1984 Peugeot 305 GL Estate 1.5 from Norway

Summary:

Reliable, light and good at offroad

Faults:

Brake caliper.

Brake amplifier (although it wasn't defective).

Dynamo/generator.

Fan/dynamo belt snaps every 8 years.

Some rust; the car was spray painted in 1996 and in 2014.

General Comments:

Excellent, in fact if there were no shortage of parts and a 200 HP version of the 305, I would buy another one.

The car has been in the family since 1984, and I got the key in 1995.

I'm considering upgrading the engine, since the clutch spins sometimes and the engine could have some more HP.

In the 32 years it has run out of fuel 2 times, and I had to do a rolling start when the dynamo quit. Never been towed or been put on a lorry.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th June, 2015

1984 Peugeot 305 GL 1,5L from Norway

Summary:

Reliable, easy to drive, comfortable and slim

Faults:

Generator failed after 20 years at 110.000km.

Back door did leak a bit in the beginning.

Brake magnifier broke at 100.000km.

Clutch is a bit worn.

That's all.

General Comments:

Best car ever :)

The suspension is fantastic, and the seats are great.

Leaks a bit of water that must be refilled every two months (my fault, forgot to use anti-freeze one Winter).

Easy and cheap to repair.

Have only broken down two times in 24 years; both time it ran out of gas.

Weighs almost the same as my sports car; only 998 KG. My Mazda MX-5 weighs 907 KG.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th January, 2008

1984 Peugeot 305 SR 1.5 from Germany

Summary:

Nightmare

Faults:

Rust, rust, rust.

Steering worn out.

Brake pipes rotten.

Oil leaking.

Several electric problems.

Head gasket needed replacement.

Wheel bearings worn out.

Seats wore out.

Electric is a complete nightmare.

General Comments:

The only thing I liked on this car was the illuminated ashtray.

I must have been crazy to buy a car like this, but when I bought it everything seemed to be alright. All the problems started 5000 to 10000 km after I bought it. Every time I see one now I want to set fire to it to relieve the poor owner from this piece of crap.

It had problems starting when it was raining or cold or just foggy. Neither I, the dealer or one of my mates could figure out, why. I had the starter and the generator overhauled, didn't work.

It was leaking oil, I had to change the head gasket and several other sealings.

You could literally watch the brake lines rusting. The discs are worst quality as well.

The gearbox is absolutely not exact and the shifter stick has as long ways as in a truck.

Driving it feeled like you are drunk. This got even worse when the steering and one wheel bearing out.

Apart from the too soft and short seats it is not that bad inside. It offers enough room even in the back. But it got bad when the sunroof started leaking, the sealing was rotten and the metal rusting.

All ended when one rear shock absorber broke through due to severe corrosion, then I had a serious reason to get rid of this nerve grave.

Don't even think about buying one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th July, 2004

10th Mar 2005, 12:40

First of all I do own one and it is easy maintaining car with easy fixation of the usual faults.

It did not fail me once on starting during 21 years.

For the rust there is no trace of it as it was firstly fully painted with anti-rust materials in the factory.

I see that it is a very good car for a horsework duties, Although I do own a 405 Peugeot, I prefer to ride with my good old 305.

4th Apr 2005, 19:34

Seems to me that most things you mention could be easily repaired. I don`t know if you should have bought it when rust already was a problem. Oil leaking can also be seen before buying. What can one expect anyway from a car that was made more than 20 years ago? There are plenty of good 305`s still driving, and the car is meanwhile turning into a collectors item. Is that really because of it`s poor quality and bad road manners? I bought my second because of the quality and handling! Both always started without any problem. But I have to agree it is a pity that they are not sold new anymore... some parts just have to be replaced after a while, just like with any other car, and that will take some time and money...

5th Apr 2009, 20:30

I too own a 1985 305 1.9 GTX, the car has never failed to start, never broken down, never had a major part replaced; it's still on its factory Michelin MXV tyres on the rear and spare.

There is no rust whatsoever, the interior is perfect, the seats and ride quality of this vehicle are exceptional.

I have owned a few prestigious cars in my time, and I have reverted back to the 305, as I had one as a youth, and always pined for a GTX.

I have fitted a new carb, as after nearly 25 years and 32000 miles, the auto choke unit was failing.. that's it! As a rule I detest french cars... the 305 is an exception, you however were unfortunate to get such a bad one as I've never had so much as a burst tyre with mine.

1984 Peugeot 305 GT 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Cam belt broke at 100,000 miles.

Carburettor problems at 100,000 miles, (cost £1000 for it not to be fixed by an English Peugeot dealer, eventually cured by a French Citroen dealer and a hairgrip.)

General Comments:

212,000 miles and still going strong!

Bodywork will give in before the mechanicals do though.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd December, 1998

20th Feb 2001, 07:18

I have a 305 GTX 1921cc 1985. Electric sunroof and windows, and a steal to buy for £275! I've travelled from Bristol to Scotland in it twice, very comfortable. The automatic choke put the fuel consumption through the roof, but with a manual choke in it it's running much better, and for less. I'm about to take it to France for my holiday, whilst there I'll treat it to a full French Peugeot dealer service (they have more parts and less costs).