Comments: 1-15, 16
Rear window Heater wires came off and could not be soldered back in place.
Blower Fan Blade came apart twice.
Alternator died once (when car was 12 years old) but it was repaired at a small cost (some capacitors died)
Passenger window mechanism fell apart once (when car was 13 years old)
Generally very reliable with most of the (not very serious) problems appearing after the car was more than 10 years old.
The Peugeot 309 GTI was introduced in 1987. It shares the same Engine/Gearbox as it's smaller Brother, the 205 GTI 1.9, has a bigger (and slightly heavier) body, and different suspension settings.
Thanks in part to improved weight distribution between the front and rear axles compared to the 205, the 309 is a much better handling car.
The 205 GTI 1.9 had already been one of the best handling cars in it's class ever made, but it's transition from Power Understeer, to Liftoff Oversteer was somewhat twitchy, and I could dare say even dangerous if for any reason you had to lift the throttle or brake mid Bend, then you'd probably spin before realizing what happened!!!
The 309 however remains stubbornly neutral up to the limit (it can also lift a rear inside wheel), unless excessive power is applied which in this case mild Understeer predominates. Lifting off the throttle mid-bend results in BEAUTIFULLY controlled Oversteer, with everything happening so predictably that your Grand Mother could Control it (Well maybe not your Grand Mother...)
Autocar and Motor Magazine voted the 309 GTI as "Best Hot Hatch" for 3 years in a row, Max Power Magazine Quoted "The 309 handles similarly to the 205 BUT MUCH BETTER!!" and "The more you push this car, the BETTER it Gets!".
This last comment is certainly true and I can say that the handling of most cars falls apart as speed increases, however the 309 GTI feels more taut and responsive the faster you go! (Around bends of course).
Until this moment the 309 GTI is still considered by many as one of the best handling Front wheel drive cars ever made.
Good handling cars generally suffer from bad ride quality, but with the 309 GTI this is not the case. It absorbs equally well small and big bumps at any speed, and only big bumps that are taken at town speeds can jitter the 309.
The secret lies in the fact that the suspension characteristics given to the car (and most Modern French cars in Particular), which include relatively SOFT springing, anti-dive and anti-lift suspension design, VERY stiff anti-roll bars, and well matched damping can make this car resist body roll, diving during braking, and lift during acceleration, and still provide ride quality, most (Non-French) cars wouldn't even dream of!
The only negative point is a tendency of the rear suspension to squat during Heavy acceleration, but this gives a very pleasant "takeoff" feel to the car.
However this concerns the Standard suspension.
Steering and Brakes are equally impressive, the former being power assisted rack and pinion with 3.1 turns lock to lock, providing plenty of feel, outstanding precision, virtually zero play around the straight ahead position (Unlike many German cars...), and the latter being four relatively large diameter discs (Ventilated at the front), providing excellent stopping power (without ABS), good bite, a taut brake pedal, good linearity, and fade free performance, although here I have to mention that I replaced all the Rubber Brake Lines with Racing Ones which are Reinforced with Metal Braiding and do not allow the rubber tubes to expand with pressure or increased temperature.
The standard wheels are 6x15" Speedline Alloys, shod with 185/55VR15 Tyres (Michelin Pilot HX MXV3A Tyres worked particularly well).
Gear ratios are extremely well matched, with a very high geared 1st (It will reach approx. 70Kph (43Mph) @ 6750RPM Cut-Out), close ratios between all gears, and with the 5th gear being low geared enough to provide useful acceleration. Good Gearchange (not as good as the best Japanese), and effective synchromesh complete the picture.
It's normally aspirated 4 cylinder oversquare All Aluminium engine has a capacity of 1905cc, 8 valve cylinderhead, and with a compression ratio of 9.6:1 and Bosch L-Jetronic Fuel Injection, develops 130Bhp @ 6000RPM, and 16.8Kgm (121.5lbft) of torque @ 4750RPM, with the torque curve flat enough to allow useful acceleration from as low as 2000RPM in 5th. (approx. 65kph (40mph) onwards). This engine however sounds and feels stressed beyond 6000RPM, so revving it to the 6750RPM Cut-Out Limit is somewhat sadistic! Eliminating the two standard partitioned exhaust silencers to a "Straight Through" exhaust system, proved a great help in this aspect.
