Faults:

On the way back from collecting it, the fuel pump went.

At 197917 miles it cost £400 ($800) for a service.

Power steering isn't at it's best.

General Comments:

It's 90 brake horse power engine pulls well and will do 120 MPH. It will do about 35 MPG and it is a diesel.

There are a few rattles and squeaks when idle.

The clutch is a bit dodgy, and the gear box is rough through the gears.

Suspension knocks when you go over a bump in the road.

Engine can get quite hot when driving over a big distance (over 40 miles).

Faults:

Climate ventilator was dead after few km; has been changed (3 bolts to remove only).

Starter motor was out after 30.000 km, and has been changed (also easy to change)

Glow sparkles were also off after 30.000 km.

Had to put grease on the gear box command after 40.000 kms because sometimes it ran from fifth gear to fourth (looks like working now).

Had to do something to the hand brake cable at 42.000 km to strengthen the bolt to get more grip.

General Comments:

The car is very reliable for its age, despite minor failures on equipment. You can drive very long distances without any problems with an average consumption of 7.5 liters diesel on highways. But in mountain conditions, the motor is not economical at all; 10 liters at least.

Start very good also in winter conditions, and drives very well in snow thanks to its front drive.

The only weak point is that the car is not comfortable; the seats are too hard, and the car sounds at high speed like a boiling pan.

Anyway, cheap to use and reliable.

Faults:

Radiator leak, Solved with abit of Radweld.

Air Conditioning and Heating system not working resulting in lack useability in colder winter months.

Damper failure resulting in a £60 bill to put it right.

General Comments:

My car has a 1905cc Turbo Diesel engine in GTX trim. The engine is bomb proof and has never failed previous owners before.

It sees 125 off and then runs out of chuff, and is generally a very smooth car.

1st and 2nd are too short 3rd provides optimum boost from the engine.

The cabin is very practical and the car has a big boot making it suitable for a family.

Very good handling, this car isn't a 0-60 car. But cruises well and on long journeys is epic.

Faults:

Rear axle bearing went.

General Comments:

This is a good honest workhorse of a car. I am a small woman and find the seats very comfortable indeed since you can alter them to suit, up and down, back and forth and even lumbar support.

I have lots of animals and when the rear seats are folded down, it can hold 4 bales of hay easily. Mine has a tow bar fitted and tows very well. Even with a heavy livestock trailer behind it is gutsy. This is the second peugeot 405 diesel estate I have owned and will definately get another when this one dies. The last one had 248000 on the clock and still ran well. The only reason I scrapped it was that it started getting electrical faults and refused to start in winter. Once did DID start it ran very well.

I have had this one for just over a year now and it has proven as reliable as the last one. I wouldn't say it is a pretty car. Those interested in style and street cred' wouldn't want it. But for anyone who wants value for money, space and reliability I can highly recommend this car. I regularly get 55 mpg and this summer have been running it on pure vegetable oil and it has performed as well if not better than before.

If I cannot find another 405 diesel estate next time around, I will definately be looking at the 406 diesel estate.