1991 Peugeot 205 GR 1.1i review from Netherlands

Replaced at 136.000 km:

-Front brake pads and disc's

-Rear shock-absorbers.

Replaced at 158.000 km:

-Head gasket

-Drive shafts left and right.

All the weak parts have been replaced by now, and I think it has been a reasonable investment because it drives like new again! It is a small car so to repair something always is cheaper then with bigger car.

It's my third 205, but this one looks so good that I will keep replacing/ repairing stuff when needed instead of going for another model.

I like the 205! I prefer simplicity and simple joy, and this is the car that embodies it. It has more comfort and space than I could wish for from a car of this size and it's both enough for me. And if I ever would need a bigger car, I wished it could have been a 205 Break! Well, maybe a cheap second hand 206 will be a good alternative by then. Anyway one can do a lot with and within a 205, just remember there's more to enjoy in life than just the 205...

What I like about the 205;

-Good seats! Most important if you ask me, together with the ability to move from a to b.

-Good looks. I prefer and own the 5 door model. Also provides easier access to rear seats.

-Good suspension. I never experienced any problem and it saved me couple of times... absolutely no complaints!

-Good engine. Uses 1 l/15 km or less and has enough power for this lightweight car. Who really needs more?

-No rust.

-The GR has wipers with interval and some other very basic extras which I consider to be a pure luxury!

OK, the 205 also has some weak points (front brakes/ dive shafts) but when you treat the car well (repairs are always affordable) it will never let you down! It's its simplicity that keeps it running.

And it runs good! I looked through the specifications and it seems the 1.1i is as fast as the 1.6i. I think the combination of weight and power is excellent. It followed up the previous 1.4 carborator, which was even less fast. I drive it until 140 km/h comfortably, but never tried top speed. Driving about 165 km/h must be a bit scary, but I'm sure the 205 will manage without problems. I'm curious how it will be, must give kind of a thrill, please comment if you tried.