Peugeot 405 Saloon 1988
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    It's as good as the 406 but is much cheaper. Unjustly underrated these days.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Insurance lower than many equivalent rivals, I've found. Parts cheap from breakers yards. Town driving with 100kg in the boot still gets you about 350-375 miles.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Power steering is light and precise. Clutch and gearbox very forgiving – you can change into most gears around the biting point. Good acceleration for 1.6 saloon in all gears. Very forgiving if pushed. Grips well.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Not astonishing but inspires confidence. Can get to <1000rpm before car even hints at stalling in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears. Stereo good, although a tape unit.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Not had it that long but no problems so far (tempting fate?!) As good as a Mondeo or Vauxhall, I reckon.

    Image

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Dated now but still maintains a slightly aggressive front and back (if you like that sort of thing). The 405 T16 on Pikes Peak in the mid 1980s has to give it some image!

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Interior heater warms up from cold engine faster than you would think. Seats not too supportive, especially cornering. Also, I'm 6' 2" and my head touches the ceiling! Interior drab, despite facelift around 1993. No pockets on back of front seats annoying

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Immobiliser, alarm and remote central locking - a bonus on a car of this age and relatively low spec in the range.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Needs a wheel balance - don't hit kerbs at 30mph!

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes