One rear shock absorber "died" with 40.000 km.
Problems with some overheating, changed the temperature valve and the thermostat, got better, but not enough.
Problems with the brakes as well.
Very easy to drive, very comfortable, especially on rough roads, economical but not very reliable.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 22nd July, 2000
1.9 Amazing, 1.9 16v Breathtaking
Gasket on manifold 3 times.
Drive shafts, both sides.
The best thing I ever did was to have an Mi16 engine conversion. Although the original 1.9 130 BHP engine was quick, it never quite matched the amazing handling, although it was still quicker than my GTE. The Mi16 engine should have been an original item to turn the 205 into the all time ultimate 160 BHP hot hatch.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th June, 2000
The original engine wasn't fast enough? blimey! I only lost a few traffic light races in my bog-standard 1.9 8v!
You're right that the handling far out-performed the engine, but that's not a criticism of the engine, it's praise of one of the best suspension set-ups ever engineered; better that some Lotus and certainly better than the MR2 I bought to replace it.
I've had my 205 Mi16 for 3 years now and it still puts a large grin on my face when I put the foot down. I have yet to meet a car that would out-perform it.
I bought an Impreza Turbo recently, but I couldn't bring myself to sell the 205. The performance of the 205 is scary. The satisfaction you get when you waste other quick cars in the 205 is addictive.
This car will be a rare, highly desirable classic in a few years - so build yours now!
Awesome Super car performance for hot hatch money, I've had my 205 mi16 for a year now and have taken on everything from porsches to cosworths and given them a run for there money.
Will never sell this car its just stupidly fast and if you haven't got one then get one!
A nippy, cheap to run and maintain dream
Nothing much to speak of. New brake pads at 37,000. A few handbrake adjustments, nothing major. Still in perfect condition, no rust or wear/tear. Needed new rubber axle gator at 36,000 - about £3.50!
No back speakers though - need some sound!
An excellent car all round, if somewhat lacking in power. I'd definitely recommend this car to a friend.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th May, 2000
Needed a new airflow meter (£400+vat) :-(
Inch's of water in the passanger footwell and glove box :-(
Don't turnover when key is turned (just Hummms?).
General wear and big air. :-)
When my car does start and all the water is pumped out it's the best car I ever owned
All the body work is in A1 condition and I love it to bits.
It handles like a Tie-Fighter on rails.
The engine is a little tatty and old (well thrashed) but some £2000 on a fully reconditioned Mi16 conversion will sort that out.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 24th January, 1999
I love 205GTi's, but water can be a problem! Try checking the scuttle panel, remove the plastic panel from under the windscreen, check each side of the scuttle, there should be a hole at each end. If they get blocked water can run into the heater vent! I have also seen leaks on various 205s, from the door mirrors, the sunroof slide handle bolts and the radio aerial! But the weirdest one was a leak between the metalwork, which makes up the lower half of the A Piller in the footwells, I put this down to a freak manufacturing defect! As for the starting problem, it may be the terminals on the battery, earth to the gearbox, main teminal on the starter or it could be the signal wire on the starter! Any bad connection can result in bad starting, but it may even be the starter itself! Get all the problems fixed and you will love the car even more.
I have found that it is a must to keep ontop of any problems that may occur, otherwise large depressing bills will be the order of the day!
Look after a 205 GTi and it will serve you well, it won't be a money pit, and it will always put a smile on your face! But neglect one and before you know it it will open up and swallow your wallet, right arm and a leg all in one go!
Happy motoring!
Front and rear brake pads. £50 fitted.
Exhaust downpipe. £75 fitted.
I would recommend the car highly as it is very economical providing you drive it carefully - 35-45 mpg, if you drive it with a heavy right foot with 4 people in the car you will get about 20 mpg. The car is great fun to drive and is also very comfortable to boot. The performance is great for a 1.4 due to the light weight. 0-60 is around 9 secs and top end about 115 mph but nipping through the gears around town the car is brilliantly balanced although the tyres can be lit up very easily, especially in the wet. The looks in standard form are red-hot but with any additions they are just great.The list is endless for mods but I just went with a set of alloys and a performance air-filter, not for power, just for the noise from the carb!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th January, 1999
Brakes, suspension, valve guides, sunroof drainage, handbrake cables, oil gauge.
Gearbox starting to shudder, clutch slip. Water hose split.
My worst fears about a Citroen are confirmed - this model never again. Flimsy build quality, cramped in rear.
Brilliant dealers but cannot afford £400 per service they require.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd February, 1998
Nothing until now.
A Great sportscar with a outstanding performance. The perfect car to chase Japanese rivals (rice bowl GTi's).
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th August, 1997
Absolutely nothing apart from repairs following a minor bump.
DANGEROUSLY FAST!!! just about sums this little car up. Extra body trim made it look a little less lunchboxey than the average 205. Luckily I wasn't paying for the insurance (company vehicle) otherwise I may be bankrupt.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th August, 1997
3rd Jul 2001, 07:27
Had the 1.4xs version and front nearside shock went. Both drive shafts needed replacing. Brakes are not very sharp and also problems with overheating which caused the car to stall when moving at low revs.