1990 Peugeot 405 GL review from UK and Ireland

The front brake calipers seized and were replaced with a new set which are already starting to rattle about. Every time I stop I can hear the calipers moving about on their mountings.

The oil filler cap and tube are the most ridiculous awkward design I've ever seen or tried to use. Removing the cap without it suddenly popping up and yanking at the breather pipes is almost impossible.

The rear braking system seems to have a very short lifespan and is totally unreliable, the shoes and cylinders seem to be a mismatch, every component of this system is certain to fail shortly after you've had a different one fixed. As for the handbrake, it tends to always be slightly on and completely binds sometimes. The cable is a dead cert to snap on a regular basis too.

There's no end to coolant leaks from seals, oil and petrol fumes and odours,

plug changes and fuel problems.

The carburettor is a nightmare, it appears to have a non-functioning automatic choke which is a constant source of annoyance and the fuel mixture

settings seem to have a mind of their own.

Finally this car doesn't particularly like going into first gear.

I know it probably sounds as though I don't like the 405, but I do. In fact I love it and that's my problem. I got the car cheap £400, so I expected to have to get a few repairs done, but lately it seems to have become a money pit.

The brakes need constant costly attention and the carburettor is never exactly as it should be. The plugs wear out rapidly too due to overheating which is caused by the brakes binding or the dodgy carb.

If it wasn't for the fact that this is the most comfortable car I've ever had and is such a pleasure to drive, I'd have gotten rid of it ages ago. The 405 has age defying good looks and excellent handling ability. The poor design of some components ruin it though. Basically the rust-proof ever perfect flawless body is sure to outlive

the bogey mechanics.