Persistent water leaks into the boot - I consider that there is a basic design fault with the rear hatch - any water that finds its way inside the hatch drains into the boot.
Head gasket failed at ~35000 miles.
Air in fuel line from filter to fuel pump cured by fitting later type (horizontal) pipe run from filter head.
Outer drive shaft gaiters have failed 3 times.
Vacuum pump failed at ~70000 miles - emitted high pitched whistle, although still worked the brakes.
Persistent problems with front brake pistons sticking - need regular servicing.
One rear brake shoe delaminated - brakes still worked (!)
Most of the glow plugs failed at ~83000 miles.
One of the front wheel bearings is in the process of failing at the moment - it's on the 'to do' list.
Speedometer needle fell off a while back, glued it back on...
Interior mirror has fallen off several times...
Offside rear door window winder mechanism has partially rusted away.
Rust hole under rear seat squab - there's a bit of a mud trap underneath.
Rust appearing in the front doors between the hinges and in the rear lower corners.
Headlight dipping switch failed.
Stitching on seats now needs regular mending - probably a UV (sunlight) problem as the car is kept outside all the time.
Comfortable, economical (54mpg), and reliable (never stranded - yet!).
Excellent, precise handling (I was brought up on oversteer...) and torquey engine make it a delight to drive.
Now getting a bit noisy, with various trim rattles and squeaks.
Steering effort high at parking speeds - but only if you are used to power steering - and clutch heavy, but a new cable might improve this (based on our other 205GRD).
Ease of maintenance not its strongest suite - probably related to Group 8 insurance rating.
Awful car. I had a 205 GRD and the only saving grace was the good fuel consumption at 55mpg, and that's it. Very unreliable, with mechanical failure all too often. I had it 3 years and had one clutch, complete rear brakes including pipes (rotten), heater rheostat, washer motor, sump gasket (leaking), front tyres. I traded it in at a dealer and met the next unfortunate owner some time later and she explained it had continued to consume parts quickly. She fitted a radiator, exhaust and various pipes.
A dreadful car.
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