Faults:

Over time it began to leak oil; something quite common in cars over 20 years old.

Corrosion and rust on the doors and roof.

It had carbon buildup problems within the first few miles of being purchased.

A couple of times the engine overheated due to poor radiator bleeding affecting the cylinder head.

The brakes wore out at 100,000 miles.

The clutch also wore out before 80,000 miles and was replaced.

No other significant faults, just maintenance. It's true that spare parts weren't as cheap as those for other brands like Ford or Vauxhall, but I don't consider it an expensive car to maintain.

General Comments:

During the entire time I owned it, I can only speak highly of the car.

Its ride is typical of Peugeots of its era, inheriting much from the 505. It drives with complete smoothness and is extremely easy to handle. My son learned to drive in this car. It's so comfortable and maneuverable that he learned in no time.

I sold it less than 10 years ago, but it's still a perfectly practical and usable car today. Back in the '90s, it was way ahead of its competition (Sierra, Cavalier, R21, etc.). The SRi featured ABS brakes, power windows on all 4 doors, a sunroof, air conditioning and power steering, among many other accessories that made it a luxury car.

Mechanically, the car perfectly combined reliability and modernity. It had all the best qualities of an older car and was the perfect transition to cars from the year 2000 onward.

While fuel consumption wasn't low, it wasn't high either, at least compared to my previous Cavalier. Although I can't make an exact comparison, I estimate that the SRI consumed less than the SR and GR versions, and also had more power.

The 405 is a true gem from the 90s, one of the last great sedans from Peugeot, an era that sadly no longer exists, but which I was lucky enough to experience.

Faults:

Lots of wear and tear parts replaced as expected with mileage, but never any major faults or breakdowns. Keep these cars serviced on time and they return with reliability.

General Comments:

In my 48 years of motoring, this 405 I had a while ago still remains one of the most economical and reliable cars I ever had.

1.9 diesel was slow but did around 50 mpg; in the 1990's it never got any better than that.

The car was OK to drive, nothing special, but got you where you wanted to go.

Nice looking exterior. My car was bright red. Inside was nice also, comfy seats, lots of space. Large practical family vehicle.

Scrapped at 20 years old with nearly 200K on it, I say it done me well, I do miss this car.

Faults:

Battery and starter motor (consumables in my opinion - it's 22 years old!!!)

General Comments:

This car is probably the best car I have owned. If I take away my snob view of it and think about what I really want from a vehicle - this car ticks all the boxes.

Bought early 2015, after looking for one for sometime, mine is not in great visual nick, but mechanically it's amazing. I bought it to dip my toe in the water with regards to 405s. I have to tell you this car is amazing, it runs on fumes (amazing MPG) and the reliability is superb. The seats are the best in any mainstream car I have owned, and it's pleasant to drive. It won't win any glamour awards, but as stated, if you want a car purely for reliability, you can't go wrong.

I have decided to buy another because of my car's beat up looks and no other reason - so I will move this one on as it has 220,000 miles on clock, yes you read it right - and it doesn't miss a beat, even starts off the key.

It's a shame Peugeot don't make cars of this quality anymore; it really is a big load lugger with brilliant reliability.