1988 Peugeot 205 GLD 1.8 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A cheap, cheerful and fast little motor

Faults:

Mainly routine things, new timing belt every 48k miles etc etc, oil changes every 5k. No major disasters. Timing is currently not right but this will be easily fixed with a new belt.

The gear linkages are a bit weak: made of bits of coathanger and little ball joints, this will not take much thrashing when my Mother drives it.

General Comments:

An excellent car. Top speed 95mph, 0-60 in under 20 secs! The engine seems to go on forever and the body work is entirely rust free.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th June, 2000

8th Jun 2001, 14:44

I have 205 J-reg 1.8d.

I have noticed that the old bird (102k) is smoking more and more. Any tips to stop this?

1988 Peugeot 205 GT 1360 Twin Carbs from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Reliable, cheap and rapid!

Faults:

Erm, not much really for a 12 year old car. Driveshafts are knocking and will need replacing soon (damn you Peugeot for using 1.1 Samba driveshafts!) Clutch probably in 6 months or so. Just balanced and cleaned carbs.

General Comments:

A great little car, very fast for the size of the engine (Mr.Rep in his 2.0 16V Vectra will testify!) Fuel economy good too, considering it gets driven hard (35mpg). Doesn't handle as well as the 3 door, but you can't have everything! Reliable too, but there doesn't seem to be that many about. I think I'll keep mine until I blow it up!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th June, 2000

1988 Peugeot 205 XLD 1.8 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Reliable and sporty

Faults:

Where to start?.. I needed a new exhaust when I brought it.

I put a new radiator in it cos the other one exploded when I thrashed it too much, I was going about 90 (which I thought was quite slow). I've calmed down a bit now and have had no other problems. Except I'll need some new brake pads soon cos I had to stop suddenly to avoid a crash! My new radiator is beginning to leak as well, this must be a commom problem?

General Comments:

It's quite nippy for diesel but in 5th it's very sluggish and therefore is annoying on long motorway journeys.

It's so comfortable I slept in it once.

It looks wicked but I can't be bothered modifying it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2000

1988 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Marvellous fast and tight little rocket sled

Faults:

Only stuff which was wrong with it when I got it. Intermittent failure to engage starter motor. Coolant hose (chafed).

General Comments:

Echo all comments in other reviews about speed and handling. Fantastic, just as quick, more fun, and better cornering than a Jag XJS I had once! Good fuel economy 35-44mpg. Noisy though but who cares? Tappety top end. Lots of opportunities to upgrade even further, with chips, head and manifolds etc. A fab little car for the price of a set of rubber for the Jag!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2000

1988 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 from Australia and New Zealand

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

1988 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.9 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Front anti roll bars, head gasket, exhaust manifold.

General Comments:

Watch out for the front anti roll bars, this is a common prob on GTi's, also the valve stem guides fail on higher mileage cars. If you're losing oil, check your dizzy oil seal before you presume it's the head, also the dizzy rotor arm wears out causing oil to escape into the cap, the engine itself is very reliable if looked after.

If you want the ultimate conversion take your car down to Viper in Southampton, I got mine converted to unleaded and also had a race head put on.

Goes like stink now!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st January, 1999