written by Tjc90 on 22/12/2009
This is a great car, second car after within first year of driving and best thing i ever did!
There are so many things that can go wrong but hey its 20 years old!
Value for money is the best thing as the amount of money you spend doesn't compare to the amount of fun you have!! £850 mine was, bit of a service and this got me hooked!!
Im only 19 now and couldn't careless about insurance price.
RECOMMENDED TO ANYONE WHO DOESN'T WANT TO MODIFY THIS CAR!!
written by pugelist on 31/05/2009
Ladies and gentlemen!
I bought my 1.9 Peugot 205 Gti new, in Saudi Arabia in 1993. At the time l was working for a Saudi Oil Company, on the east coast of S.A.
I drove it in and around the Eastern Province of S.A. in 40-plus degrees. No problems at all, the A.C. worked impeccably and the car started up each day at the first turn of the key. Extreme Test number 1. Passed 5 Star. In 1995 i drove my car back to U.K. overland from the east coast of S.A. 1,600 kilometers to Jordan. Over very bumpy, unmade roads part way along the TAP Line (Trans Arabian Pipeline) the speedometer cable stopped working. It had jumped out of its housing. A quick pull on the cable from under the bonnet cured the problem immediately. Not the car's fault, mine. Passed through border control and flew through Jordan, excellent roads en route for Syria. Filled the tank for the umteenth time but fuel economy brilliant!
Passed through border control into Syria and again, the "Pug" was in its element on the wide Syrian highways. After stopping part way on a wide section of the highway to take some photos of villagers, made contact with the Syrian "Highway Patrol" who were really good fun to talk to. The exclaimed their surprise at the fact when l explained to them l was driving all he way back to U.K. in this little "Peejoo"(their pronunciation), wished me God's blessing and sent me off with a salute.
Crossed the border into Turkey and proceeded up quite high mountain passes and down the other side quite scary at times but the Gti took everything in its stride, brakes, steering, handling, impeccable!
Same story: Turkey, Greece and after the car ferry from Igoumenitsa(Greece) to Brindisi (southern Italy) and through the border at Ventimiglia, into France. Beat up through France to Cherbourg in time to get the 5 p.m.ferry to Poole. Up to the M4 and then down to Wales. Total mileage; 8,500 kilometers (5,000 miles) in four and a half days!!! At every stage, the Gti never murmured, got on with the job happily and, considering the incredible amount of varying conditions, fast roads, mountains, sharp bends etc, this Gem of a car kept me safe and secure, even though it was put to extreme tests many times en route. Later that year in November, the 205Gti was driven to Sweden, where l stayed through a Swedish winter until february. Typical temperatures ranging from minus 10 degrees C to minus 25 degrees C (often minus 30C). Ice, wind and snow!
There was no space in the garage so the Gti had to stay outside even at night under 5/6 inches of snow. All throughout these extremes of climate and temperature changes, the car started up first time, with the heater clearing the screen and warming the interior in a matter of minutes. Now that is a car worth talking about!!
The car has only covered 42,000 kilometers(25,000(ish) miles, serviced at Canterbury Motors Peugeot agent where the cambelt was changed by request. And that's it! The car is now with me in my garage here in Southern France and still on Arab plates.
The idea of this "travelogue" is to point out the incredible features of this time-defying classic of all time. I defy anyone to deny that my 1.9 Gti has proven it can handle anything that has been thrown at it with safety, security and confidence. As the Swedes do, my 205Gti will be buried with me when l go to the happy racetrack in the sky!
written by on 20/05/2008
I have a Peugeot 205 1.6 Phase 2 gti, owned for three years. These cars must be the greatest hot hatches of all! Extremely fun to drive and they never get boring. Be aware! These cars have reliability issues due to age and being thrashed to death. Not an ideal daily runner! Idleing faults, oil seals wearing out (blue smoke), exhaust manifold prone to cracking, rear beam etc etc etc. But I have Done 20,000 miles in mine and I still love it! Makes life easier if you have 2 cars though, backup for when your 205 lets you down again.
