Faults:

Many light electrical problems.

Much rust in doors, luggage, around the wheelhouse ands the front window.

Some water leaks due to manufacture related problems.

The seats are in bad shape.

And our "la cuaracha"-horn doesn't work any longer due to water-injection.

Some water problems with the head-light.

The back-seat frame has a lot of rust.

General Comments:

Though the seats are worn out they are surprisingly comfortable.

The engine are in a very good shape if you are counting with it's age.

A bit to much plastic in the interior makes the feeling of the car a bit cheap.

Some bad smells, but not due to smoking.

Though many negative things the car has a good feeling over it and a lot of attitude.

A really trustworthy car with a great handling that starts anytime during the hour of the day.

It doesn't drink to much gas and it can manage 195 km/h!!!

Faults:

Rear wheel bearing failed - water got into the bearing and the grease turned to lard.

Cam belt change (precautionary)

Rear dampers need replacing.

General Comments:

Lesser known brother to the legendary 205 gti, the 309 shares the same engine and a similar chassis. The weight penalty does slow the car slightly, but also provides a useful size boot, and enough space that you can fit back seat passengers in. The stealth factor can work both ways. The 309 is a frumpy looking car, and admittedly not as pretty as the 205, but at the same time no-one realises just how quick it is until they lose you on a back road.

I bought the car to use for road rallying, and it performs superbly. Handling is taut, and although the rear dampers need replacing (despite only being 18 months old), it sticks very well round the corners.

The 1.9 is a nice torquey engine pulling well from 3000 rpm (my old 205 XS needed thrashing and only really went from 4500), with sensible gear ratios so that motorway crusing isn't too unpleasant.

Like all French cars, the trim has fallen off (or plastic cracked), but every time you get onto a twisty B-road you forget all the problems and enjoy the fun of driving!

Although not the quickest hot hatch in a straight line, I think any of the latest generation would struggle to lose the 309 down a twisty b-road.

Faults:

Ignition switch failed in 2001. Radiator sprung a leak this year.

Clutch failed this year.

General Comments:

I feel this car has given me a great service through the last 6 years. Always starts first time (touch wood! I hate tempting fate!). A very smooth inexpensive reliable friend. I had a mini before and got this one when I had a child cos I couldn't fit the pushchair in the mini. I didn't think I'd like it at all as I always like cars with "character". But it has a lot of characer and is a joy to drive, in fact everyone I've ever let drive it is surprised at how good it is. I have had several offers from people who want to buy it after driving it, but Betty isn't for sale!