BorniteIdentity Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 I thought I'd start a new thread on this because, whilst I have my own, actually it's quite useful to have a reference point for the future/wider internet. I'm looking (don't tell the boss) at trying a few cars out this year. The Mercedes 190 is a long termer with me and the Sierra is the dictionary definition of 'for better or for worse'. However, I can muster £500 together in order to have one under the strict understanding (with myself you understand) that it must not create an additional place on the 'Heritage Fleet'. So. Really I want a 3 door with no sunroof. I wish I'd won the roffledraw the other week for that lovely red one. This one looks reasonably appealing, although I'd be looking to do a deal. Has had a weld up and needs a belt so room for negotiation. Smart, but those wheels can FRO and I'd probably enjoy a petrol one more. HFM? Shame, because this is right up my street. I've read all the usual HJ articles etc and I do want to give one a spin before prices turn and the charming, honest, standard models are all gone. Any tips, hints, suggestions and cars would be greatly received. Ta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BorniteIdentity Posted January 25, 2019 Author Share Posted January 25, 2019 PS - how much labour is a garage gonna charge me for a pez drive/aux belt replacement?!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
busmansholiday Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Back in the late 80's early 90's I had three, all bought new / a few weeks old. Started off with an E reg Junior, then a G reg XS, then a J reg GTI (1.6, couldn't afford the 1.9, the 1.6 was 10 and a half bags then). Junior was slow but fun. Had the blue deckchair type trim. Timing gear made strange noises from day one. Traded for a month old XS. That was brilliant, 1.4 twin choke, reasonably economical but went like stink. Traded for a new 1.6 GTi on a J plate in Miami blue with red trim. What a bag of shit. Less mpg,worst performance ( dealer had it back a few times, concluded that I'd got the one at the bottom end of the performance scale), broke down. Traded it for a ZX diesel!!! XS would be my choice if I had another. Laseraligningfoofooflanges 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Bell Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 XS all the way if possible. Or an STDT. They're all ok though. Hgf is possible/common enough on all the TU engines but not common like K series common. I've had 2 XS's, two XUD 1.8s and a 1.1 jnr with an XS lump and 4 speed box. That was the best of the lot. Other that squealing cabin fans, there's not much not to like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volksy Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Had a couple. 1987 D plate GLD 5dr. Nicknamed 'Angry Pierre' as it was faded red and used to shake like a b*stard at anything over 50mph.Bought for £70 and ran as my daily for nearly two years including a daily commute from Alsager to Chester.It was an absolute pillar of reliability throughout this with no maintenance whatsoever. Recently had a 1988 CTi 1.6.Loved this car, picked up cheap, as the owner had emigrated. Went like the clappers and handled well too.A house move to a place with no parking and a job that took me away from home for periods meant that it had to go. Laseraligningfoofooflanges 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramz7 Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Another former owner, one a 1.4 GL and the other a TD Sceptre which now belongs to skattrd. The 1.4 felt blindingly quick and sounded just right. The TD was also abysmally easy to wind up and blast everywhere. I like, but I'd probably not have another. Good handling but a bit precarious when on the edge... Laseraligningfoofooflanges 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSchwifty Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 I have a Phase 2 (1993) 3 Door D-Turbo. It's a fabulous little car, I really enjoy driving it. The seats, velour buckets, are very very comfy but certainly wouldnt suit a fat ass. Its pretty quiet on motorways and general driving and seems to be nailed together pretty well - only the odd rattle. I would say that the Phase 2 dash is no-where near as cool on the phase 1's, the earlier ones are far quirkier and the plastic quality is generally better too - my 305 interior shares a lot of its bits with Phase 1 205's and its certainly nailed together better, with thicker plastics. Having the XUD in it means that general servicing is a bit fiddly as things are somewhat crammed in - but if you're looking for a petrol, particularly the smaller CC ones, you shouldnt have this problem. As with Peugeot's of this era, rot and knackered rear beams are the killer. But 205's are seemingly still rather plentiful so there's plenty of choice and rust free/minimal rust ones can be found - the lower trim models are far far far less desirable than Dturbo's, STDT's and GTi's, although the XS's are popular due to their performance. I'd agree with busmansholiday and go for an XS, Phase 1 or 1.5 (87-1990) personally. OR, find a good early poverty level 1.0 with the little "suitcase" engine and enjoy excellent handling on skinny tyres with no power! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BorniteIdentity Posted January 25, 2019 Author Share Posted January 25, 2019 'Angry Pierre' Is that like an Angry Pirate?