1989 Peugeot 205 XS Pershore, Worcs
I bought this on a whim after wanting a 205 for ages, and I have not been disappointed! Being the xs it has a very close ratio gearbox and a twin-choke 1400 engine. The seats, rev counter, front bumper and suspension were up-rated above the standard 205s. We have all heard the "it's really fast for a 0.8L diesel milkfloat, honest" line before, but for a 1400 this really flies. It makes my 1600 mx5 feel slow and severely lacking in torque, and it sounds great. It soaks up all the bumps and is brilliant fun to throw around. I really do not want to sell it but it is a third car and I am about to move house, so this is a head over heart decision.
90,000 miles
Mot until July. Advisories are a sunroof leak (?) , coolant leak and oil leak.
I'm not sure about the oil leak - the engine bay is dirty but it doesn't leave oil when parked, and doesn't use a lot of oil. It hasn't been a problem.
The coolant leak is from the thermostat housing, and it is very slow. I haven't needed to top up the coolant in 6 months /1000 miles. I have a new temperature sensor and thermostat to put in, but haven't bought the thermostat housing to complete the job yet.
The temperature gauge doesn't work (see parts included, above)
As of this week, the speedo and rev counter have decided not to play ball (well, speedo stops at 40 mph).
Apart from these faults the car is working really well. I have used it as a daily driver and it has been a hoot. Just the right size for nipping around town, and great fun out and about.
I changed the oil last week, and I changed the spark plugs, ignition amplifier module, ht leads and coil when I bought it. This was to make sure it started every time as I'm self employed and use the car for work, so it had to be reliable. I have looked underneath on ramps and there is no rust at all underneath. Say what you like about french build quality but they knew how to make a rust-proof car!
The car is cosmetically tatty but as honest as they come. Laquer peel on the boot and a large stone chip on the rear quarter are the worst bits. The chip is recent and it has gone to bare metal, so needs to be covered pronto.
I have all the original service books which show some history up to about 60,000 miles. The car was then given by a lady who was giving up driving, to the local garage owner. He kept it for ten years (so no written records of history) until I plucked up courage to go and make an offer when my wife was at work. His summary was "it's tatty, but it doesn't break down and goes like the clappers", and that's been my experience! Please come and have a look.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
I bought this on a whim after wanting a 205 for ages, and I have not been disappointed! Being the xs it has a very close ratio gearbox and a twin-choke 1400 engine. The seats, rev counter, front bumper and suspension were up-rated above the standard 205s. We have all heard the "it's really fast for a 0.8L diesel milkfloat, honest" line before, but for a 1400 this really flies. It makes my 1600 mx5 feel slow and severely lacking in torque, and it sounds great. It soaks up all the bumps and is brilliant fun to throw around. I really do not want to sell it but it is a third car and I am about to move house, so this is a head over heart decision.
90,000 miles
Mot until July. Advisories are a sunroof leak (?) , coolant leak and oil leak.
I'm not sure about the oil leak - the engine bay is dirty but it doesn't leave oil when parked, and doesn't use a lot of oil. It hasn't been a problem.
The coolant leak is from the thermostat housing, and it is very slow. I haven't needed to top up the coolant in 6 months /1000 miles. I have a new temperature sensor and thermostat to put in, but haven't bought the thermostat housing to complete the job yet.
The temperature gauge doesn't work (see parts included, above)
As of this week, the speedo and rev counter have decided not to play ball (well, speedo stops at 40 mph).
Apart from these faults the car is working really well. I have used it as a daily driver and it has been a hoot. Just the right size for nipping around town, and great fun out and about.
I changed the oil last week, and I changed the spark plugs, ignition amplifier module, ht leads and coil when I bought it. This was to make sure it started every time as I'm self employed and use the car for work, so it had to be reliable. I have looked underneath on ramps and there is no rust at all underneath. Say what you like about french build quality but they knew how to make a rust-proof car!
The car is cosmetically tatty but as honest as they come. Laquer peel on the boot and a large stone chip on the rear quarter are the worst bits. The chip is recent and it has gone to bare metal, so needs to be covered pronto.
I have all the original service books which show some history up to about 60,000 miles. The car was then given by a lady who was giving up driving, to the local garage owner. He kept it for ten years (so no written records of history) until I plucked up courage to go and make an offer when my wife was at work. His summary was "it's tatty, but it doesn't break down and goes like the clappers", and that's been my experience! Please come and have a look.
