1991 Peugeot 205 GTi review from UK and Ireland

Cracked exhaust manifold.

Failing alternator.

Starter motor often not engaging.

Leaking doors.

Drive shaft failure.

Loose/broken passenger seat.

In the 6 months that I have had this car there have been several quite pricey faults to contend with which was quite disappointing for a car of it's (relatively) young age.

However despite it's faults I still have a soft spot for it due to it's superb responsiveness and handling.

The handling of the car is quite unlike anything I've ever felt before. The only more responsive car I've ever driven was a Mini, but that was responsive in an almost terrifying way, whereas the Peugeot just inspires confidence - you can plough it into just about any corner at just about any speed and it will take it in its stride.

Performance too is more than acceptable - for the smaller engined (1.6) GTI it is still remarkably rapid and pulls very nicely even after this many miles. The engine may be a little rattly when cold, but it growls nicely when it has warmed up and leaves most of your sad XR2 and Nova SR boys for dead at the lights ;o)

The overall styling of the car is elegant and slightly aggressive - it still looks quite fresh and modern for a design of such advancing years (in GTI guise anyway, although the non-GTI 205s are looking more than a little dated nowadays). However the interior is a little gloomy and of dubious build quality - a rattle-and-squeak-fest no less, and the seats are not exactly comfortable on longer journeys.

Peugeot dealers are a (not very funny) joke and seem to know little if anything about the car - however there are many enthusiast garages and small independent garages that will happily keep your relatively straightforward mechanics in good shape so this is not really a problem.