Advice on buying 205 GTi please.
Discussion
Hi Guys,
Forum and 205 virgin here (hopefully not for long though if I can ever find the right car!).
I've read some of the posts on here, and there seems to be a plethora of knowledge out there on the good, the bad and the ugly points of buying and owning a 205 GTi. Hopefully a few of you will be kind enough to help me out with a few queries I have before diving into what I hope is a love affair to rival the missus!
The main points I would like some advice on are as follows:
1. Idling. I have read numerous adverts where this is defined as "a common fault", especially from cold. Is this really a major issue that could potentially run into mega money?
2. Rear Beam. This appears to be a major one (to me anyway). I've read that the camber on the wheels will be out if the beam is shot. This may sound daft (I've been called worse!), but is this likely to be blindingly obvious or do I need to take a protractor with me? Also I'm presuming there will be some sort of identifying noise, and poor handling if the beam needs replacing/refurbing?
3. Body kit. Now, whilst I admit to not being a huge fan of the body kit, I'm not repulsed by it either, and wont turn down the right car just because it's had one "stuck on". However, and this is a sticky point for me, I am looking for an original. Many adverts dipict certain body kits as factory fitted. I am sure Peugeot did offer this option, but without the original receipt for the car how do I tell if it is indeed a factory fitted original?
And finally...
4. Insurance. This isn't a biggy, jusy curiosity on my part. I am fortunate to be early 30's, nice clean licence, full NCD and live in the country(ish). The sort of person I myself hated when I was paying £1000+ in my late teens! But I was wondering what classifies a car to be valid for classic insurance nowadays? And if anyone knows of any good companies I would be grateful to here of them.
Apologies if I seem to have waffled a bit, but I plan for this to be my bit of fun for at least 5 years+ (never had another car more than 2!) so want to make sure I know what I'm letting myself in for.
Thanks for taking the time out to read this (and hopefully reply). And I thank-you in advance for any advice or comments you may have.
Thanks again
Sean
Forum and 205 virgin here (hopefully not for long though if I can ever find the right car!).
I've read some of the posts on here, and there seems to be a plethora of knowledge out there on the good, the bad and the ugly points of buying and owning a 205 GTi. Hopefully a few of you will be kind enough to help me out with a few queries I have before diving into what I hope is a love affair to rival the missus!
The main points I would like some advice on are as follows:
1. Idling. I have read numerous adverts where this is defined as "a common fault", especially from cold. Is this really a major issue that could potentially run into mega money?
2. Rear Beam. This appears to be a major one (to me anyway). I've read that the camber on the wheels will be out if the beam is shot. This may sound daft (I've been called worse!), but is this likely to be blindingly obvious or do I need to take a protractor with me? Also I'm presuming there will be some sort of identifying noise, and poor handling if the beam needs replacing/refurbing?
3. Body kit. Now, whilst I admit to not being a huge fan of the body kit, I'm not repulsed by it either, and wont turn down the right car just because it's had one "stuck on". However, and this is a sticky point for me, I am looking for an original. Many adverts dipict certain body kits as factory fitted. I am sure Peugeot did offer this option, but without the original receipt for the car how do I tell if it is indeed a factory fitted original?
And finally...
4. Insurance. This isn't a biggy, jusy curiosity on my part. I am fortunate to be early 30's, nice clean licence, full NCD and live in the country(ish). The sort of person I myself hated when I was paying £1000+ in my late teens! But I was wondering what classifies a car to be valid for classic insurance nowadays? And if anyone knows of any good companies I would be grateful to here of them.
Apologies if I seem to have waffled a bit, but I plan for this to be my bit of fun for at least 5 years+ (never had another car more than 2!) so want to make sure I know what I'm letting myself in for.
Thanks for taking the time out to read this (and hopefully reply). And I thank-you in advance for any advice or comments you may have.
Thanks again
Sean
Lankylad78 said:
Hi Guys,
Forum and 205 virgin here (hopefully not for long though if I can ever find the right car!).
I've read some of the posts on here, and there seems to be a plethora of knowledge out there on the good, the bad and the ugly points of buying and owning a 205 GTi. Hopefully a few of you will be kind enough to help me out with a few queries I have before diving into what I hope is a love affair to rival the missus!