™ Jim Bell 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dean36014 Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 If it's the same 1.4 engine as in the saxo etc the cambelt is a doddle to do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeordieInExile Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 I really fancy an STDT... there was one for 700 quid on Gumtree a year or so back with great history and loads of MOT left. I wish I'd just gone for it. ...If anyone fancies a big Swedish turbo-barge and has a 205 STDT (or XS), I'm open to swaps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reb Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Even the nonturbo diesels are great fun to drive, possibly moreso as there's an element of not wanting to slow down because it's taken 3 weeks to reach reasonable speeds. With a 3 door be prepared for endless "is it a gti m9?" and sudden disinterest when they're informed that it's not. Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk alf892, chaseracer and BorniteIdentity 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dozeydustman Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 My picks are the warm hatches - the XS, GT, XT, STDT or DTurbo. Petrol engines I have a soft spot for the suitcase, but the TU is also excellent. i also prefer the looks of pre-1990 models, but the interior of pre 1988 models feels more spacious, if a little spit & kleenex. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coprolalia Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Buy this cheap Dturbo which has just popped up in Norfolk so I can buy it from you in 6 months? https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F303040107471 Seriously though, it looks peachy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BorniteIdentity Posted January 25, 2019 Author Share Posted January 25, 2019 Buy this cheap Dturbo which has just popped up in Norfolk so I can buy it from you in 6 months? https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F303040107471 Seriously though, it looks peachy. One bid already on it at £950. I'm paddling in the shallow end for this purchase. alf892 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sporty-shite Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 I've had a few 205s over the years, a 1.6 and probably three different 1.9 GTis (when they were <£1000), MRS S had an XS, and FATHA has had two diesels, the first one being a scruffy 280,000 miler, which he paid £250 for, got two years out of before it got hit up the arse by a rep in a Laguna, and being vakued as a write off at something ridiculous like about £800!! All of them have been faultless, with the exception of the 1.9 which slipped it's belt whilst I was trying to tow start it! I'd certainly have another, and have been looking longingly at some of the ones that have been coming up on here. Idela would be an XUD9TE converted three door. Verdict: buy one now before prices go stratospheric. BorniteIdentity and Carlosfandango 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PiperCub Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Had a few, including a NA diesel with 316K miles on it and four GTi's, one of which I still have. All have been very reliable but then again I made a point of buying decent examples in the first place!. Yes, they can produce a few silly faults but never had anything major go wrong. Can be a PITA to work on due to tight engine bays but it's not that bad, the cambelt isn't the easiest to do. They have all been very resistant to rusting, for example my current GTi (91/J), when I stripped the interior to rustproof it, there was still paint behind the panels and in the concealed sections and not a trace of rust, even the underside/floors/sills are totally clean. Alot of French cars of this era seem to be very resiliant to rot. The diesel was a non-turbo but was quick enough and once up to 80mph it would stay there all day, I'd have another of those too. Laseraligningfoofooflanges, RayMK and BorniteIdentity 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayMK Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 We have had three door and five door 205s, including at least three diesels, and at least three petrol versions including an automatic. The automatic had the delightfully French sliding glass sunroof with a seal that was deflated using engine vacuum to facilitate opening. All were bought 2nd hand and all were 'trusted' vehicles i.e. they were generally very reliable in all types of driving. The last one to go was the Automatic in 2017 after the autobox heat exchanger failed and quickly buggered the 'box. The diesels sounded agricultural outside but were quite refined inside and could easily cruise at 80+mph whilst returning 50mpg. Expect front suspension arm replacement rather than trying to replace the rubber bushes. The arms are not expensive and replacing them is straightforward. Rear suspension is independent by transverse torsion bars - the whole assembly is known as the 'beam' but it is not a torsion beam (twisty dead axle). The rear 'beam' and its mountings can suffer from corrosion and is the main reason for 205s being scrapped. Bodywork resists rust far better than many cars of similar age. 205 prices are climbing because of the GT's influence, though sub £500 non-sporty examples in decent condition are still available. Recommended . Laseraligningfoofooflanges and BorniteIdentity 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Braddon81 Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Over the years I've owned around 6 or 7 205s both in suitcase and Tu engined form. I echo all the sentiments above, however a 500 quid budget won't get you in to an Xs these days. I'd be looking at Xls and Xr's of a late 80s vintage. E F and G plate 205s were the best built 205s of all and if they have been well attended to they should still be in good order. After 1990 and with the introduction of the 106 the majority of production switched to Spain and the build quality dropped. Later cars are more likely to have rot in the boot floor, under the rear seat, front inner wings and headlamp panels behind the bumper. Other than the usual Psa rear axle gremlins, handbrake cables