Peugeot 205 Hatchback 1983
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Cheap to buy and run. Great fun for a 1st car.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Insurance should be cheaper than it is. Everything else dirt cheap if you shop around.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Lovely gearchange, fluid steering. Quite a lot of roll, but then it's only the basic model.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Never quite sure if it's getting faster with age. Will bite well up to 50mph. Massive satisfying revs (not sure that makes its go faster, but great on the ears).

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Starts every day (if you know how to pump the accelerator correctly - there's a knack). Not overly keen on wet weather-stalls, but like I say, will always start. Has only let me down once in 12 years.

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    White, scratched and slightly bent in places. The inevitable bit of plastic missing at the back. But it's 12 years old…

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Noisy, especially at speed. Unsupportive seats give me a bad back. Interior trim very basic.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Lets put it this way; if I lock my keys in by accident, I'm not worried. But then who would want to steal it anyway?

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Dealer was friendly and helpful went it came to changing the stereo and getting spares. Obviously cheaper alternatives available everywhere else.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Thermostat needed replacing (in 35degree south-of-France heat).

    Other

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes