Faults:

Cracked headlight glass (easy to replace).

Worn out rubber covers front drive train (ripped just where they were attached).

Faulty computer unit (which is to control the plugs instead of a Bobine as I was told, see below).

General Comments:

Though we had this Peugeot as a second car for just a short period and just for practical reasons, it was fun to have.

Positive:

- An absolute joy to drive: very nimble, very quick and small but practical (relatively big boot)... an ideal car for the city.

- I noticed that the red paint was very good: easy to maintain and not that fragile as my other and more recent cars.

- This car is an absolute beauty.

Negative:

- The seats were probably ideal for little women, but not for me. Much too soft, and the head rest couldn't be lifted above my neck. Seems typical for French cars.

- We had a lot of trouble with that computer unit as mentioned above: the car would suddenly stall while driving (it has happened while doing 120km/u), which was just absolutely dangerous. It was possible to restart the engine after a few attempts, but the computer unit would give up more and more until it eventually dies. I was told that this was a common problem with these engines (because it couldn't stand the heat), as it was becoming difficult to find replacement units. I recall we needed three replacements, which is a shame.

We'd probably still own this 205, if it wasn't for that computer unit-failure. It's beautiful, practical, fast, cheap and easy to maintain, and thus ideal as a second car for short trips.

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

Sporty, classic looking, sheer class.

A nice auto box allied to the 1.9 detuned GTI engine makes this a very nice ride.

Handling is superb.

Faults:

Front to rear drivers side brake pipe split under heavy braking; same again on passenger side!!!

One crash, luckily no damage or casualties!!!

Brakes were inefficient so I fitted GTi6 306 front callipers, pads and discs, much improved braking.

Can't find interior parts, even from Peugeot dealers? Rare limited interior, comfy seats though, newer cars I've driven have given me backache!!!

General Comments:

I have a 1990 205 TD 5dr called Herbie Turbo due to its reg plate. I also have Goldie Turbo, a 1992 205 STDT. To keep it sweet I want more, more of these under appreciated future classics.

Faults:

Needed new wiper blades all round.

Rocker gasket needed replacing (not a massive job, and the part was only £6).

Clock adjustment doesn't work (not that I'm bothered!)

Paint very patchy on bonnet and roof.

General Comments:

This little car is turning into one of the best cars I've ever owned. I was very lucky, the car came with a full service history, and the previous owner had poured quite a lot of money into it. Strangely, the paint is very patchy on the roof and bonnet, but as a budget car, these things can be looked over. It came with what appears to be an after-market sunroof, made by Britax, which adjusts to three or four positions, and doesn't leak.

It has never failed to start, and will happily return 60+mpg. A full tank (currently £34), and the car will happily trundle through roughly 450 miles before it needs to be filled up again.

It's not massively fast, and will never exceed 90mph, but with the fuel economy, I don't really care! The brakes are very sharp, and even on skinny steel wheels, it's never worried me with the stopping ability. The steering is a bit on the weighty side, but it's not a massive struggle.

Being the "Style" model, the trim level is pretty basic (not even a cigarette lighter), but unless you're used to a very high spec car, it won't bother you too much. I don't mind anyway.

It did me proud and flew through the last MOT. I'm going to keep it for a long as physically possible, it hasn't started to rust anywhere, which I'm taking as a good sign. I would like at least 200k out of this car, and I'm rather positive that it would make it!