Peugeot 205 (1983 – 1994) Review

Peugeot 205 (1983 – 1994) At A Glance

The most perfect practical design for a small car ever, diesels economical, GTis huge fun, no rust traps, last well

Minimalist construction crumples in a crash

Ask Honest John

What is my father's 1993 Peugeot 205 worth?

"My father needs to sell his 1993 Peugeot 205 automatic as he is no longer able to drive. It is in good condition with an MoT until Feb 20. What value could I expect and where would be the best place to sell it?"

Prices for the 205 GTI have gone stellar over the past five years and that has dragged values of the more humble models up a bit. Depending on the condition you're looking at about £500 to £1000.... maybe a bit more if it's FSH and in first-class condition. There is some appreciation of these glorious happy shoppers, but you might have to be patient if you want to sell it for more than a few hundred quid. As far as where to sell it, we'd recommend getting it in as many outlets as possible - try traditional classic print newspapers and magazines as well as websites. We've got some tips on selling a car here: https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/how-to-sell-a-classic-car/

Answered by Keith Moody

Where can I get an original headlight for my Peugeot 205?

"I own a 1993 Peugeot 205. How do I find an OEM headlight online?"

Are you looking to replace your headlight? If so, try GSF or Eurocarparts for a replacement item - a new headlight unit is about £60. Alternatively, try the online auction sites like eBay or Club Peugeot (https://www.clubpeugeotuk.org/) if you're after a secondhand item.

Answered by Keith Moody

I want a bit of 1980s nostalgia - what do you suggest?

"I grew up in the 1980s in France and am now really keen to grab a piece of motoring nostalia from this era. I'd love a convertible ideally. I'm not a motoring expert at all, but probably can learn to do basic stuff. I've got a budget of up to £5K. Do you think it's realistic to find something matching my criteria? And what would you look for in terms of make/model. I've always loved the Peugeot Roland Garros convertible but not sure you can get it in the UK?"

Have a look at our roundup of usable (and affordable) convertibles from the 1980s and 1990s for inspiration (https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/top-10s/top-10-1980s90s-four-seater-convertibles). If you'd like to use your car all year round, Citroen XMs (launched at the end of 1980s) are good value or you could go for a Peugeot 205 convertible (but watch for rust). There are few guidelines to follow when buying a car of this era. Although most were well rustproofed, the tinworm can still strike - especially if a car's been damaged in an accident. You'll also want to make sure that it's been well looked after so history is a must. Finally, try and find one that's been used - it's all well and good finding a timewarp low-mileage model but modern classics like these suffer from lack of use and their more complex mechanical components such as fuel injection can suffer, which will cause running and reliability issues. Go for something quirky and French and you'll come in well under budget - unless you go for a popular high-value model like a Citroen 2CV, Talbot Matra Rancho, Renault 5 Turbo, or Peugeot 205 GTi. You'll also enjoy the support of a great bunch of petrolheads via the club scene.

Answered by Keith Moody

How much is my Peugeot 205 CTI cabriolet with a dimma kit fitted worth?

"I have a Peugeot 205 CTI cabriolet with a dimma kit fitted. My husband started to restore but couldn't finish it. I don't know where to begin. Please could you advise. What is it worth? Is it worth restoring? How much will it cost to restore? Please help so I can make a decision."

I'm emailed my contact at a Peugeot club. These cars are quite rare, so he's in a better position to advise.The Peugeot Sports Club UK thinks there were only six original Peugeot CTI made Dimma back in the day - so if it's an original one (or has an genuine kit on) then it's very worth saving. To check authenticity, look for Dimma marks on the rear bumper behind numberplate. If it's a copy kit, then it sadly won't be worth very much. Club member Chris Hughes says, 'Value is very much dependent on condition - anything from £1000 to £25,000, depending if it's an original Dimma and if it's restored to original condition.' If you want to get in contact with the club, they're on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PeugeotSportClubUK/) and respond to messages quickly.

Answered by Keith Moody

More Questions

Peugeot 205 (1983 – 1994) Buying Guide

Good

• The definitive 1980s hatchback.
• Brilliant 'wheel in each corner' design, no space wasted anywhere and great looking.
• Also no rust traps. It's rare to see a rusty 205 except at the leading edge of the roof and door bottoms.
• Excellent ride and handling combination.
• Light weight, from 740kg for 1.0XE to 850kg for 1.6GTi.
• GTi models very throttle sensitive with lift-off oversteer available on demand.
• Sold 5.3 million.
• Later post-1988 'TU' sub-1.4 engines better than early small engines which still had their gearboxes in the sump.
• Diesels capable of 50 mpg and late versions came with power steering.
• Clever cantilever folding front seats of three-door bodies give good access to rear seat.
• Peugeots generally had below average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 86.25 v/s lowest 31.93). Link:- www.reliabilityindex.co.uk

Bad

• Very light build, so vulnerable in accidents - especially at the back.
• Small front discs of early diesels lead to heavy pad wear.
• Single front washer reservoir of pre-1986 cars could lead to problems with rear wash/wipe.
• UK govt stats show high 7 out of 9 point death rate from accidents in this model probably due to frailty of the body.

Watch

• Check spare wheel is in its underboot cradle and not nicked.
• Front suspension wear (205s and 306s tend to 'lean' on the front suspension and are particularly vulnerable to kerb damage).
• Oil burning petrol engines needing new valve stem seals (allow £120).
• Crash damage and rust in doors, window surrounds and brake pipes.
• Rusty rear discs on 1.9 GTis.
• Valve stem seals of GTis give out at around 60,000 miles. Cambelts and camshaft end seals of all XUs must be changed every 3 years and 36,000 miles. Coolant of diesels must be changed every two years to avoid cylinder head gasket problems.
• No underbody rust traps, but superficial rust a problem on early cars.