written by mcjakeyg on 14/11/2007
I have the 1.6 version, its great to drive and is a brilliant little first car, even though the insurance so high as im only 18! It needs a little bit of work, don't know why it idles funny and doesn't start in the morning...... trying to work that one out. :-)
Want to get it lowered on the 1.9 wheels and find some ways to try to make it a bit more responsive without shelling out the big bucks....
written by Denyfromtheblock on 27/03/2005
Bought an F-Reg Peugeot 205 Gti 1.6GTi with 100k on the clock off father-in-law for 50 sovs. BARGAIN!!
Unmodified as yet had it for 6 months no problems so far.
Its quick when you floor it. Top end very responsive, scream the knackers off it boy!
Handles better than any car I ever owned (I've owned a mini and a lowered belmont sri both went like stink and stuck to the road like poo to a blanket, but the 205 is something else, throw it round as much as you want and you don't need to brake for corners!
Would like 1.9 15" alloys, induction kit and better exhaust, but unmodified it kicks out around 90-100bhp which'll do fine!
Classic pocket rocket!
written by nosman on 30/01/2005
The Peugeot 205 Gti is an all time classic.
Handles brilliantly and is second to none. (never been beaten by anything around corners)
Its been extremely reliable with the 1.6 engine (for 11 years i've never had any major faults with the car)
I've owned the same car for 13 years with the 1.6 engine for 11 of those years then changed the engine to a low mileage 1.9 because it was cheap which only lasted 6 months (blew it up testing my nitrous set up)..then the mi16 engine which has been unreliable due to a BAD CONVERSION (not wired up correctly)... But have loved every moment of ownership even though its cost me a small fortune.
I have aquired another one of these cars and I am still on the look out for a late example of this car... if I can find one thats not been crashed.
written by markbaker837 on 24/11/2004
I really like the looks and handling of the Peugeot 205 Gti, but the engine is poor it splutters a lot in second gear and top end leaves a bit to be desired if anyone has any tips on how to make it run better please let me know.
written by lombardo on 27/06/2004
I bought a 1.9 GTI on an F 1989 (133,000 miles) for my first car. I wanted a fast car and didn't really mind about the insurance as fast is better than slow. I'm 19 and I pay £2600 insurance 3rd party only with admiral. This car was rapid, beating Escort RS Turbos the lot and the car was standard. I had a few problems at first,
1)Laquar on roof come off
2)Dry bearing in crankshaft, making a sweaky noise
3)Fuel gauge playing up
4)Heater motor not working
I thrashed this motor around Romford, Southend, Thurrock and it handled like a go kart, I beat an Impreza round bends once but it was close. A knocking sound from the n/s wheel started and the car was idleing really rough but I took no notice. I put on a max flow induction kit and this baby was even faster. I was losing water by the day and before I knew it a month after I had bought it a pipe split and it overheated. I put a new pipe on which went to the cold water valve and topped up and carried on. I was travelling down the M25 The night after I got the hose and it lost power and come to a standstill. I tried to start it and it was not having none of it. I rang the recovery and waited to get picked up. He managed to start it with the jumpers and the bottom end had blown up and the alternator had gone, I was in a world of shame having paid £460 for it. I had to get another car but I fell in love with mine and I had to get it going. I rang around and got a Brand new recon engine fitted for £1000. It come with a 5 yr guarantee as long as I take it back there to get serviced. The car was running so smoothly it was like it come out the showroom, but the car was still idling funny and it still is to this day, the breather pipes have been cleaned and so have the injectors so I don't know what it is. The clicking from the wheel was still there so I put in a driveshaft and the clicking went. The car is holding back a bit but with a little bit of messing about I'm sure I can get the thing as fast as it was when I first got it. I love this car and all other 205 GTI's, there the nuts.
If you need cheap parts try GSF, they're well cheap. If you wana know the firm about the new engines then email me on [email protected].
Respect to all 205 gti owners.
