1993 Peugeot 205 Diesel Turbo review from UK and Ireland

What hasn't gone wrong? In chronological order:

When I bought it:-

The interior ventilation directional control jammed on window de-mist.

Rev counter did not function.

Since I've owned it:

Interior fan stopped working.

Off-side drive shaft snapped at 90,000 miles.

Intermittent starting problem (found to be due too bad starter motor connection).

Engine won't switch off (faulty fuel cut-off solenoid).

Various rubber hoses have perished/split (oil, water, fuel).

Drivers seat came loose from mounting as a result of rusty floor.

Central locking became erratic then stopped working altogether.

Passenger door locking mechanism jammed. Door cannot be opened.

Various oil leaks.

Nearside drive shaft making excessive noise now.

Despite being relatively cheap to buy (K reg/£900) its reliability and build quality has been quite disapointing.

However, the car is deceptively quick and has probably encouraged "enthusiastic" driving by many of its previous owners as it has with me.

It provides highly addictive in-gear acceleration, thanks to the turbo, which allows for safe overtaking and relaxed motorway driving. The ample torque eliminatates the need for high revs, and you don't need to exceed 4,000rpm to make very swift progress.

When entering a derestricted zone it easily leaves the XR2/XR3/Nova SR, that has been sat right on your arse, for dead (or possibly trying to navigate the plume of black smoke that you've emitted), without the need to down-change.

The GTI style seats are very supportive (when they are fixed to the floor - see above), and the power steering is perfectly weighted and very direct when on the move.

Very good m.p.g. can be achieved on long drives (up to 55+), though it is still very reasonable when driven hard, and probably never drops much below 40-45mpg.