1989 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

After owning the car for 2 months, the rear suspension bearings collapsed, requiring a whole new rear subframe and suspension layout - EXPENSIVE!! Apart from this, 2 driveshafts, brake discs and shocks were caused by general wear and tear.

Ignition, electrics and fuel injection have all been trouble-free!

All in all, very reliable, starts well and goes well, despite creaks and clangs from the front suspension.

General Comments:

Despite requiring a new suspension layout for the back (apparently a common Peugeot 106/205/306 problem) I have found it to be more reliable than I expected for a French car.

The engine is fantastic, it pulls well from low revs and in the right conditions it is a delight to drive. However, motorway and long distance driving is unpleasant as the engine and exhaust are very noisey and the low gearing makes you feel as though you are thrashing it at 80mph. Fuel economy at these speeds? DON'T EVEN ASK!!

I don't think the 205 GTi is all it is cracked up to be though, having driven one, I think the 106 trounces it completely, there is no way I would attempt to drive the 205 like I did the 106.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd December, 1999

1989 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Bought 3 years old with genuine 15,000.

No problems for 4 years - 60,000 then new drive shafts.

OK 'till 90,000 then new starter motor, new drive shafts again, engine overhall (£1,300), brake master cylinder and steering rack.

Sold at 108,000 needing new steering rack (crap pattern part like first drive shafts) and two new front calipers.

General Comments:

Great cars to drive - there's always more power if you bury your right foot deeper. Handling is great too but tiring on a long journey. But they don't take the miles well - stay away from anything over 70,000 or learn DIY mechanics. Body work excellent, fuel economy OK for a performance car (30-37MPG).

Not quiet and darned noisey about 70MPH (do 80 and it gets quieter - honest Mr Policeman). Don't fit a Quick Fit exhaust system unless you are deaf. Had it for 6 years and sold it at 108,000.

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

Review Date: 8th November, 1999

1989 Peugeot 205 XLD 1.7 diesel from France

General Comments:

220,000 km on it, never had any engine problems with it, always starts right away. Gets 44 mpg. The engine will run forever.

Acceleration is flimsy (60hp), but I appreciate the diesel's torque for I live in a mountainous area: kicks butt uphill. Tow boats every now and then.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th May, 1999

1989 Peugeot 205 GRD 1.8 diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Front discs (2 sets in 127K miles).

Radiator at 110K miles.

Eats front tyres (they only last about 20K).

2 sets of glow plugs.

New clutch at 90K miles.

General Comments:

Has been very reliable, absolutely NO RUST. Paint work is very good but you have to look after it. Many others I have seen have very poor almost matt paint. Problem with front tyre wear not cured despite many checks of tracking (which is always OK!).

Just showing it's age a little now.

Only let me down a couple of times, due to glow plugs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st December, 1998