Written on: 21/06/2007
I myself have a lovely little H plate 1.6 GTI. Bright cheery red with a pug body kit (fitted at birth). She's my first car too, I wasn't interested in having a poor car to bomb around in, always been a proper motor enthusiast. 'Her Majesty' as she's known, is typically fussy when it comes to new parts. I'll only let one mechanic touch her. You want to talk about quick..shes faster 0-100mph then my fellas 4.6l '99 Mustang GT. She's quicker then my mates Golf VR4 and blows anyone in a Saxo with a massive body kit and a loud tail pipe out of the water, leaving only embarrassment to those left in her wake. And doubly embarrassing because I'm a lass.
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<br/>Currently her maj is undergoing some restoration works in time for next years showing season. She recently went to the local newark classic car show where she sat next to a mint Reno 5 and a very nice capri. Lots of attention was given to the 3 and loads of peeps took her pic. Course I left grinning like a mental patient.
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<br/>Shes recently had...new leads, dizzy, sparks, starter motor, track rod end, bearing, cooler pipe, fuel pipe among others. Now shes wingeing for a new alternator. She will be having a new coat of cherry in the new year and her front seats a good going over.
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<br/>Note to anyone wanting to buy a 205 GTI - do it, its the most rewarding car you will ever purchase. Lots of work if you want to keep them in excellent condition, but well worth it. I bought mine for a grand and at 85,0000 on the clock I knew it was worth it, now shes worth double and climbing. At 17 years old no one can say shes not a classic car. I love my little baby, I've vowed never to sell her , give her away, break her or scrap her. Its a thoroughly rewarding car, even my fella will give up a day in his 'stang to have a 15 min drive in maj - and thats saying something.
written by edalbridge on 09/05/2004
I have had my F reg Peugeot 205 Gti since year 2000. And it is a lot of fun to drive. But, before I bought it many cowboy outfits had tried to 'improve it'. Items like really low springs, power boost valves, etc do not help performance, ride, handling or comfort. If yours has these get rid of them. You'll be surprised. Honest. And if you don't believe me then go to Castle Combe and watch the 205's race and beat the Impreza's and later Peugeot's as they go around the track. Those cars aren't that low and they don't have the gimmicks either.
The engine has non-hydraulic tappets and so the top end should sound rattly. The valve guides tend to wear out at around 80,000 miles. And these are cheap to replace. Anyone who quotes you a large bill is ripping you off. If the engine uses oil it's probably the valves that have gone. Other than this annoying niggle the engine is bullet proof. I should know. I ran my engine without oil from Bristol to Alton! By accident of course!! But... replaced valves and a new oil fill later the car is running as sweet as a nut!
An average condition 1.6 produces very similar power to a 1.9 so if you're in the market for one and you haven't had a 205 before you'll get equal pleasure from either. But, the gearbox in the 1.9 will make motorway driving more relaxing.
The car doesn't leak but, rain water will form in the passenger footwell if left out in a heavy soak. It comes in from the vent under the windscreen scuttle on the passenger side. This is a design fault of the car.
If you want cheap insurance for these vehicles I recommend the following. Get yourself a racing license. Go to a specialist insurer and get a limited road milage policy. My vehicle is very heavily modified - 192.8bhp from an 8valve! Doing the above cut the cost of insurance from £2,500pa fully comp to less than £750pa fully comp. This is for a 5000 mile policy. The cost of the race license is around £250.
As for practicality - the boot is tiny but I have travelled the length and breadth of the UK with 4 adults very comfortably.
I hope you find this review useful.
Written on: 26/04/2006
You ran your engine without oil from Bristol to Alton? And it still worked afterwards?
