1998 Peugeot 205 GTi review from UK and Ireland

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.

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.