Performance figures are not very impressive by current standards, and this 930Kg car will reach according to Peugeot test figures, 62mph (100kph) in 8.0 Seconds, and a top speed of 128mph (206kph). In practice the top speed claims of Peugeot seem somewhat optimistic, since most 309 GTI 8v owners I know never achieved more than around 120mph (193kph).
Fuel consumption is not good, and I've seen some horrendous fuel consumption figures from this car when you really push it down to 16mpg (18litres/100km).
In normal conditions the car averages about 25mpg (11litres/100km) which is still not good.
Other Plus points of this car are comfortable and supportive bucket front seats, good visibility and driving position (for me at least - I'm 1.67m (5'6") tall), good headlamp performance with 2 fog lamps, and 2 long range lights as standard (although mine has a modified electric circuit with high power relays to use 6x100w halogen lamps instead of the standard 55w...), useful instrument dials including oil pressure and oil temperature gauges, a big loading area, and enough room for 4 adults.
Negative points include plasticky dash, creaking plastic fittings that fall apart, very slow ventilation fan and windscreen wipers, flexible bodyshell (which strangely feels stiffer the faster you go!!), and that horrendous fuel consumption mentioned before.
I totally agree with your comments I'm looking to change my car cuz of the poor mpg I mean mines got full sports exhaust & k&n I'm only getting about 15mpg!its gotta go.also agree with the handling perfect!
Owned a red 3 door 1993 309 gti for 4 years in uk, absolutely brilliant for the small amount I paid for it. 30mpg, 125mph. sweet handling on standard tyres and suspension. don't ruin it by putting bigger wheels on it (standard are 15 inches)
I have a 309 goodwood gti and its the best car I have owned and I've had a lot of cars, but beware this the second 309 gti I've owned and the first a normal phase 2 309 I had was one of the worst cars I had. they are a good car still able to shame a lot of newer cars due to its light weight nimble chassis and because it's a 5 door (mine is) people in there vectras etc get quite a shock at the traffic light derby when the pug leaves them for dead. it's a drivers car you get out what you put in drive it slow and it will gripe drive it harder and it wakes up a pays attention. mine is silly on fuel, but I don't use it much so this is not a problem. look out for smoke, creaky back ends, cold start problems. if you get a good one you will have fun they are a worthy investment as they are now getting rare and values are rising most will be good cars unlike the 205 which the boyracers prefered so there mostly knackerd. look out for standard models. I have been told that lowering them messes up the excellent standard handling so avoid. also these cars are better left standard for road use. modifactions generally de value them plus when they become classic status people are going to be wanting standard models.
I have a 1.9 309 GTi 3 door in Miami blue, (very rare) it is completely standard, even has the manufacturers original carpet mats in there. excellent performance, kicks the pants off a VTR and VTS, oh mine hasn't got a standard exhaust, its got a stainless manifold and straight through system, but it looks and sounds standard ish.
I love the handling, it over steered the other day around a roundabout and it was so smooth, I was 90deg to the roundabout and just powered out of it,
there's no rust, no banging, no idle problems, no cold start problems, no rattles, beautiful.
I agree with the cars excellent standard performance a dismal fuel economy, but I'm not to sure about the comments to leave it standard or not to lower the car and also not to fit bigger wheels. I own a standard 5 door 1.9 gti 8v and yes it is fun and my 3rd 309gti I would recommend this car to anybody. but I also own a modified 309 2.0 gti-6 running at 210bhp its like a rocket compared to standard and with careful selection of lowering equipment, alloy and tyres it handles like a track car rolling on 18,s it was on 19,s, but rubbers getting expensive so had to shave an inch to save the pennies. all in all if you keep it standard or carefully modify it the 309 is the best car you can buy for the money with the Renault 19 16v coming in at second, but loads of electrical and engine problems means ill save the story for another time...