I ran mine the distance it tooked to decelerate to a standstill after an oil hose detached itself at 90 mph. That was sufficient to wreck the engine, which required nearly 2 grand's worth of repairs.
written by jeffcabbage on 29/04/2004
I bought my Peugeot 205 Gti 1.9 GTi for cheap off a mate because it wasnt running at the time, I then took it to a lad at motorsport and he got it running. Since then I have really enjoyed the performance and the handling it is spot on but beware of the reliability because I am sick of mine now after what I thought was a cheap good bucks per bhp beast has now turned into a wallet draining pain in the bum. I hate to say it but my girlfriend was right when she said dont get one because it'll only cost you a fortune in the end so the moral of this story is go ahead buy a 205 gti if you have two cars (for when the 205's in the garage) and a large wallet to foot the bills! because my 205 story aint one with a happy ending!
written by p jonwood on 11/03/2004
I have enjoyed every minuite of the ownership of my Peugeot 205 Gti. I have the 1.6 version as I am only 19 and struggle to get insurance. The handling is second to none. Straight line speed is not exceptional but is still adequate. I am looking forward to buying the 1.9 as soon as I can afford the insurance!! word of warning though, dont buy one if you want a practical car that will not fall to pieces regulaly!!!
written by benno28 on 03/03/2004
I've had my 1993 Peugeot 205 gti 1.9 now for about 5 years and i'm sick of it, I would love to get another car if I had the cash to spend. These cars are rubbish, they dont drive well at all and if you do more than 20 miles you feel like you need to realign your spine. It leaks, is uncomfortable, slow, and looks dated.
Written on: 23/03/2004
Sorry to hear that- I have a 205 mi16 which is 185bhp so about 203 bhp per tonne- it will wup all over pretty much anything it comes up against in the hot hatch area. and I have driven RST, R5GTT, CRX, Golf MK2 16v etc. The handling is great and it takes real skill to drive this car on the limit. I have to admit the build quality is bad but the car weighs 900kgs so what do you expect?
<br>Before my conversion I got 35mpg out of this car and I remember it was a lot more than out of the Golf!
<br>If you want a turbo car- perhaps a Nissan 200 s13 is a good bet because there very cheap although a bit common!
Written on: 09/05/2004
Sounds to me like you need to get your Peugeot sorted. The engine should be bullit proof and economical. Has it had any modifications? Are you still on it's original dampers and springs? If so replace them for new items - your ride and handling will improve out of site. What's more new parts don't cost the earth. For 900kg you don't get a lot of soundproofing so if you want something that feel's like quality then either buy something else or again purchase some soundproofing yourself and place it behind your doorcards and under your carpets. You'll be amazed at the difference. Hope this helps.
Written on: 26/04/2004
If you're concerned about the bumpiness of your drive why dont you swap it for a 1.1 with the floppy suspension?!!
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<br>When you do swap it you will realise how good the 205 is - I got rid of mine due to the lack of reliability but have regretted it ever since. They are great cars - still look modern almost 20 years on and go like stink! Sell your 93 and get a pre-cat model with the extra BHP, far more fun to drive and much faster.
Written on: 01/04/2004
You have to remember that 205 GTi's are a 1980's design, there are bound to be some areas where they are a bit poor but these are the cars that led the way for GTi's (along with the Golf). They deserve respect and rightly deserved as if they are well maintained and looked after they are equal if not better than alot of the hot hatches available today. Mine is a 15 year old 1.6 GTi and even though I've thought about getting something newer with all the luxuries etc. Nothing puts a smile on my face like my Peugeot.
written by blake on 14/02/2004
I drove my brothers Peugeot 205 Gti 1.6 and i loved it, so i sold my car and brought a mint 205 1.9 which was modded with a k&n airfilter, uprated suspension, stainless still exhaust and a set of cool deep cut 5 spoke fondmetal alloys.
