They're not that bad. Good around car the M135i. I worked for ING car leasing so I have driven nearly all modern BMWs and owned as company cars for one year each and the 135i /140i /240i we're my favourites by far even against the many models such as the touring, M3/M4/M5 And the many x models which were the best long-distance cars by far, very nice place to be, front and back. But I do have a soft spot for the gti as it was my idol car when I was young. But if I had the choose one to drive daily I would go with the M135i as I had many hot hatches in the '90s onwards and they are very poor to drive in the motorway /long distance and if you crash badly your in real trouble just look at A and B pillars. They just don't stack up to modern cars to be a daily maybe as a weekend toy but not daily.
stuart hogg I lowered mine 20 old years ago, improves the handling massively. Easily reversed as long as the torsion bars don’t seize. Think it took my specialist 14 tons of force to undo the bolts of torsion bar to lower mine. Gulp, very close to seized.
@@SDH-g8g Indeed, the 205, 106 and 306 were the best of the bunch. I do want a 106 GTI-6 or Rallye, but I have had 9 205's and currently a 306 S16 and GTi-6 ;)
I've driven the 1.9 lt. 205 rallye for 10 years and it was the best car of my life (so far). One of the main reason was the low weight. Everything was light. Engine, gearbox and suspension was very good too.
Agreed, this can also cause noises as the spare wheel moves in the hanger, the hanger is adjustable at the hinge point if remember correctly. This will provide a tighter drip on the spare.
😂 I forgot about the spare wheel in the cage under the car I remember getting some air in my ax gt , it bottomed out cage opened up the spare wheel ended up in a ditch at the side of the road 😂😂
I’ve paused the video to check if someone had beat to this comment lol exactly what I was about to say. Examine the spare is in tight & in good condition
I owed both the 16 GTi and the 19 GTi from new, the 16 I had for 3.5 years and the 19 for 3 years, both never had the sun roofs as this makes the car scuttle in the the corners. both cars were very very reliable and all the problems you talk about I never had so can only assume it's the mileage plus the tinkering its had over the years. Do not lower the suspension as that handling will be ruined, it's what makes the car what it was, simply the best handling car in its day as confirmed by every magazine that tested those cars. The 19 will turn on a six pence and keep its line over the rough roads because of its suspension travel. The 19 had a different front and rear end suspension set up to the 16 making it a lot more predictable and less prone to spinning out, the torsion beam and anti roll bars were changed and on the front, the track was narrower and caster or the camber may have been changed, I know it made the 19 far more forgiving as the 16 was a very nervous and twitchy car to drive fast. With the 19 you could get the tail out and slide it around bends, the front just never let go at any speed it was like on rails even over pot holes where as the 16, if the tail went by the time you tried to correct it the car had spun, may have been OK for some that had track day or racing experience but for those of us that had none of that, it was very edgy on the limit. Wish I had kept it in a garage and never sold it, it was the best car to drive with its very high torque motor that you never had to thrash and its light weight body with great handling. Better than a Escort XR3 or RS that both had great mid corner grip out doing the 19 GTi but crap engines and suspension, better than the Renault Turbo with its turbo lag and go-cart handling that was useless on the roads although the thing took off once the turbo got going, and better than the Golf GTi that may have had a better build but was slower and just did not have the handling to keep up, build cannot make up for outright fun. That's where all the 16 valve motors lost out to, you had to thrash them to make them work and while any fool can do that in a straight line, its when you get out on the back roads that the Peugeot 19 GTi came into its own, that motor and the handling was the best.
I had a 1.6 GTI and two 1.9 GTI (both "Action" model). The latters with sunroof too. I'm planning to have my fourth 205 GTI (1.9 of course). I can only confirm what you wrote. Excellent car, blue miami my preferred color, unfortunetly not available in Italy at the time...
This is very interesting to me, as I've been a peugeot driver since the start of my driving life. I learned in the 205 1.4 GT (white, red trim stripes and GT badging) which definitely wasn't a GTi, but wasn't slow either. The description of the handling fits that trim fairly well too. the sheer grip in corners, on dirt tracks, in the wet,.. was astonishing. When the rear did go, however, it was brown trouser time. Same as the 206. That thing will do full spins if you overdo things.
@@Qwertyuiop-gj1ir not in my book, the 1.9 had massive low down torque so would pull any gear hard instantly, it's that fact that made it so good on the road, almost could have got away with a three speed box.