I used to own a 1987 3 dr 309 GTI. Stupid me I had to sell it to pay for the honeymoon. The fact that it ran on leaded didn't help either when the decision came. The wife (to be) hated it until one day returning from Edinburgh I made her drive it. She started slowly enough in town at 30mph, but proceeded to get faster and faster down the country lanes until she was most certainly breaking speed limits. I didn't look, honestly officer! When prompted that I thought she hated this car she just turned to me with a big grin on her face and said: "It just wants to go!"
Sorely missed, I sold it locally and used to see it occasionally. In fact the lad that bought it; I knew he was hooked when he was still peering at the car when I shut the garage doors.
Good points:
The turn in was phenomenal. I always expected the rear end to try and catch up with the front, but it never did.
Cheap to run. Always seemed economical enough for what it was. Were the unleaded cars that much worse?
Insurance a good couple of points lower than the equivalent 205.
Mine had a factory fit electric tilt and slide sunroof AND electric windows! Something a local Peugeot dealer didn't believe when I went to them for a relay. "Doesn't exist sir" "Yeah? Come and take a look."
Bad points:
The lightweight body didn't inspire confidence. Shutting the doors told you how little tin was present.
I must have glued that damn rear demister wire a hundred times. Obvious design fault.
The throttle always was more like an on/off switch. You either got it all or nothing. Took some getting used to.
The driving position wouldn't suit everyone. At 5'6" I found that the steering wheel is quite close and the gearlever is situated quite far back near your waist. Not uncomfortable though.
Lumpy tickover. A common fault with the 1.9 engine.
Front numberplate was always coming off.
Front fogs were a pain to source. Seems they're not a std size and were becoming scarce when I had to change all 4 not long after buying it. Got 4 driving lamps quite cheaply though.
It seems I've listed a lot more bad then good points! I'd have another if I could find a tidy low-mileage one.
Hi everyone I’ve got a 309 gti mk1 (I think) F reg 1989 5 door in red of course lol. I have been reading everyone comments and I’ve found them every interesting. My Gti is almost standard I think, I’ve got the common problem of the lumpy revs when its cold, and it also does it when its warm I was wondering if anyone out there could help me. I’ve had to renew all the discs on the car and when I took the old disks off I found that someone before me had rip out the little senses on the pads and I had to rewire them back up and then I found the little light in the dash. I had to do some welding, but not much apart from that the car still looks good I’ve never had to change to drive it yet because when I got it. It did look sorry for it self, but now its looking like new again the only thing I’m finding hard to get hold of is the front fog lights and that would finish it off. It’s got the standard 15inch Speed line Alloys on it which looks the part. There is only one more problem and that’s my age because I’m 22 and only had a driving license for 2 years I just can’t afford to insure it I’m not your normal 22 year old (boy racer) I like to see things standard and back to the original condition. At the minute I drive around in a 205 trio s a little 1.2 which I love and that’s why I got a 309. So anyone would be interested in my 309 gti I will sell it, but I will be sorry to let it go because of all the time I’ve spend on it cleaning it up and making it road worthy, but I’m not letting it go until I’ve got it all finish. I will have a full 12 months M.O.T on it in about a month so if anyone interested here my is my e-mail address lincs_man2000@yahoo.co.uk and also I want it to go to a good home because its been looked after since I’ve had it. It has the V5c and most of the old M.O.T certificates its got a full service history up to 90.000 miles with the pug book and has the original sale papers form when it was bought new. Its got the original keys with it with the key fob and also the original alarm and immobilizer and lots of paper work and that’s about all I can think of at the minute thanks for reading cheers.
I own a 1993 309 Goodwood GTi and it really is one of the best handling cars. I wouldn't agree that it can beat most modern cars like VTRs etc, but past 3000 rpm it really does pickup and loves to be thrashed!
Never managed to reach the cut-off rpm limit as past 6000 rpm, the engine feels rough and stressed, even with the free flow exhaust.
I once managed to lift-off over steer a turbo diesel 309, but that had very soft and "roll-ey" suspension. This goodwood has loads more grip and will understeer way before you feel any sliding at the back.
Overall the 309 GTi is a very good handling car and truly is a wolf in sheeps clothing, nothing better than when people either don't know what it is, or totally under-estimate it.
Look out for creaky rear suspension, rattling interiors, play in the drive train, noisey valve-gear if not adjusted every 50,000 miles. Also fuel economy is terrible (only 320 miles to a full 55-litre tank when driven carefully!).
