Faults:

Starter motor died at 50,000 km.

General Comments:

Amazing cornering.

For such a small and light car, the power generated is totally sufficient. you can keep squeezing the gas, and it just keeps giving.

Lots of room in the front, however in the rear... not so much.

Good build quality.

This car is simply amazing. it is light, yet very powerful. This combined with awesome handeling makes it a joy to drive.

Faults:

Front and rear shock absorbers needed replacing.

Track rod ends needed renewing.

Battery Died.

Alternator Blew up.

Brakes were vague to say the least.

Head gasket started leaking.

Rear torsion bar seized up completely.

General Comments:

This was my first car, and only cost £500.

The bodywork needed straightening and respraying, as it appeared to be made from tin foil.

It idled badly and stuttered at lights

But after a fair bit of work the car was seriously quick, and for a car that had been so abused and covered so many miles it drove superbly.

The lightning acceleration and snappy steering could easily catch out a novice driver, but this car was so much fun.

Then rear torsion bar seized up and I sold it on.

Faults:

Brake lights worked intermittently. This was put down to the switch. It was taken out and squirted with CRC which solved the problem.

General Comments:

Interior is plain, but attractive with well laid out functional controls.

Seats are unusually comfortable, compared with other vehicles.

Lack of power steering in this model can be a problem for parking.

Driving this car on the open road is wonderful, steering is smooth and responsive with good acceleration (passing).

Hand operated windows, they wind freely and operate well.

This car certainly attracts attention wherever it goes, due to it's unique timeless styling.

Faults:

Front shocks replaced once, rear shocks twice.

Alternator rebulit at 100,000km.

New water pump at 120,000km.

Seats front & back badly worn. Original material very fragile.

Twin Webber's require constant & expert tuning to keep them on the boil.

General Comments:

I've driven quite a few "hot hatches" from the 90/s and without a doubt the 205 Rallye is the most satisfying driver's car of the lot.

It's not the fastest hatch in a straight line or even around corners, BUT it wipes the floor against any other front wheel drive hatch when it comes to driver involvement, pure FUN.

Best times are slow to medium corners (when safe to do so!), sideways, car balanced on the throttle, the un-assisted steering talking to you all the time. Not a motorway cruiser!

Beware that you have to treat this car with respect or it will bite you. Not recommend to someone who's just tossed away their "L" plates.

Lastly make sure the shocks absorbers are in tip top condition (especially the rears) otherwise you WILL lose it.