1993 Peugeot 205 STDT from UK and Ireland - Comments

Front suspension drop links replaced. Rear rubber suspension bushes rotted and were replaced.

Air leak into fuel system caused after dealer replaced fuel filter, fixed at no cost by them, but only after the car left me stranded! Minor coolant leak was cured by tightening radiator hose.

A terrific blend of power and economy. When the turbo kicks in the car just sits down on its back springs and goes! This allied to well over 50mpg on a decent run, yet still managing 42mpg around town! GTi-like looks still appear fresh after all these years and the car corners well despite being nose heavy.

Downsides? The ride is a little rough, trim gets creaky with miles, body panels dent easily, and why oh why can't Peugeot improve the design to get the metal wheel centres to stay in place? [Witness the number of STDT's and various 405 models with the 8-spoke alloys with them missing!]

Yup. Got one of these. Fantastic cars.

Always wanted a 1.9 GTI but frankly this is a damn good compromise - same torque as 1.9 so very flexible and with all the trimmings it handles beautifully too. Very entertainling and blisteringly quick once into 3rd gear (not a lights racer myself).

I got rid of the 405 alloys for that very reason - nice set of 1.9 15" wheels now.

This car rules!

You're right about the wheel centres, but I'm not paying £15 each from Peugeot!

Only happy faces for 205's with a turbo diesel. Fast, economical AND reliable engine, fills up the space under the hood completely. And it's packaged in a fantastic bodywork ('83!!) design.

It easily cruises +90 MPH for long times but it isn't really a traffic light racer. As soon as the car is in third gear, you just wave the others goodbye and press the gas pedal a bit more.

However, it's true about the interior, things breaking off and color fading of plastic parts. The seats are very comfortable, not too soft. Nice ride overall.

Not much more to say about the beast, would love to have owned one from new.

Your right about the bodywork dents easily.

The parts are quite expensive, but you can say that about any French car.

I love Peugeots, but why oh why are the drive shafts/ cv joints so poor. Nearly everything else about the cars is rock solid, but I wouldn't have another for this reason.

Have owned my STDT for 10 months now, and what a cracking little car!! I bought it from an auction for £550 (1993 full service, one owner from new with 131000 showing on the clock)

I have replaced the alloys for 15" items and replaced the interior,front suspension and rear beam from a 1.9 GTI what a difference, I can now carry lots more corner speed and so keep up with most things on the twisty bits!

Had the boost sensor reset so that the turbo cuts in much earlier and lasts through out the rev range.

What a great car.

I just bought an STDT about 3 weeks ago, for &850,117k on clock, all original down to the 14" alloys, Very quick when you get the hang of the turbo.

It's the smoothest car I have owned yet, going to invest in a dump valve and a air filter for it. One thing that I have noticed is that when you do race somebody and win when you stop and they hear it's a diesel they look very sheepish.

I agree, the 205 turbo diesels are a very good car.

I have a GRDT model with a few modifications, like a mongoose exhaust system, k&n induction, turbo boost and fueling upped to 18psi and a one off dump valve and intake manifold. now runs around 130 give or take 5bhp and runs a dream with 60mph easily achieved in 8 seconds. the 205 turbo diesels rule! good choice of car my man!

Your estimate of 0-60 in 8 seconds is fanciful expecially if your engine is still chucking out around 80bhp. have you timed it at santa pod? mongoose exhaust system does absolutely nothing for the car except add weight and increase emissions.

Best thing you can do is fit an intercooler leave everything else standard replace worn items with new OE spec it will be a vast improvement. these cars don't need modifying. mine has an intercooler 115bhp and is plenty quick enough.

No way this engine will give 130bhp on std bottom end or without an intercooler. The engine will just melt if the turbo boost is wound up to 18psi.