Faults:

Nothing nasty, just the usual wear and tear like brakes, suspension parts and stuff when needed at MOT tests and regular maintenance like oil changes and so on.

If I'm being really picky, the interior plastics did not hold up well and looked very cheap and worn when it was still young (ish), but nothing broke as far as I remember. There was a faulty indicator relay switch, and a coupe of other minor electrical gremlins. The air con also stopped working, but I never bothered to get it fixed.

General Comments:

A car I bought at a reasonable price and served me well. The 405 had an average reputation at best when compared to rivals, but I think stood out with excellent reliability and low running costs. The diesel engine was slow, but it did do 50 MPG, which in the 1990s was about as good as it gets for a larger saloon car.

Driving this car was nothing special, but it handled smoothly and the gear change was OK. The brakes were tight and the interior was comfortable, very nice seats felt high quality; shame the rest of the interior felt under par with the door cards and general plastics feeling cheap.

Looked very nice in red with alloy wheels. Styled by Pinninfarina I believe. Was a really good looking car, one of the things that made me buy it. Also the 405 was very popular as a taxi during the 90s, due to good economy and interior space. I did hear of a taxi version lasting to over 250,000 miles.

Due to financial circumstances at the time, I sold mine on at 120K miles still going strong and would like one again, but they are rare these days. Mine was one of the last of the 405s on an "M" registration before they changed over to the 406. A 406 would be more reasonable as an everyday car now, although some complained they were not as reliable; but I've also heard positive comments in regards to that car and its overall ability was good, and also even better looking. The 407 is where I believe Peugeot went downhill. Still, I miss the old 405 and 406, they were good looking cars from a simpler time.

Faults:

Sunroof failure under warranty, repaired without any quibble and remains satisfactory.

Timing belt failure at 91k, changed at originally changed at 62k by main dealer. Tensioner changed at the same time as the belt; new one was faulty and failed at 91k. Entire repair covered by main dealer.

OSF wheel bearing at about 116k, cost approx €200.

No other parts replaced other than routine service and maintenance items.

Glow plugs replaced once at 96k, injectors never touched, water pump is replaced when timing belt is replaced, still on original clutch, CV joints, CV boots.

Replaced all suspension bushes and ball joints in 2006 at 104k, at my choice although not called up by main dealer inspection or MOT/NCT. This made the car feel like new.

Interior remains perfect.

General Comments:

While performance is not mind blowing, it is however very well balanced with the chassis, and is a pleasure to drive on long journeys, and is an exceptionally comfortable motorway cruiser, all day at 80mph.

Economical and home maintenance very easy. A full fluid and filter change can be done by DIY, very easily.

Has done many motorway and long distance trips.

The interior is grey and is so much brighter than black, sunroof is an excellent feature. The car came with CD changer, sunroof, front armrest and is very smooth.