The main points I would like some advice on are as follows:
1. Idling. I have read numerous adverts where this is defined as "a common fault", especially from cold. Is this really a major issue that could potentially run into mega money?
2. Rear Beam. This appears to be a major one (to me anyway). I've read that the camber on the wheels will be out if the beam is shot. This may sound daft (I've been called worse!), but is this likely to be blindingly obvious or do I need to take a protractor with me? Also I'm presuming there will be some sort of identifying noise, and poor handling if the beam needs replacing/refurbing?
3. Body kit. Now, whilst I admit to not being a huge fan of the body kit, I'm not repulsed by it either, and wont turn down the right car just because it's had one "stuck on". However, and this is a sticky point for me, I am looking for an original. Many adverts dipict certain body kits as factory fitted. I am sure Peugeot did offer this option, but without the original receipt for the car how do I tell if it is indeed a factory fitted original?
And finally...
4. Insurance. This isn't a biggy, jusy curiosity on my part. I am fortunate to be early 30's, nice clean licence, full NCD and live in the country(ish). The sort of person I myself hated when I was paying £1000+ in my late teens! But I was wondering what classifies a car to be valid for classic insurance nowadays? And if anyone knows of any good companies I would be grateful to here of them.
Apologies if I seem to have waffled a bit, but I plan for this to be my bit of fun for at least 5 years+ (never had another car more than 2!) so want to make sure I know what I'm letting myself in for.
Thanks for taking the time out to read this (and hopefully reply). And I thank-you in advance for any advice or comments you may have.
Thanks again
Sean
Hi mate, Forum and 205 virgin here (hopefully not for long though if I can ever find the right car!).
I've read some of the posts on here, and there seems to be a plethora of knowledge out there on the good, the bad and the ugly points of buying and owning a 205 GTi. Hopefully a few of you will be kind enough to help me out with a few queries I have before diving into what I hope is a love affair to rival the missus!
The main points I would like some advice on are as follows:
1. Idling. I have read numerous adverts where this is defined as "a common fault", especially from cold. Is this really a major issue that could potentially run into mega money?
2. Rear Beam. This appears to be a major one (to me anyway). I've read that the camber on the wheels will be out if the beam is shot. This may sound daft (I've been called worse!), but is this likely to be blindingly obvious or do I need to take a protractor with me? Also I'm presuming there will be some sort of identifying noise, and poor handling if the beam needs replacing/refurbing?
3. Body kit. Now, whilst I admit to not being a huge fan of the body kit, I'm not repulsed by it either, and wont turn down the right car just because it's had one "stuck on". However, and this is a sticky point for me, I am looking for an original. Many adverts dipict certain body kits as factory fitted. I am sure Peugeot did offer this option, but without the original receipt for the car how do I tell if it is indeed a factory fitted original?
And finally...
4. Insurance. This isn't a biggy, jusy curiosity on my part. I am fortunate to be early 30's, nice clean licence, full NCD and live in the country(ish). The sort of person I myself hated when I was paying £1000+ in my late teens! But I was wondering what classifies a car to be valid for classic insurance nowadays? And if anyone knows of any good companies I would be grateful to here of them.
Apologies if I seem to have waffled a bit, but I plan for this to be my bit of fun for at least 5 years+ (never had another car more than 2!) so want to make sure I know what I'm letting myself in for.
Thanks for taking the time out to read this (and hopefully reply). And I thank-you in advance for any advice or comments you may have.
Thanks again
Sean
Normally for a car to be insured on a classic policy it needs to be a second car (not your every day car), a limited milage (less than 5000), kept in a garage and be over 10 years old. Those rules are not set in stone they are usually that way. If you call Adrian flux for a quote remember to say that you are a Pistonheads member because that can save you 15%. Cheers
Ash
Hi mate,
Normally for a car to be insured on a classic policy it needs to be a second car (not your every day car), a limited milage (less than 5000), kept in a garage and be over 10 years old. Those rules are not set in stone they are usually that way. If you call Adrian flux for a quote remember to say that you are a Pistonheads member because that can save you 15%. Cheers
Ash
[/quote]
Hi Ash,
Cheers for the info. Not sure how I would stand on this one then. The car I class as my "main" car is registered in the wifes name and she uses it every day. I am a named on her policy though. In my eyes my car will be a 2nd car, although I do plan to use it for commuting to and from work, but I only work 3-days a week. I plan to limit my milage to 3000, it wont be garaged, but will be kept on a driveway covered by CCTV. The only part I can see not being an issue is the age, given that whatever I buy will be at least 18-years old.
