1998 Peugeot 205 generation 1.8 diesel from Spain

Summary:

Still good today

Faults:

The rear doors doesn't lock well, so the water gets in the car when I wash it and there is an aerodynamic noise driving on a highway at high speed.

Minor electrical problems (turning indicators). The fix costed less than 6 euro.

Sometimes the speedometer stops working, but it starts working by hitting the dashboard with your fist... ;)

General Comments:

I think it s a good and reliable first car.

It s not really outdated, although appearing in 1983.

It s really economical (6 l. every 100 km or less)

It is not a sports car, but handles well on the road and gives confidence to its driver.

I think its engine would last forever, if maintained. In fact, the Citroen c15 is still produced here in Spain with the 1.8 diesel.

It's absolutely reliable. In contrast, a 206 1.4 HDI is a nightmare.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th September, 2005

1998 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A pocket rocket for penny sweet money

Faults:

The rear beam was collapsing when I bought the car causing the rear tires to rub against the bodywork. This was easily sorted by getting a second hand one.

Cold start device needed changing, again this was sorted by getting a better second hand one.

On a track-day the offside drive-shaft snapped at the CV joint, once again a reconditioned second hand one made an excellent improvement. I now have to change the nearside as the torque-steer is ridiculous.

The airflow meter needed sanding down so that the butterfly could move freely, this took 5 minutes of my time.

The original back-box rusted away and after many trips to Peugeot (who kept giving me the wrong one) I bought a complete system from Power-flow for £389.

Had to replace door and boot locks as well as ignition and glove-box as key kept sticking in drivers side door.

The STOP light on the fascia is constantly illuminated despite many trips to mechanics who can find no fault with the car.

New fuel filter and ump had to be fitted.

Despite a lot of work being done to the car, this is mainly because the car was badly looked after by the previous owner not due to the age of the car itself.

General Comments:

This car is a flying machine and should not be underestimated. It weighs as much as a damp piece of lettuce and handles amazingly. Lift off over-steer is easy to control and it can embarrass plenty of more expensive cars on a circuit.

I would recommend this car to anyone, it can be driven fast or slow and doesn't complain at either.

I'd recommend an induction kit and exhaust as the car is breathing much easier and improved the power by 10bhp.

I also recommend that the car is set up and tuned by a garage with a rolling road. I took mine along to one as soon as I'd sorted all the parts. When it went in it was making 60bhp!!! Now it's making 120bhp, and believe me that's plenty for most people.

Buy one and enjoy it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st March, 2003

21st Mar 2003, 06:45

1998??? That's about 8 years after Peugeot stopped manufacturing this model. Or you made a mistake or you were robbed.

18th May 2003, 15:03

Are you sure that its not actually a 206?

1st Aug 2003, 06:39

1998 is the last year of manufacture for the 205. Try on www.mobile.de and you can see that this model costs 8000 EUR.

Hello from Serbia.

20th Nov 2003, 06:59

P Plate was the absolute last 205. And last built were N plate. And these were special editions such as the Aztec and INCA. Mine is a n plate inca So far no real problems except a new battery and drive belts 100000 and going strong. cheap motoring 1.8 diesel.

1st Apr 2004, 11:58

Think he probably means 1988 not that difficult to work out really.

8th Oct 2004, 21:33

HI

Pablo Dominican Republic I have a 1997 205 junior, its just great, but got the same problem,you have to over accelarate the engine in order to get the power you want.

What can I do with these problem?

23rd Oct 2004, 12:01

Pablo - Buy a "chip" and have it fit by someone who knows what he's doing - it will improve all "flat spots" dramatically! Try google for more information on this subject.

26th Nov 2004, 04:53

10BHP gain from a performance air filter and exhaust is a bit optimistic!

Unless the old paper one was clogged.

It's been proven before on 205 forums many times that you're lucky if you get more than a 2 BHP gain.

Alex.

23rd Dec 2004, 05:41

Thank you Lord, I have a 1600 GTI G-plate with the same problem! The stop light on the dash will not turn off, it comes on about ten minutes into my journey depending on the temperature outside. I have tried everything to fix it and it still comes on, I am quite concerned about this, if anybody can give me some feedback on this then it would be greatly appreciated!

Long live the 205 GTI!

21st Sep 2006, 03:36

Oil thins a bit with age as it breaks down, I'd suggest a faulty oil pressure switch.

2nd Jan 2007, 04:16

By the way, does the cabriolet have an electric roof? I ask as I am considering buying one.