1992 205

[mikem]

Hi, bought a 1992 205 today, (only 40,000 genuine miles!) for my daughter to learn to drive in. Is there anything in particular to look out for with these?

[504V6Ti]

Yes, your daughter will need to look out for grannies, other motorists and precious antiques driven by CPUK members

Only kidding... What's the model of this 205?

With only 40kmls, you probably don't have to worry about much, stick to the maintenance schedule.

Dealing with a 13year old car, inspect the body work thoroughly for spots of rust and the rubber seals, check the brakes, radiator and various hoses, all that kind of stuff.

The 205 is a very good and reliable little car and you won't be bothered with all the electrical/electronic problems of more modern Peugeot models.

[504gld]

Hi, a good choice of car.

You dont say which one you have e.g. GL.

Petrol engines at this year have the TU or XU engine with a timing belt, which you should get changed if there is no history with with car. I know its only done 40k but its better safe than sorry.

Diesel models will have the XUD engine, with or without Turbo. These can be a little more rewarding to own and drive but do have their own niggles. All 205s at this vintage have conventional bolt on gearboxes, but worn gear linkages can cause problems selecting reverse etc.

With 205's in general rust isn't a problem on later cars, if its a 3 door they can rust where the boddy meets the seals, both by the door and the rear wheel arch. I would remove the spare wheel from under the car and examine the corrigated floor and mountings for the rear trailing arms for corrosion. Its worth jet washing out the whole lot and waxoyling.

Brake fluid should be renewed if its not been done.

Rear brakes can seize up, so its worth checking them. If you need to examine the rear shoes you have to remove the hub nut as the bearing sits in the drum.

Oil changes every 6000 miles should look after the engine with a good oil.

If this is the smaller TU engine then it is common with 106, 306, 405, Citroen AX, BX, ZX, C15. So spare parts in the scrap yards are plentiful. On line parts are cheap at German, Sweedish and French. www.andyspares.com

[mikem]

It's a 1.1 look, not the fastest thing on the road, but ideal for a learner, much better than my first car, a 1958 Austin Cambridge bought for £25, but which was slightly more robust for when the almost inevitable first accident happens. The sleepless nights start now!

It had a new cambelt fitted as part of the deal (apparently these should be changed every 70k or 8 years whichever comes sooner).





I just hope it stays this shape!