:( Shame 1 wet rainy night i lost it comming out of a roundabout and ended upside down in a 10ft ditch. I brought another 205 but it could never replace the one I crashed.
written by niacuk on 12/01/2004
I bought my first Peugeot 205 Gti back in August 2002. It was a 85 c reg 1.6 dimma in dimma blue (though whoever did the paint job needed shooting). my aim from the start was to modify it, and modify it I did. so where did i start? it has changed colour from horrible violet to peugeot racing colours (white, blue and red). Has been fitted with 1.9 mi-16v (160bhp standard) lump. which was great until I discovered that the 306 gti-6 (167bhp standard) lump fits also. so that went in and is now producing 240bhp of smiles. It has been modified with piper cams giving an extra 20bhp, a pipercross viper race filter giving an extra 5-10 bhp, a superchip upgrade to 220bhp and a full 4 branch manifold slipping into a 4 inch straight through omp rally exhaust system. The injectors have been modified to competition spec. All this tallys to 256bhp at the flywheel and 238bhp at the wheels. torque sits nicely at approx 220lb/ft. That is all mounted upon group A engine mounts. it has been completely stripped out and my bum now sits in cobeau revolution touring car seats with omp 6 point aircraft harnesses to keep me nice and snugg (whilst also confusing the missus). a multipoint weld in cage keeps the handling and safety aspects up to scratch. As for suspension, I have spax rsx's all round, allowing me to adjust height and damper rate and an omp alloy strut brace keeps it all in line. wheels are 16x8 compomotives or speedline comp 2's depending upon my mood. tyres are toyo prox's t1-s's. the bodywork remains wide arched and is complemented by a morrete twin headlight conversion, a gutman mess grille, dtm mirrors and rover metro bonnet vents to help with cooling along side a massive alloy oil and water cooler. As I said in my review, the 205 gti had great brakes if you kept it reasonably sensible with the power, but for me it wasnt enough. I opted for the 306 gti-6 brakes as an added extra, they are 3 pot equivalents and will stop a truck if you want it to, the rear discs are from a 309 gti including the beam. all these modifications were completed in a standard garage with limited tools by myself. all except the chip tuning and painting. so it goes to show that these cars aint complicated. im only 22. there are photos floating somewhere around the web, but I have yet to create a site of my own. Im not particullarly keen on paying some company my hard earned cash just so that I can flaunt afew photos. any free sites around? feel free to send me an e-meither: [email protected]
Written on: 18/06/2004
Although you're correct to heavily praise the 205gti, I must say your power claims are far too overrated and I have to tell you now that you simply don't have 256bhp, not too long ago there was a USED engine producing 293bhp @ flywheel going for £10,000 which included modifications such as Throttle bodies, complete new ECU and full remap, heavily ported and polished big valve head, basically full race/touring spec.
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<br>I would be inclined to say your engine won't be pushing any more than 185bhp... pushing high power figures is gonna require porting and polishing of the head along with plenty of money, i'm sorry to say you simply can't take the base power figure, add 10bhp for an air filter, 20bhp for cams, etc etc...
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<br>If you get your car professionally rolling roaded you will be given a better idea of power output, and i'm sorry to say you may well find yourself quite dissapointed.
Written on: 07/08/2004
I fully agree with Simmy. There are so many companies who make false claims about power outputs from 'bolt-on' upgrades. If u ask a professional race engine builder to give you over 200 bhp he will do most of the work on the head ( larger valves with carefull porting and pollishing etc.) and complement this with throttle boddies and a custom mapping of the fuel and ignition using a rolling road. you will be charched at least £2000 but it will be a genuine increase in power and torque. To get 250 bhp will require further work on the valves and ports to optimise power at very high rpm matched with high lift, long duration cams and stronger valve springs. The high revs will require strengthenning of the bottom end also, which is expensive. All up, you will have spent about £4000. the claim of 220 lbft of torque is the most fishy and i believe that some companies have intentionally inacurate rolling roads to 'prove' to their customers that there products are giving more power.
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<br>As a guide, the 2.0l rover k series engine in the caterham R500 evo produces 250 bhp at over 8000 rpm and 190 lbft of torque. This is a very highly tuned engine and and is about as far as is possible to take a 4 cylinder engine that is to be used on the road.