are prone to seizure,the diff in the Ma gearbox used plastic races in the bearings and these can whine with age. Check the driveshafts for wear on full lock too, any play in the steering is usually wear in the lower column U/J. Oil leaks are common on Tu engined cars above the alternator. This is where the O ring within the head gasket has perished. You can either live with it or slap a fresh headgasket on which is pretty straight forward.I've travelled hundreds of thousands of miles in 205s,find yourself a tidy unmolested one and it should serve you well. Laseraligningfoofooflanges, Burnside, Dirk Diggler and 3 others 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eifion Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 I've had a 1.4 petrol 205 as a daily driver for the last year or so. In 12,000 miles it's only let me down once in that time and that was because I'd checked the water and not put the cap back on the expansion tank bottle. I'd say buy now before prices get silly, they're a lot of fun to drive. BorniteIdentity 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timewaster Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 GTis are already silly money, XS will go the same way I'm sure, if you can find one. I think your timing is right, get in now while there are still some to choose from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alf892 Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 One bid already on it at £950. I'm paddling in the shallow end for this purchase.You need to find a seller who doesn't consider them either rare or a future classic... Laseraligningfoofooflanges and BorniteIdentity 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
They_all_do_that_sir Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Really wish I'd been in a position to buy one of the various cheap ones on here lately. I like boggo ones better than sporty ones too Sent from my TA-1012 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommotech Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 I’ve driven many, used to have a Phase 1 GTi 1.6 (‘86) and currently have one of the last 1.6 GTi models (91 J) that I’ve owned for 15 years. Whilst prices are on the up for GTi some people think their cars are worth ££££’s so being choosy is important. However, n/a diesel versions are not bad, frugal and decent to drive with PAS (later models have this as standard). 5 doors are cheaper but less desirable as you know, three door models do look better imo. The van version is overlooked and still seem to go relatively cheap, I’m definitely open to buying a 205 van. Early cars are simple but not particularly well screwed together, can present with rust problems and may have been neglected in life. There isn’t really a bad engine though and parts are still plentiful, even if the electrics go all French occasionally. I do think the design is absolutely on point and was never bettered. This was definitely Peugeot at its best. BorniteIdentity and Laseraligningfoofooflanges 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marm Toastsmith Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Here's mine. It's really great to drive, has been relatively trouble-free so far, and as stated the 1.4 is quick enough and sounds brilliant. Also cheap tax. If you want a sportyish one then the convertibles are often cheaper than the tin top equivalent. XS and GT are hard to find and have always been sought after. The CJ is probably the next best thing although I think a few less horses due to carb etc... Same with GTIs really. You see quite a few reasonably priced CTIs which are the same car sans roof. Obvs not quite as practical but not bad with folding rear seats and a surprisingly decent boot. BorniteIdentity and Laseraligningfoofooflanges 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arthur Foxhake Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 This is the STDT I was hawking for sale on here, last week, in my Mercedes thread.Sold it to my brother now, not a single bite on here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coprolalia Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 This is the STDT I was hawking for sale on here, last week, in my Mercedes thread.Sold it to my brother now, not a single bite on here. IMG_20181216_145851.jpgBloody hell, I completely missed that. I've been after an STDT for ages. If he ever wants rid can you PM me? I'll have it off you if I can get it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marm Toastsmith Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Bloody hell, I completely missed that. I've been after an STDT for ages. If he ever wants rid can you PM me? I'll have it off you if I can get it!Me too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BorniteIdentity Posted January 25, 2019 Author Share Posted January 25, 2019 This is the STDT I was hawking for sale on here, last week, in my Mercedes thread.Sold it to my brother now, not a single bite on here. IMG_20181216_145851.jpgDidn’t see that man. Anything with a For Sale flag gets oggled. Apologies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arthur Foxhake Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 I've got first dibs if he sells it! Part of the conditions. Never wanted to sell it but January is always hard. It's exactly what I want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
castros_bro Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Had a few or those, mainly diesels with astronomical mileage/kilometerage. Currently running a 1.6i 4 speed auto which zooms along and sips petrol. Here are some I papped earlier as elsewhere they are well used. http://autoshite.com/topic/22592-pug-bingoshite-game-about-to-commence/ BorniteIdentity 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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