1989 Peugeot 205 XS review from UK and Ireland

I just bought this car. The full service history shows -

New speedometer September 1993.

New brake pads July 1995.

New CV joint boots and rear wheel cylinder December 1996.

New battery April 1997.

New offside front brake hose October 1999.

New clutch cable June 2001.

Ignition module failed and replaced July 2002.

MoT fail on rear brakes October 2002.

New nearside drive-shaft, exhaust, four new tyres and front brake pads May 2003.

And that is it for repairs over nearly 14 years.

When I got the car there was a small split (stitching gone) in the driver's seat, a broken offside headlight, stiff tailgate (possibly struts gone) and the factory-fitted spot/fog lights had corroded.

This is the second 205XS I have owned.

The first was purchased new in August 1990. I used it as a photographer (it got hammered!) with no problems. It broke down driving home from the dealer when a pin dropped out of the gear linkage, but was otherwise faultless.

I sold it after two years and still see the buyer (whose family still runs the car), he reports the only fault was a dead battery.

The current car mirrors my original purchase. Even after nearly 14 years it still goes like stink and handles like it's on rails despite having the original shock absorbers. The interior is like new.

Best thing was my insurance, which was for a VW Polo Ranger, stayed the same.