You’re a man after my own heart. I really hope you enjoy the little Pug and it’s not too much of a let down compared to modern cars. There’s a lot of nostalgia involved when buying a classic you’ve always wanted to own and as you say, it can be a bit of a culture shock when you first get in and drive it.. You must enjoy it, drive it regularly and imagine your back in the 90’s. There aren’t many left and yours has tons of character. It’ll turn way more heads than the BMW.. 👍
Love it. I'm sure it will be fine mechanically using it regularly. I use my 89 Orion 1.6i Ghia in the summer as a regular daily driver, theres not a lot to go wrong with a 80s designed car!
I’m just coming to the end of a restoration on my 1.9, ive just ordered the new half leather replacement seat covers from from a french company called young timers, they also do the full leather ones👍🏻
Ahhh the memories 🙏 Passed my driving at 17 and my first car was a Peugeot 205 GTi limited edition in Miami Blue. This was '94. It was s**t of a shovel. The handling, the looks.. amazing. Miss my Pug 😔
A small car from the era when small meant small. Modern power steering just completely dulls any feel. The 205 was simple and mechanical so you can feel everything. Great fun.
Another highly entertaining video about the Influenzo...this is by far the best classic car series on You Tube at the moment and is cheering me up no end thru lockdown....love it, keep 'em coming please!
My dream car from when i was a kid. A freind had 1 with a 1.9 rebored to 2.0. I own a saxo vtr and im amazed on how similar their are. The holes under that you pointed out should have rubber caps. They should be dotted all round the floor pan.
What a superb car, looks fantastic and fresh even today. I think I've missed the boat on these given their current values but best of all the hot hatches of the era in my opinion.
Oil leak probably starts on the rocker cover and makes it's way down... Don't mess with the ride height, got to keep it original, does wonders for the value 👍
Hi there, always wanted one of there and nearly bought one once. Have a look for the old wheeler dealer episode on the 205 Gti. Personally I would leave suspension stock but they show on WD how to reverse a lowered rear so that should help if you want to do it. Loving the channel!
I had a 1.6 Gti and a 1.9 gti The 1.6 better handles the 1.9 faster on the straight Also had the Renault 5GT Turbo and its the best of the three in my opinion only let down by being unreliable The gtis have problems Common Air flow meters stick And vac advance units get contaminated making the car run like it’s done for.. a cheap fix so check first!
@@paulcahill125 5 turbos are reliable until people mess about under the bonnet. I had a stock 5GT in the early 2000s and it never missed a beat until my brother bought it and started modding it
I had a red G reg one of these in 1991 and absolutely loved it. I remember the steering being incredibly heavy on low speed tight corners but the engine was torquey and great fun. The only car I ever had more fun in was in 1994 when I bought a new Clio 1.8 16V.
On the knocking noise from the rear when cornering, could be the bolts securing the torsion bars to the beam, I had this on my 106 Rallye. Check for tightness, and apply loctite as they work themselves loose.
Going back many years my girlfriend bought one of these. I had an Escort RS turbo mk1 and thought at the time it was the dog's bollocks until I drove her Peugeot, I never wanted to stop driving it, Loved it...The only car to match it since was the Clio Williams I had
@@carlosbarragan1673 But a higher platform on price. Beautiful car and now strong money. I'd say the Escort Cosworth is a good comparison.. Not a hot hatch though
Great content as always, also a great car. I would have got out of my XR3 and into one of these back in the 80s, but not enough funds in those days. I very much hope you drive it a lot!
Ah, the car of my early 20s....had one for 6 years in the 90s. Loved it and not too many problems other than a seized sunroof and passenger window which was prone to slipping out its track. Fuel injection gremlins towards the end though mainly due to iffy electrical connectors. Look forward to seeing how you get on with this one, brings back some great memories!
When I used to drive these new around the Peugeot car park (as part of my student job washing the service cars) the driveline shunt was already built in... Love your channel.
Great car. I had a white H reg 205GTi 1.9 in the late 90s (another late pre cat model) which was huge fun. Had to spent a fair bit of money getting it sorted as had led a hard life but easily the best hot hatch of its era.
I'm sure I remember people lowering the rears of these by pulling the torsion bar out and reinserting it at a slightly different angle. Am I dreaming!?
You’re not dreaming, same method on most Peugeot and Citroen hatches of the time. Can also fit thicker torsion bars and anti roll bar in the beam to stiffen things up. The beams are known to need attention when these cars reach a certain age.
David Wilce No dream there, exactly how one does it with torsion bars (like with VW Beetles). The problem is that we only change geometry, the spring constant remains the same, same pre-load, and therefore by only lowering by changing the initial “bite” point of the torsion bar we might end on making the suspension touch too much on the bottom.
