niwid
Posted a lot
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So, my girlfriend has fallen in love with the little french hatchback, and we're going to look at one today.
I'm not particularly clued up on them, although I know they share a lot of components with Peugeot 106 Citroen Saxo. I could do with a little advice on what to look for when viewing it as we really want to try and avoid buying a money pit.
Thanks in advance!
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g40jon
Posted a lot
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Mar 19, 2013 10:41:09 GMT
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my work mate ran one for a couple of years, loved it, but donated it to his younger brother as his first car. He reckoned they are pretty bombproof, better built than either the 106 or saxo (he also had a 106, which had a clean body, but lots of rot in hidden places), much more resilient to rust, a doddle to work on, loads of cheap upgrades and mods that can be sourced from other pug models, all in all a pretty sound little car.
Bodywork normally fairs well, but you will want to pay close attention to the floor and inside of the arches, as if they are going to have terminal rust, that is where you will find it.
simple electrics and mechanicals, so not a lot to go wrong.
I also had one, but that was just to tidy up and sell on. seemed a good car though from the brief time I had it
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Mar 19, 2013 16:47:07 GMT
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Check under back seat, seam at bottom of 3/4 panel where it joins sill & front panel for rust.
Apart from that you cant really go wrong with them, what model are you going to look at?
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Mar 19, 2013 17:30:55 GMT
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niwid
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,754
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Mar 19, 2013 18:24:06 GMT
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It's a 1.0 trio model. Looks really nice, with an enthusiast owner so it's looking good. I'll let you know how I get on!
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niwid
Posted a lot
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Right, so went to have a look last night. The bodywork was super tidy, it looked fantastic! However, we ended up turning it down as it looked like the inner wings were starting to go, and the engine was missing like a wotsit! I'd have probably had it if I was looking for a project, as it had obviously been loved and looked after, but it's for my girlfriend, and she is a student, so any signs of it being a money pit means it's a no go. She's gutted  On the bright side she now knows that she can reach the pedals in a 205, and we both know a bit more about them, as the bloke selling was a proper enthusiast! |
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Tepper
Part of things
Posts: 381
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Mar 20, 2013 12:43:17 GMT
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Another thing to watch out for is wear in the rear suspension which can cause odd camber on the back wheels, noticeable when stood behind the car. It's possible to replace the bearings in the trailing arms but it's easier to find a good secondhand setup.
Also grip is much improved by fitting a set of alloys from a GTI if that's a concern.
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1989 Peugeot 205 GTi - stolen!
1983 Mazda RX7
1968 Rover P6 - also stolen.
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ChasR
RR Helper
motivation
Posts: 10,307
Club RR Member Number: 170
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Mar 20, 2013 13:35:15 GMT
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IMO I would focus on getting a good bodyshell. The sills etc. don't tend to go (but they are not unheard of going) but the inner wings can get crispy as you have seen. Electrics can be funky but IME this seems to be more down to a lack of use.
The interiors are flimsy, but functional and surprisingly comfortable. Most things can still be sourced from breakers etc.
HGs can go but again neglect can cause this.
Rear beams can die, generally shown by play and negative camber on the rear beam, which can cause interesting handling characteristics. Good secondhand beams do come along.
IMO, the best thing you can do from a grip perspective is to ensure the bushes are all good in addition to having good/genuine dampers. The difference from when I went from Boge 'OE' Spec dampers to the B6s on mine was unbelievable (a rear that is still fun, but no longer wayward). 205 Drivers does go into detail there, and as said, the bodywork is a little more important IMO.
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niwid
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,754
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Mar 21, 2013 12:26:36 GMT
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Thanks for the help guys, this advice is going to be seriously useful while looking for one. We are going to view another one next week, which looks very tatty, but I'm told it's solid. Perfect for Emma, as she likes the 'weathered but looked after' look, or patina as some people call it. Yes, my girlfriend is awesome.
Grip isnt a problem, apart from anything new wheels will add to insurance. Plus the 135 13s are so narrow they feel like they have power steering!
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niwid
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,754
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Mar 21, 2013 23:41:24 GMT
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Mar 29, 2013 22:05:19 GMT
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Seems ok from what the pictures show, nothing a does of waxoil wouldn't kick into touch. Though I'd be wanting to get that brake cylinder looked at to make sure it's tip-top before I drove it very far. In reality I wouldn't pay any more then £500 for a standard 205 with MOT, unless it was quite special. Ideally less then that. Does it have to be a petrol 205? I'd go for a diesel Peugeot of that generation every time. My little 205D went to hell and back all over the world and never missed a beat. I guess insurance costs may be an issue? The main weak points I've found are track rod ends, but these are easily replaced. Brakes need looking after to give best performance, and on the diesels, alternators can go at the 100,000 miles mark. Electrics are simple and most issues are usually down to poor maintenance of contacts etc. Oil leaks if there are any can usually be solved by new gaskets, but normally shouldn't be any cause for concern unless major. Rust definitely needs checking for now, given the age, but most should be quite obvious and usually around the body-mounts. For me, the biggest worry in a 205 is accident damage, you'll be wanting to check the front especially to make sure it's straight and the panels all line up nicely, check the boot floor as well. One that's low in former keepers are usually safer bets, the gold standard of buying a well cared for example off of an elderly man or woman is still possible ;D Gear linkages can wear, but most gearbox vagueness can be solved by making sure the fluids actually there  Check for wear on the clutch pedal rubber, in case someone likes driving with their foot resting on it, some people can't squeeze around them! Anything else you'd like to know? Ian |
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1971 Range Rover
1977 Jeep Cherokee
1982 W123 Merc 230CE
1992 Peugeot 405 TD Saloon
1995 Peugeot 405TD Estate (having a rest)
1990 Peugeot 205 CJ - For Sale
1985 Peugeot 305 GTX
1979 Honda Accord MK1
1995 BMW E34 TDS
1994 BMW E34 TD
1998 Mercedes 320 CLK
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60six
Posted a lot
(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
Posts: 1,679
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At the back of the engine is a rubber hose supplying the heater - It's quite exposed and once the engine mounts start to get a little worn this pipe is the first thing to go. Easily changed though. 1.6 and 1.9 petrol.
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Some 9000's, a 900, an RX8 & a beetle
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Check for wear on the clutch pedal rubber, in case someone likes driving with their foot resting on it, some people can't squeeze around them!