Used car buying guide: Peugeot 205 GTi

Two years later, in 1986, the power of the 1.6 GTi was increased to 113bhp, but of perhaps more importance the 1.9 GTi was launched. It produced 128bhp and was torquier and punchier, with a 0-60mph time of 7.8sec and a top speed of 127mph. 

But what made the 205 GTi, any 205 GTi, so special to drive was its finely tuned chassis and its balance in the corners. However, although the GTi has more than adequate grip, tales of what happens if you lift off the throttle mid-corner are legion, with that chassis deliberately tuned for more than a smidgen of lift-off oversteer, presumably to keep things interesting. You have been warned. 

Some thought that the build-up of self-aligning torque in the cars with unassisted steering a little unnecessary, too, and others felt that its 3.8-turns-lock-tolock rack could have been a little quicker. However, the GTi rode roughshod over all such faultfinding and has now become a car almost beyond criticism. 

Overall, opinion is still a little divided as to which variant provides the better GTi experience, with some preferring the peaky power delivery of the 1.6-litre derivative and others favouring the increased torque of the 1.9. No matter. What is beyond doubt is that, in either form, the 205 GTi is still comfortably regarded as one of the greatest hot hatchbacks of all time.

What we said then

18th April 1984: “This little car is a standard-setter in the hot-supermini class. It retains the good but firm ride of the standard 205 but adds in truly excellent performance and good handling. The interior is a little cramped in comparison with the likes of the Golf GTI and the Astra GTE, but it is a smaller and more agile car. Indeed, it could be argued that the shortage of space is not such a big issue in cars like this, which are built primarily to entertain the driver, and in that respect, the 205 GTi is a huge success.”

An owner's view

Mark Francis: “Take no notice of the hoary old 1.6 or 1.9 debate and just buy the best 205 GTi you see or can afford. Then you’ll have a supremely able hot hatch that’s still great fun to drive, even by today’s standards. If you find one of the later models with power steering so much the better. Its unassisted steering could be heavy at low speeds and a bit of a pain. Ride quality varies depending on age, too. The later ones are better. Of course, it’s small and fragile and not nearly as safe as a more modern car, so do take care. ”

Buyer beware

Engine: Check the exhaust manifold for cracks. A poor idling speed suggests a failed airflow meter. Inspect the coolant for signs of a failed head gasket. Listen for big-end bearings knocking. A dry bearing sound or a ticking could be a failed cambelt tensioner. The belt and water pump need changing every four years. Don’t worry if a 1.9 GTi is a little lumpy on start-up as this is quite normal.

Oil issues: Oil starvation is an issue so keep an eye on the pressure gauge. It can be caused by a non-Peugeot oil filter, the oil pump being blocked with the old gasket, or in the case of worn cams, buckets and lobes, by blocked oil spray bars. Look for leaks at the back of the sump. Oil smoke on start-up is worn valve stem seals.

Transmission: First- and second-gear synchros wear but a worn third-gear synchro means the car has been thrashed. Plastic gear linkages wear, causing a loose shift feel. New linkages and a quick-shift cure it. A worn lower engine mount causes engine rock and wears the driveshafts. When the car is cold, the gearchange can be rather stiff and it isn’t helped when the clutch cable starts to seize up. This will produce a heavy clutch pedal and make the car unpleasant to drive.

Suspension and brakes: Check the rear beam axle for collapsed bearings caused by perished seals. Drop links wear quickly, as do rear wheel bearings and wishbone bushes. Suspension top mount bearings rot and go stiff, causing the unit to creak. Rear discs on the GTi are susceptible to corrosion, and if the discs look to be in poor shape, it’s odds on the calipers are past their best, too. Replacement braking components are relatively cheap and easy to fit.

Body: Rust can affect door bottoms, sills, around the headlights and in the boot floor. 

Sunroof: The impressive sunroof, where fitted, can be problematic as the seal is pressurised through a tube to keep the glass in contact with the seal. Releasing the handle relieves the pressure and allows the sunroof to slide more easily. Raising the handle fills the seal with air, so a damaged seal will cause the sunroof to leak.

Also worth knowing

Space inside the cabin is truly impressive, given the compactness of the 205. It’s low-waisted and airy, big people can travel in the rear (although getting them in and out can be a bother) and the front passengers are as well catered for as in far bigger or more modern hatchbacks.