Yep, very common with Saxos / 106s in the 00's, slammed rear via torsion bar and lowering springs up front. Usually resulted in the 'dog squatting for a shit' stance haha
great to see you made another great purchase, looks surprisingly good...never driven one but always wanted to...you mentioned a fiat uno - had one as a student, replaced my mini, loved it.
@@Number27 It's the diesel 106. It doesn't exactly 'rag around'...more like an asthmatic wheeze. But I don't ever worry where I park it, don't get abused in it, never get cut-up in it, it never gets vandalised, and it is comically cheap to run. For example, on the Bentley the head gasket went: £3,500. The Peugeot only cost me £500 to buy...
@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne I've spoken with someone on a car forum whose Peugeot 106 diesel had over 250,000 miles on it, ran with no problems at all, and regularly returned over 60mpg on a run. I have a bit of a soft spot for them because I learnt to drive in one, in 1995.
To me it's a good decision to trade the 135 for a 205 just because I love old cars. It's a fairly decent hot hatch and much fun to drive. I had a 309 and I liked it very much it even though it was a bit flimsy, too. But they are light and nimble exactly for that reason. The clunky noise from the back might be an insufficiently attached exhaust wobbling about and hitting parts of the chassis while cornering...
PSA used really poor quality leather until the last decade or so, conditioner can't perform miracles. I prefer the velour/alcantara type material they used on the 1.6s.
Still remember my first drive in the 1.9 and since then had to have one in my life. Bought one later and loved every single minute. Such a wonderful driving experience. Wouldn't want to crash in one though 😬
Mine had the bright red carpets, which really suited the car. Another upgrade I did was change the front Amber indicators for the later clear ones, and the darker rear clusters, both make a huge difference and make it look more modern, oh and the rear wiper from a 308. Love the 205, although it doesn't like to drive slow without slipping the clutch. They are quite jumpy to drive when pulling away..but you shouldn't hear/feel any driveline shunt at all. The rear noise problem is common, and my axle needed fixed on mine...and it was obvious when you looked at how close the wheel was to the rear of the arch, I believe it's quite common, you'll be able to check on the forums for the exact problem. PS clear indicators go right on with amber bulbs.
I had one 30 years ago, still my favourite car with great memories of driving fun. Todays hot hatches are probably the same size as a ford cortina estate of the same era, just too bulbous.
In France you could buy a 309 with the 16v in as standard, the 309 Gti-16. Most people do know it as a 405 Mi16 engine but it came in the Citroen BX Gti too..
I had a 1.4 xs as my first car. What a thing that was. The twin choke carb gave it a bit of a VTEC-like boost. I guess probably even lighter than the Gti's. Sad that they don't really exist any more. Think I've seen maybe one for sale in the last few years. If I could find one for sane money, I'd snap it up.
Always loved the 205 GTI. Firstly I'd check the exhaust and spare tyre for the cornering clunk. For a mild suspension upgrade I'd go for a Bilstein B12 kit which would front struts and springs and rear dampers. You can also swap the beam for a 309 GTI item. Height at the rear can be lowered by adjusting the beam. I've also heard of 306 GTI brake convertion and adding electric power steering using Corsa/Punto column motors 🙂
An Epic car in its day. Stunning colour, They wore very well for French quality, outside plastic trim quality was very good. Another fun purchase.My wife loved her GLD in the 90s.
Don't lift off simples😜 I had a lowered 306dt, it was almost evil in the wet. Always had to have the turbo in boost, not in boost, there was no power to correct the oversteer. Kept you on your toes😅
My dad had the 1.6 GTI at first, that was pretty cool , but when he sold it and came home with the 1.9 and took my Mum and brother and me for a colin mcrae style drive, let's just say I nearly crapped myself. I'm 49 now but can remember the lovely red exterior and lovely interior too, class motor great choice
Loved the Peugeot 205GTi, actually ANY 205. They were great little cars, full of character. Compared to all the dull SUVs of today they were a joy. I knew someone with a 1.0XE and also someone who had a 1.9GTi. Each end of the spectrum. They were both fun little cars in their own way.
My dad got one of these on test for a couple of days when I was a kid, it was white and I loved it after he handed the car back he went and bought an XR2I i was disappointed he didn't buy the pug! Love your new car Jack, keep the videos coming buddy 👍
Wow this reminds me of how much I enjoyed my 205 GTi in the early 90s. I could never believe how it went round corners. I remember that if you accelerate hard out of a corner the front axle just holds on and the back end would actually slide giving a 4 wheel drift that almost felt like it was rear wheel drive. Lovely, I hope you really enjoy the car. This and a 308, I'm trying desperately not to be jealous. Regarding the noise at the back, my car's rear wheel upright cracked and the wheel nearly fell off so watch out for that. I took it into the garage for a checkup and they wouldn't let me take it away because it was so dangerous! Also when the clutch was worn the pedal got so heavy that it eventually snapped the lever (not the release fork lever inside the bell housing) that the cable operates to release the clutch, I can't quite remember where it was but it was easily spotted (somewhere near the top of the gearbox I think) if you follow the clutch cable, so another thing to watch. (Unless they changed to a hydraulic clutch or improved the design at some point?)
