Faults:

Over time, rust became a serious problem.

The clutch broke at 160,000 km.

Oil leak and problems starting when cold.

The timing belt had to be replaced due to wear; it made a loud noise when starting and after starting.

The air conditioning worked fine, although it made a strange noise at first and I had to check it. Nothing serious.

General Comments:

The 205 Indiana is a special luxury edition that came out in the early 1990s, in 2-door and 4-door versions (mine was a 2-door). It was cream-colored with light brown seats.

At the time, it was a car with enviable features, including air conditioning, power steering, disc brakes, and very comfortable suspension. All things you wouldn't see in a small car, but this version had them.

Despite being a small car, the interior is spacious and there's plenty of room for two people; four can even travel in the back, although it's not as comfortable. The ride is more than pleasant, very characteristic of Peugeots, where smoothness and comfort stand out. While comfortable, its strongest point is stability; the steering and good brakes allow you to travel comfortably at speeds above 130 km/h. Beyond that, the engine starts to get noisy, although it's a car that easily exceeds 170 km/h.

The 1.4 engine is quite powerful for a car like this, although it's not the strongest the 205 has ever had. It's a petrol engine, but it consumes very little fuel and is as reliable as the diesel engines of those same years, but is smoother, cleaner, and, obviously, less noisy.

During the entire time I had it, I can say that it left me with good memories; it's a car that, in addition to having luxury accessories, is mechanically simple and reliable.

Faults:

Cracked headlight glass (easy to replace).

Worn out rubber covers front drive train (ripped just where they were attached).

Faulty computer unit (which is to control the plugs instead of a Bobine as I was told, see below).

General Comments:

Though we had this Peugeot as a second car for just a short period and just for practical reasons, it was fun to have.

Positive:

- An absolute joy to drive: very nimble, very quick and small but practical (relatively big boot)... an ideal car for the city.

- I noticed that the red paint was very good: easy to maintain and not that fragile as my other and more recent cars.

- This car is an absolute beauty.

Negative:

- The seats were probably ideal for little women, but not for me. Much too soft, and the head rest couldn't be lifted above my neck. Seems typical for French cars.

- We had a lot of trouble with that computer unit as mentioned above: the car would suddenly stall while driving (it has happened while doing 120km/u), which was just absolutely dangerous. It was possible to restart the engine after a few attempts, but the computer unit would give up more and more until it eventually dies. I was told that this was a common problem with these engines (because it couldn't stand the heat), as it was becoming difficult to find replacement units. I recall we needed three replacements, which is a shame.

We'd probably still own this 205, if it wasn't for that computer unit-failure. It's beautiful, practical, fast, cheap and easy to maintain, and thus ideal as a second car for short trips.

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

Sporty, classic looking, sheer class.

A nice auto box allied to the 1.9 detuned GTI engine makes this a very nice ride.

Handling is superb.

Faults:

Front to rear drivers side brake pipe split under heavy braking; same again on passenger side!!!

One crash, luckily no damage or casualties!!!

Brakes were inefficient so I fitted GTi6 306 front callipers, pads and discs, much improved braking.

Can't find interior parts, even from Peugeot dealers? Rare limited interior, comfy seats though, newer cars I've driven have given me backache!!!

General Comments:

I have a 1990 205 TD 5dr called Herbie Turbo due to its reg plate. I also have Goldie Turbo, a 1992 205 STDT. To keep it sweet I want more, more of these under appreciated future classics.