'Amazing Find' or 'Just Trouble'?

[hughie522]

The Peugeot 205 CTi (convertible) was never sold in Australia. The 205 GTi was, albeit detuned by 19kw to meet local emissions regulations.

Completely by accident, what do I find sitting in an import lot a few minutes from where I live:

An immaculate 205 CTi. And I mean immaculate. A 1990 model. There is not a speck of rust on it. The convertible top has no holes or other blemishes. The interior and exterior plastics are fine. The interior and engine are all original. It has power steering, air conditioning and an automatic 'box. And it's only done 39,000 km.

And it's selling for AU$11,000 (a little under £4,700).

I think to myself, "Wow. This is an amazing find. It's probably the only one in its condition for sale in Australia right now."

And then the other part of my brain kicks in, "You have no mechanical knowledge, the car's nearly 20 years old, it's an import, and for that sort of money you could get a really good, reliable car from a couple of years back."

So, is it really worth dipping my toe in the 205 convertible pool?

[oldpug]

It may be very expensive but it is a one off and with that mileage nothing will need replacing for years!!if these cars are serviced properly[its easy stuff for any good workshop] they are very reliable and parts will be available for years to come.SO!!do you want a 20yr old one off ?have the only one of its kind in the country?of course you do,if you have the dosh in your tucker bag go for it.If you keep it emac`you may end up with a collectors car and make money on it.

[frank]

i would buy it, you wouldnt find another like it. ALL parts are readily avaiable from europe if you cant get them there, and at a resonable price as oldpug says they are easy to work on if it ever needs it. i have a 92 205 1.9 gti myself and apart from a headgasket its totaly standard orignal parts and i love it, so BUY it. but if you do please keep it standard