1989 Peugeot 205 GTi 1.9 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

One of the best FWD sports cars ever!!

Faults:

All the main things have gone wrong with my 205.

Torsion bar bearings.

Anti roll bar drop links.

Punished leather seats etc etc.

General Comments:

I am a motor mechanic so fixing the car is not a problem, yes it is tight in the engine bay and many a spanner has been flung out while I am under the bonnet however...

The main engine design is superb, the handling is involving, you get to drive the car rather then being driven.

With a few tweaks you can modernize your 205, my 205 will cruise at 90 at 3500-4000 rpm, less fuel consumption, less noise, overall a much nicer car to drive long distance and the part cost me nothing from the scrap yard!!

This car is a classic in the making, they maybe cheap and cheerful for some, but I advise all who are into there motor cars to take a 205 1.9 for a long drive!!!

I'll watch this space for your comments!

If your 205 is not quick enough for you, email FP1_Racing@btopenworld.com.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th April, 2004

25th Jun 2006, 15:13

I had a 1.6gti and it was the most fun car I have ever owned. And despite what a lot of people say, it didn't cost me that much to keep it on the road, but all work was carried out by myself saving a lot of labour costs!

Also I did put a 1.9 engine in it, keeping it on the 1.6 gear box. Lost a little from top end, I would get approx 115/120m.p.h instead of 130, but the torque was amazing!!! It would out accelerate most!!! And the handling was insane, so so good, especially after I lowered it 60mm and put in up rated shocks, a struggle for city speed humps, but living in Devon, fantastic for b roads!

Have to say long distance driving in it was always good, and I loved the car to bits. So much that I regret the day I ever sold it, and now think I might buy another one as a project. Especially as I'm 25, and even with 6 points, my insurance will only be £250 fully comp!!!

1989 Peugeot 205 XRD 1.9 diesel from Poland

Summary:

I sold it with tears in my eyes

Faults:

Only minor fixing required.

The things worth mentioning are:

- anti-corrosion painting.

- often shocks exchanges (because of bad roads in Poland)

- at about 210 000 km final exhaust was replaced for non-original ($70)

General Comments:

I gotta say - a little car worth every penny!

Amazingly cheap to maintain:

Fuel consumption: 5,5 l/100 km (43 miles/gal) no mater city or highway.

Nothing, but fuel and other liquids were necessary.

Small repairs done in non-dealer garages.

But:

- poor acceleration (16 s. to 100 km (62 miles) /h

- not very comfortable (but pretty fair)

- definitely not a sporty car

- small malfunctions

- small boot (but after setting seats down I brought a mid-size fridge on board)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 2004

1989 Peugeot 205 Roland Garros 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Simply superb!

Faults:

The chassis had split right across from the drivers side, which needed urgent attention.

The clutch went just under a week before I was due to sell it.

I blew the radiator pipes by pushing it too hard.

General Comments:

For a 1.4, it's surprisingly quick. I have a 106 Quiksilver now, and that's not even close in terms of power.

The interior was obviously dated, but it is nearly 14 years old. Very well put together though...

Peugeot's are well known for providing eager, revvy engines and the 205 was no different. The power delivery wasn't very smooth, but it certainly went if you were overzealous with the gas pedal!

In short, it cost me quite a bit to fix as the previous owner didn't take much care of it... but it's a remarkable car. I went for the 106 afterwards, and that's been the icon of reliability!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th January, 2004