Exhausts seem to be eaten easily. The older models of the 405 do have primitive systems.
Clutch assembly clip snapped - £15 (supplied & fitted) to replace, but a pig when it goes.
Only other breakdown occurred when the battery & connectors gave up the ghost. That was down to a lack of maintainance though.
It does have an oil problem. Either it burns or leaks. The old dear has done 130,000 miles, so I can't complain.
Rear suspension doesn't rattle - it booms. Shocks/dampers etc are dead. It'll pass MOT's, but it sounds like a bad day in Bosnia.
Snapped handbrake cable. Again, probably my fault. Easy re-fit.
Complete braking system overhaul. Again, it is to be expected on an old car. Still dented the wallet though.
The car is fantastic. It's been so reliable, even if it does rattle like Fred West's loft insulation.
I've got the 1.9i, and the performance is fantastic (125bhp). It strips most hot hatches. The insurance is dirt cheap too as it's a Grandad wagon.
Only problem is the cred issue. I'm only 21, so a family runner doesn't do wonders in the passion stakes. I would like to have the Mi16, but the running costs are too high.
I have a 1.9 Sri (1991) and I'm only 20! I love the pug though and it stands out and looks a lot classier and more original than the usual battered XR2 or Nova. Its big, polished white, with 15" Mi16 alloys and a performance backbox so looks and sounds pretty good. Performance could be better. I've only got a 10 second 0-60 time which is OK-ish but it'll get close to 130mph.DJVITAL2K@BREATHE.COM.
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