Didn't know about the potential discount though, so that's handy.
Cheers Sean
Normally for a car to be insured on a classic policy it needs to be a second car (not your every day car), a limited milage (less than 5000), kept in a garage and be over 10 years old. Those rules are not set in stone they are usually that way. If you call Adrian flux for a quote remember to say that you are a Pistonheads member because that can save you 15%. Cheers
Ash
[/quote]
Hi Ash,
Cheers for the info. Not sure how I would stand on this one then. The car I class as my "main" car is registered in the wifes name and she uses it every day. I am a named on her policy though. In my eyes my car will be a 2nd car, although I do plan to use it for commuting to and from work, but I only work 3-days a week. I plan to limit my milage to 3000, it wont be garaged, but will be kept on a driveway covered by CCTV. The only part I can see not being an issue is the age, given that whatever I buy will be at least 18-years old.
Didn't know about the potential discount though, so that's handy.
Cheers Sean
there is a big thread here somewhere about 205 gtis full of good buying advice.
i wont repeat all of it here but i have had two and there are great cars, lots of fun, still feel fast despite only having 130 bhp and they just look great when htey are tidy.
some short snippents, idling from cold they were never happy until warm, off cmaber rear wheels are a sign the rear beam is in need of repair but its not too expensive (£400?) repair and the back end is returned a nice tight feel. chances are if its ever been in a hedge, its gone in backwards so its not a bad thing to buy one which needs a rear beam rebulding anyway, then you can replace the bushes etc...
front strut braces are a good investment too, stiffening up a car made of thin metal.
insurance should be ok, annoyingly they still seem to get flagged up by insurance companies who remember them from their launch as the boy racers car of dreams and they were
stolen on a daily basis.
my advice is to buy a good condition go-er with current MoT and tax. the reason for this is if left standing they seem to deteriorate faster if not used.
remember they are french, made of tin and built in the late eighties/early nineties, estimate replacing lots of parts. think rolling restoration now.
dont be tempted to buy a low mileage minter, they are over priced and dealers are cashing in on people like yourself who would be happy spending >£4k on a car simpoly because it looks immaculate but which in reality is only worth half that. you could buy a £1K car, spend another £1K on it replacing the essentials and have just as good a car.
the interior will be worn on almost all of them, the fabric wasnt that great and they are nearing 20 years old. interiors come out easily and can be cleaned up well in a day.
almost all of the cars will be 12/13/14 owners on the log book, not really an issue and general consensus is that its because people buy them and come insurance renewal time got scared and sold it on.
they are great cars, and there are a fair few of them around so you can be picky getting a car in the right condition that you want... the handling is the stuff of legends and 195/50/15 tyres fit well and dont upset the car too much but offers a wide range (i think origianlly they were fitted with 185/55/15)
check for lots of old legacy wiring from alarms and home-installed stereo sytems too, it can cause a few problems.
finally, almost all of them will have an induction kit and aftermarket exhaust of some type, the induction kits will sap mpg and later cars will fail emissions tests without a cat. GSF have loads of spares and availability is pretty good. the non sunroof models are a bit more desirable and assume the vacuum sun roof will need new rubbers.
if i wasnt settled on a Clio 172 for my next project i would probably been scouring the 205 classifieds again!
i wont repeat all of it here but i have had two and there are great cars, lots of fun, still feel fast despite only having 130 bhp and they just look great when htey are tidy.
some short snippents, idling from cold they were never happy until warm, off cmaber rear wheels are a sign the rear beam is in need of repair but its not too expensive (£400?) repair and the back end is returned a nice tight feel. chances are if its ever been in a hedge, its gone in backwards so its not a bad thing to buy one which needs a rear beam rebulding anyway, then you can replace the bushes etc...
front strut braces are a good investment too, stiffening up a car made of thin metal.