Worth every penny though!
I also used too own a Goodwod. Had it for 6 years, this was certainly the best handling car I have owned. Sold it for a mildly sporty diesel due too the mileage I was doing. Really do miss that car and its b road ability. It might not have the same grip or power as newer counterparts, but, I have yet to drive any other front wheel drive car with half as much sheer poise and adjust-ability through the bends.
Currently on the lookout for a a standard 309 gti to turn into a track car. They really are that good!
Just bought a g reg 8 valve gti what a car for£150.00 and full history after market wheels better than the 205 I had.
Have just bought a 309 goodwood. No tax or test. Needs a bit of tidying, interior immaculate. Cars done 123000 with history, but it does smoke a bit when cold, don't know what this is anyone help. Thought car a good investment as they are getting rare paid £500 for it and going to restore it.Don't actually know how many were made either. Does drive well though.
Bought a 1990 309 GTi in Dec 1995 and its still in the family... Bought from a main dealer who said the previous lady owner had sold it and bought a 106 as the GTi was too much for her!!!
My 309 GTi performned manfully between N Wales and London for six years until it was "pensioned off" back to N Wales to the hands of my Mum...
So since 2001 it has performed easy duties... My old man says it is a racing car, what does he know driving a` Citroen diesel!
I love its handling, the rear opening windows on the two leavers between the front seats (3dr model), the comfy seats and the good sized boot...
110K on the clock now, but the old girl still moves and shakes it... as for the fuel consumption, live with it for the fun factor involved...
Now for 2 years I got 1987 309GTi 3dr, standart tuned body kit, bought it from a good owner with all body kit`s blueprints and service books. The car have been in good hands and after 20 years is in good condition. How the owner before told me he bought it from a old lady and it hasn`t been driven for three years and where standing under apple tree :) The colour from the roof and hood is not so fresh, but that doesn`t matter.
The the thing is that the car runs great and its handling is impresive. And it`s engine power is also remarkable. As here one mentioned befor "It`s like a wolf in sheeps coat". For example Audi with 2.5TDi and 1.8 ; 2.0 (without Turbo) can`t break this little monster although the car is 10 or even more years older.
Sometimes I look on other cars think myself it would be nice to own a bigger one, but my hand don't rises to sell it. Beter I would by a second car then sell it.
At the start I thought I will by it for a while for 500$, but in this time 309 felld in my heart :)
So The Cars + and -
+ No Rust.
+ 7 Liters/ 100Km at speed of 120Km/h (average 9L/100km)
+ Cheap repairs.
+ Drives like a sports car.
+ Max speed 210Km/h (by that speed Gas usage is ~18L/100Km)
- By driving pressing the Km indicator to zeros the speedometer breaks down.
- No electrical extras.
- High noisiness level from interior (Acceptable after 20yeras)
Found another one 1987 3dr 309 (cheap prise) and I will by it for getting parts. The plan is now to fresh up this little monster - new colour, interior, body kit etc. Also freshing up the technical section. I saw how this car can look if you got a bit of colour and some nice accessories.
If have also any interests then look up http://www.peugeot-club.com/ that's PL then click on Hlavni Strana and then on left side GALERIE ans so on until you find 309, there some interesting things.
So my goal is to create something like that or even better...
E-mail: janisjx@gmail.com.
I have a 309 which has done 15k miles genuine!! 1989 model it has been standing on my drive for 4 years, given to my nephew when he was 14 by a lady who moved abroad any one who has the time to put it back on the road, please get in touch with me... nimognp@yahoo.co.uk.
I OWN A GOODWOOD GTI BEST HANDLING CARS YOU CAN GET. VERY RARE CARS. NEED TO SELL IT NOW SO I CAN GET AN MPV AS I HAVE 2 BOYS. NICE CLEAN CAR L REG WITH FULL HISTORY, AND MOT 'ED BY PEUGEOT ONLY DONE 73,000 MILES. ONLY USE AT WEEKENDS. ANY REALISTIC BUYERS WHO WILL LOOK AFTER THIS CAR CONTACT: gray.ando@ntlworld.com.