I always wanted one of these when I was a young man, but never managed to. Re the driving position, not sure if you can get a spacer for the wheel, but can definitely get a dished aftermarket steering wheel, which should give an extra inch or two. Great vid, enjoy the Pug 😁👍..
Love these.really enjoy watching your videos. New to the channel. I've seen recently a couple of posts regarding that style of axle stand being faulty. I'm not 100% sure if it's the same company that yours are made but it may be worth checking for your safety.
My wife had 205 GTI 1.9 back in ‘94. It was a 1989 model. She agreed £3500 for it but we did a HPI check which revealed it had been an insurance right off. The seller truly didn’t know and we negotiated I think £900 off.. The car ran like a champ for 3 years and we sold it for more than we paid for it despite the bad history. Definitely a very analogue car. It didn’t seem that fast initially even then but seemed to loosen up and get quicker over time. Thanks for the nostalgia!
Good to see someone else buying something that stirs the soul. Low mileage DC2 Integra for me. Fabulous N/A engine- 190hp/8500rpm. Well built & shades a 205 for me with the chassis & reliability as well. Seating position perfect & still incredibly capable today. No knocks or rattles either. 145mph & 6.5 to 60. Still the best of its generation to my mind
My brother had a white 1990 1.6 GTI, that was also quick. You are spot on about the driving position, it's awkward at best. My brother bent the accelerator pedal which made it a little better for him. The uptake is very on off, all in all a great car to drive though. Looking forward to the next episode.
A short story I hope your subscribers enjoy Jack! Im from Oz. The very first Pegueot GTi I drove back in the 80's was a second hand Silver GTi 1.9 (we only got the 1.9 downunder) with Air Con BUT no power steering, with the 14 inch Pepperpot alloy wheels! Even though it is such a light super mini hatch back, this high mileage, clutch just about giving up, specimen, did not drive that well, very heavy steering, I wasn't overly impressed by it at all! Quite a few years later I saw a beautiful little white 205Si 1991 model (XSi 1.6 and Hunchback of Notre-Dame model known elsewhere in the world) on a Second hand car lot. It had a 1.6, but not the 1.6GTi motor, but it was fuel injected, and had power steering! and steel wheels! But it was mint! low mileage. Tight clutch, great little gearbox, though only a strangled 1.6 motor, it drove like a little peach! For want of a better word Brilliant! I made a promise to myself if I ever saw one again, I would have it! I never did, very very few 205Si 1.6i's made it to Australia.
Great lockdown busting video thanks Jack you've got an absolute gem there. Regarding the noise at the back take the spare wheel out and go for a drive see if that makes any difference, it could well be the bracket moving under load.
Things to check for the clanking noise at the rear: could be spare wheel moving. I couldn't see if it's held in the original cage or not but if slightly loose it can clank/thud on direction changes. Oil underneath could be an over-filled gearbox especially if recently had work done.
Had one of these in the 90's - still miss it now, it's still the best handling car I've ever driven . Watch the oil level if you're using it regularly though, from memory the handbook said it needs half a litre every 500 miles. Mine used double that...
Makes me really want one now. Looks like a very honest car, interiors were never perceived as a highlight of 205 apart from the Roland Garros & Lacoste editions 😂 good colour too. This has so much more character than the BMW. Good choice!
You have quickly become my favourite youtuber 👍 i love a peugeot. I did a turbo build series on a 106 gti. Also took a 208 gti to the Nurburgring. Awesome cars. Except the 207 gti 🤣
I clearly remember driving a 1.9 GTi which had been super chipped from nearly new, throttle was alot more progressive compared to others I had driven at the time. Fun cars👍
I never had one of these, nearest car was a MK2 Golf GTI 8 valve model in jade green metallic. It was only four years old, one previous solicitor owner. Such a solid car, never ever felt like it would break down. Happy days.
Brings back memories - I had the 1.6 (before 1.9). Agree on your views on handling and I remember the resposivness (prob light weight) and eargerness to rev. I chose this over the more sensible golf gti ! I remember that this car was just very intuative to drive- even though the steering was heavy when stationary. Totally agree on your reasoning to sell the 135i - Thank you for bringing this to all of us. !!