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<br>I feel my comments may not be appreciated and I can assure you it is not because I am envious. However, I do want people to know what to expect when they modify their engines.
written by samm on 10/01/2004
Ive had my Peugeot 205 Gti 1.9 for 2 years and I still cant sell it, I wouldn't unless I could upgrade to something really great like an mr2 turbo.
The best thing is the handling which is fantastic but you can really feel the car around the corners unlike other cars.
They will never make cars like this again where weight is just 900kgs, the closest thing is the Clio cup.
value for money this has to be the best car I have ever seen. You can get a great one for £1k. even an old rs turbo which has had the nuts thrashed off it goes for around £2k same with a Golf 16v andcrx.
written by charli on 22/12/2003
Just brought a 93 Peugeot 205 1.9 and its the best handling car i've ever driven having previously owed a number of other hot hathes like Mark 2 Golf GTI 16v,Fiat Punto GT its all round performance is also good
written by smellmybutt on 13/12/2003
As of yesterday I am now a proud owner of a Peugeot 205 1.9 GTI. its going to be garaged until April which is when im 21 and insurance ain't such a cainer! Ive owned 1 litre 205s since I was 17 and 3 years on I have invested wisely in its bigger bro. No one knows why but for all you lot who own one, you certainly know the reason. Ive been in a few other fast cars before but a 205 is like driving a racing car! (espeacially with a nice exhaust system!WHAT A ROAR!!) And they still have that *eat my rubber* aggressive look! the best car ever made
written by paul205 on 08/12/2003
I had a 205 GTI 1.6 it was great fun to drive i ended up changing the wheels and to the 1.9 versions which made go round corners like it was on a track i also put the 1.9 leather seats in to replace the ripped old ones.After i had done this i put a sports system on and changed the engine to a 1.9 after blowing the 1.6 up racing a Rs turbo. With the 1.9 unit installed no other little hot hatch could keep up this car is the GOD of Hot Hatches i would have another anyday of the week.
written by rscossieboy on 18/09/2003
wahayyyyyy well what can i say about my Peugeot 205 1.6gti apart from the fact that is was the best 700 squid i have ever spent, it is fast and reliable. these boyo's in there corsa's and saxo's aint got nothing on these french wonders. a lil word of advice tho, if ya gonna get one, make sure ya slam it, cause sometimes it feels like ya driving a bowl of jelly, but apart from that there spot on, SO GO GET A AUTO TRADER, SELL THAT SAXO (HEAP) AND JOIN THE REAL BOYS WITH THERE 205'S.
written by Evans747 on 29/08/2003
The Peugeot 205 GTi is most certainly a drivers car!
I've owned 3 205 GTI's & despite there unreliabilty, it has been a great experience & i have no regrets. The 205 still looks great & the performance is truly breath taking (The drive of your life!) These are the last word in overpowered pocket rockets, & a true hot hatch of the 80's. However be prepared for high bills, because when they go wrong, its offen a very costly experience, unless of course you do your own mechanics, in which case parts are cheap & easy to obtain.
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Kevf205's Response to 177923_markbaker837's Review
Written on: 14/01/2005
Have you had it looked at by a mechanic? As a matter of course, I would replace the plugs and leads as it sounds like an ignition problem and also get a new air filter. I do not know how much mechanical knowledge you have so don't want to be patronising but I can give you a list of things I would check. (you may want to get a hynes manual).
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<br>Excessive oil in distributor cap?
<br>- clean it. If the oil comes back get a new seal for the distributor housing.
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<br>build up of dirt in air flow sensor making it stick?
<br>-clean it with a rag and a bit of wd40
<br>-do the same with the throttle buterfly
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<br>are the valve clearences correct?
<br>-remove the cam cover and check with feeler guages
<br>-if out then replace (or ask a garage to do it)
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<br>is the throttle initial position set correct?
<br>-set it up as per the instructions in the manual
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<br>if this doesn't cure the problem then replace the fuel filter (it should be replaced every 5 years at least).
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<br>These jobs will not take up much time at all and are very easy. If problems persist then you may have to get a garage to look at it. There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to have your 205 running sweet!