1988 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9

Faults:

Replaced front right CV joint, still not right. Sometimes won't start for no apparent reason. Stereo switches on and off on it's own occasionally. Front drivers seat cover wearing thin (OK for a 10 year old car I guess).

General Comments:

Superb handling, great torque, not much in the top end but this is probably because the engine is the old 75kW version so the gearing isn't as tall. Great firm ride, let's you know exactly what the car is doing. Definitely a car to thoroughly check before buying, don't get it on an impulse as thrashed GTi's are a nightmare to service and repair. Definitely a car to drive at least once in a lifetime.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 1999

1993 Peugeot 205 GT 1.4

Faults:

Umm starter motor, oil leak around the head gasket, brake lines, tensioner bearing in the cam shaft.

General Comments:

Good car, handles like a dream.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th August, 1999

7th Feb 2001, 05:02

I'm 20 and I own a red 205 GT on a 'G' plate. It's my first car, and I tell you what, I certainly have some fun at the lights, when pulled up side by side with boy racers (like myself) in Nova SR's, XR2's and the like. It's got quick acceleration for a 1.4.

I'm hoping to get 'Twin 40's' on it, then I'll write more comments about it!

10th Mar 2001, 04:11

Does the 205 GT have the same engine as the XS (with the twin carbs)?

Paul.

13th May 2001, 15:08

I have just recently put a GT engine in my car and your right about the head gasket, mines gone. Mine does not have twin carbs but I can tell you I'm putting them on, overall: A good car for young drivers, loads of fun, eats Nova's alive! YEAH!

16th Jun 2001, 10:47

I've got an 1987 GT With twin Weber Carbs and its the best car to take off I've ever had the pleasure to drive. This car can spin the wheels in 3 gear from a stand still!! And get you from 0-60 in about 6 sec.!! A trualy amazing car for a 1.4L.

11th Mar 2003, 07:30

I've bought my daughter a 205 SR 1988 with only 46000 on the clock. It is super to drive, better than the 106 xnd which my wife owns. Only trouble so far is it needed a new starter motor.

M McG.

1990 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 petrol

Faults:

Eratic idling seems to occur due to auto choke cutting out too early.

Windscreen glass thin & prone to cracking.

Red paint a definite no no in New Zealand sun due to fading.

Goes through tyres very quickly.

Needed head work after leaded petrol phased out last year.

General Comments:

Top car, purchased on reputation for handling & I haven't been disappointed.

However, idle should have been better sorted for a modern car, fuel consumption appalling, Pirelli 185 tyres expensive, and not suited for stop-start city traffic. Standard exhaust strangles power, and engine needs more poke in the lower rev band.

Also, in NZ the car is classified as 'high risk' for insurance purposes, making them virtually uninsurable if you are under 25 (cost me a bundle).

Parts prices very high due to freight.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th June, 1999

5th Mar 2003, 08:40

The standard exhaust doesn't strangle power as you say, not with the UK car at least. It is generally believed that the standard exhaust fitted by Peugeot is the best exhaust for the car. Well known tuners such as L.A.D recommend the standard exhaust is not replaced with so called performance systems as this does nothing for the power output, it only makes the car more noisy and boomy at motorway speeds.

13th Nov 2003, 17:13

I agree, the standard exhaust in no way strangles power. I have an Mi16 engine fitted to my 205 and it still produces all 160bhp that the engine is meant to.

The NZ/Oz/Japanese spec 205 1.9 is down on power on the Euro ones. Not sure why, but it is quoted at 105 bhp against 130bhp for the euro one.

1990 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 petrol

Faults:

Just the things that you would expect for a car of this age.

I have had to replace a few little things, but that's life.

Wear & tear is normal on any car.

General Comments:

The dogs when it comes to handling.

Cheap to run 30+ MPG.

Quick little car.

If you want a fast car & good handling around bends as well as straights then buy a Peugeot 205 GTi (1.6 or 1.9).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th April, 1999