1987 Peugeot 205 XE review from UK and Ireland

An engine hose corroded away completely after 6 months - was on its way out when I bought the car. Only £30 to fix.

Exhaust blew at about 120,000 miles.

All braking mechanisms went at the same time - front pads and calipers, something was 'missing' from the rear brakes and handbrake way too loose - £300 to fix inc. labour.

Alternator went at 130,000 miles. Battery replaced at the same time.

Gear box finally gave up the ghost last week - too expensive to fix!

This was my first car - bought as a cheap run around until I was confident that I wasn't going to dent my car or crash it! I have now had her for 4 years and am pained to get rid of her. This is the best car I have ever driven in terms of a fun drive. She is great around town, but also surprised me on the motorway. For such a small engine (954cc) she can shift - happily cruses at 80 on 200+mile journeys. Yes there are the usual problems with starting in rain and cold (and the sun come to think of it) and the gear box has always been very loose, but this just adds to the charm of the 205! I even get a light show on the dashboard when I go around corners! Very economical to run - repairs haven't exceeded £500 over 4 years and 2 of the 4 MOT's I have put her through have been passed first time. Fantastic for a car which cost £400. Petrol v. good 43+ mpg.

For a 20 year old car she is fab and I am going to hate taking her to the scrap yard on Monday... but the gearbox has really broken now and even I realise that this is not going to be worth fixing. I would definitely get another one, but am dubious as to whether I would be lucky enough to get such a fantastic one again... I realise how lucky I was with this one! I'm thinking it is time to try the 306!