1989 Peugeot 405 1.9 unleaded from Australia and New Zealand

Faults:

The previous owners did not look after the car. I had basically everything go wrong with the car. After a couple of months of maintaining it goes great. Some of the things that were faulty are:

Engine mounts.

Alternator.

Starter motor.

Water pump.

Torque converter (auto transmission).

Tx valve (air conditioning).

General Comments:

Once the car was fixed up it is very reliable. Starts every time and goes well for an auto. It could still go a bit faster but the next thing that will get done is a engine rebuild.

I recently bought a 2000 model Corolla, as I drive approx 3000km/week. I gave the 405 to my wife to drive, but we will be doing a swap. The 405 is the most comfortable car I have driven.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th May, 2001

1989 Peugeot 405 GLx4 1.9 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Build quality, what build quality!!!

Faults:

Oil pressure sender failed along with the sump seal.

Loss of oil took out the crank and conrods bigend shells etc.

Piston bores were as new so that was OK.

New crank and pistons/rods sought from donor car.

Car ran fine for 1 week.

Ignition module went. Then again then again. Fault was sourced to a faulty distributor spiking to the head blowing the module.

Piston skirt literally fell off (been mechanic for 15 years, never seen that happen ever even on race engines), piston never hit anything, just the bottom dropped off.

Head gasket kits a ripoff at £60 for a head gasket on its own!!!

BMW 6cyl is only £60 for a completed head set including bolts.

4 weeks from rebuild no 2 cam went, no apparent cause, just worn lobe, replaced cam and valve cap.

Car has run fine since.

Manifold cracked, starter motor solenoid seized (new starter fitted).

Total repair costs so far £800, I've had it a year.

All of these faults however were not caused by poor maintenance, just bad luck at first. I suspect the car had FSH when bought and I've known the vehicle for the last 4 years with no problems.

I've since taken it off the road and bought a BMW - I needed something reliable. Mind you my car before the Pug was a Lada Riva 1.2L. Ran that for 30000 miles and finally sold it for banger racing. The car had had no service history and I only changed the oil twice and it never went wrong, not even a blown fuse. It cost me £20 LOL.

General Comments:

Reliability bah humbug!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd April, 2001

9th Apr 2001, 15:38

We got a 1.8 GL (94 L reg) and we loved it... till we saw the dip-stick keeps popping out, CAT collapsed, gearbox annihilated itself, break in water-pipe, split in the brake hose, new pads needed after only 1500 miles... let's face it... it's a modern-day Cortina... give me back my Astra!

18th Jul 2001, 06:08

Buy an mi16 my friend and you will never look back.

8th Sep 2001, 20:22

Well yes, so long as you buy a non-thrashed, well-maintained Mi16.

Otherwise look forward to regular trips to the garage.

15th Dec 2002, 22:31

Dec 15,2002 Original owner of 1989 405 with 60,000 miles. Our only complaint is assorted electrical problems. A nuisance, but we have never been stranded. I am looking for an oil dipstick to replace cracked one. Driving position and feel still wonderful.

1989 Peugeot 405 SRi from Sweden

Summary:

A nice design, comfort and OK performance

Faults:

Needed to change the rear brake calipers and discs several times.

Ventilation fan worked badly.

Left side mirror broke down.

Coolant leak.

Costly engine repair at 120,000 km to keep exhaust values legal, vents were leaking.

Starter broke down at 180,000 km.

General Comments:

Very comfortable on long journeys.

Low fuel consumtion.

Good to drive.

Excellent on the road.

A little too noisy to have a conversation without yelling to each other.

Nice Pininfarina design.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th January, 2001

7th May 2001, 04:01

I have a 405 SRi and have not had any of these brake problems and none are in the log book.

The exhaust is not that loud, with the stereo on it is difficult to hear the engine so I find myself working off the tacho a lot.

Mine is 146000KM old and still goes very well.

22nd May 2001, 06:58

I've had my 405 for 12 months, fabulous drive both in the country & city, super comfy, looks nothing out of the ordinary but is so reliable, love all the well designed extras, often gets 780km from one tank, really comfy, this is my fifth pug and I just love 'em. Used to be able to take the exhaust valves off the old 504 when necessary, those days have gone, but what the heck, haven't got as much time to fiddle anymore anyway! Long live the Peugeot!

25th May 2001, 12:02

I do love 405 Sri machines. The car is very comfortable in long travels and behaves perfectly in any situation. The only problem I have encountered with my 405 Sri was also ventilation. I have also noted a little bit less power as it ages..