry as I was!

Faults:

Gear linkage bolt came loose.

Front discs needed replacing.

Mid exhaust box replaced.

General Comments:

The 205 XS provides an insurance loop-hole, allowing younger drivers to experience astounding performance from a car they can afford. I've had mine for a year and a half and it's only been in the garage twice since I bought it! The XS will keep up with a 1.6 GTI up to 60mph where its big brother will utilise its mid-range muscle. Apart from lacking some GTI trim elements, the XS sports a GTI bumper, giving it a menacing look from the front.

The interior is also modelled on the GTI but the seats by my reckoning are more comfortable, keeping you in place, especially when driving like a lunatic!

My only complaint is the loss of leaded petrol in the UK. Put a full tank of leaded in one of these babies and you really do notice how much more responsive the car can be!

If you're looking for an quick and insurable car, look no further!

Faults:

Initially when I bought the car there was a lot of work to be done - this included new engine mounts (due to the previous owner having a field day wheel spinning the car!). This is a common problem, so watch out when buying. Have also spent £700 repairing engine problems, this involved mainly changing warn gaskets.

Since the initial problems were sorted, I had about half-a-year of trouble free motoring, but then the handbrake cable, front/rear brake pipes, CV joint, exhaust and eventually the front pads and rear shoes needed to be replaced! Overall since buying the car I have spent £1500 on repairs over 2 years but most of this was needed as soon as I bought the car!

General Comments:

My previous car before the Pug was a Metro and I can tell you that the XS is like a Ferrari compared to it! I couldn't afford the insurance of a GTi so I opted for the next best thing - the XS! It has superb performance and will beat anything on the road with the same engine size or less (that doesn't include a turbo or injection!).

I have added 1.9 GTi alloys to my Pug and this has increased the car's road holding ability.

One thing you must look out for if you want an XS is 'Has it been well looked after?' Make sure it is checked out before you buy anything because this can be costly as I have found out - you may have to pay a little more but it will definitely pay off in the long run.