Peugeot 205 (1983 - 1994)

Last updated 31 July 2013

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.