insurance should be ok, annoyingly they still seem to get flagged up by insurance companies who remember them from their launch as the boy racers car of dreams and they were
stolen on a daily basis.
my advice is to buy a good condition go-er with current MoT and tax. the reason for this is if left standing they seem to deteriorate faster if not used.
remember they are french, made of tin and built in the late eighties/early nineties, estimate replacing lots of parts. think rolling restoration now.
dont be tempted to buy a low mileage minter, they are over priced and dealers are cashing in on people like yourself who would be happy spending >£4k on a car simpoly because it looks immaculate but which in reality is only worth half that. you could buy a £1K car, spend another £1K on it replacing the essentials and have just as good a car.
the interior will be worn on almost all of them, the fabric wasnt that great and they are nearing 20 years old. interiors come out easily and can be cleaned up well in a day.
almost all of the cars will be 12/13/14 owners on the log book, not really an issue and general consensus is that its because people buy them and come insurance renewal time got scared and sold it on.
they are great cars, and there are a fair few of them around so you can be picky getting a car in the right condition that you want... the handling is the stuff of legends and 195/50/15 tyres fit well and dont upset the car too much but offers a wide range (i think origianlly they were fitted with 185/55/15)
check for lots of old legacy wiring from alarms and home-installed stereo sytems too, it can cause a few problems.
finally, almost all of them will have an induction kit and aftermarket exhaust of some type, the induction kits will sap mpg and later cars will fail emissions tests without a cat. GSF have loads of spares and availability is pretty good. the non sunroof models are a bit more desirable and assume the vacuum sun roof will need new rubbers.
if i wasnt settled on a Clio 172 for my next project i would probably been scouring the 205 classifieds again!
@ Pablo,
Cheers for the advice there Pablo. Quite comprehensive, and very much appreciated.
I've spent the last 24-hours (literally!) scouring the 205drivers forum pages and noticed that the idling and rear beam issues come up a lot. From what I can gather though, both are relatively easy to fix given that they're common faults. Strut brace is a good idea too. Not something I'd thought about, but when you mention it, it's a no-brainer.
I've had some "test" quotes for the insurance, and it's pretty good. Around £230 fully comp with NC protected. Considering my last car was a Jag diesel in the same grouping (14?) and I was paying £400 per annum! Still going to try and get it on classic though, hopefully bring it down below £200.
I whole heartedly agree with you on pricing. I'm looking to spend no more than £1500 on as an original car as I can get. Most I've seen out there have either been modded too much, or (as you say) £3, £4 and even £5 grand plus. My idea is to find one in need of a little TLC. Which should be fun considering my 10-month old daughter probably has more mechanical knowledge than me! but you've got to start somewhere. And if it all goes pearshaped, I'll just have to walk to work.
As for the interior I'm have expecting this to be on my to do list, along with wheel refurb. Didn't know about the tyre sizes though. Does that make much of a difference?
I think the owners thing relates back to the pricing. Just because it's only had 2 or 3 owners, doesn't always mean it's been well look after and vice versa.
As for an alarm/immobilser it's a must for me. Not only for peace of mind, but to reduce premiums. However, I suspect there are a lot of DIY botched jobs out there.
The sunroof should make a hiss when closed to signify it's made a water-tight seal via a vacuum - Is that correct? If it doesn't do this is it just likely to be the rubbers or something more serious?
I'm off to go and see one tomorrow. '92 J (so hopefully no cat, seeing as it's got an uprated exhaust). It's got uprated shocks as well, and the "killer" factory fitted bodykit! I know this isn't to everyones taste (mine either TBH), but I figure if the car is sound enough the kit can always be removed at a later date. It's high milage (130k), but that only averages out at 7k a year, and although it is a trade sale, the price is right(ish). So watch this space. This time tomorrow I could have broken my 205 cherry!
As for your 172. I don't want to bust your bubble as they are a nice car. But around 11 years ago I had a Williams 2 and I loved racing 172's because they couldn't quite figure out how a car with 20 less bhp could more than keep up. You and I know it's mainly down to weight, but those at the time didn't like the fact that their nice new car couldn't lose the 5-year old blue one from their rearview mirror. And yes, mine was completely standard.
God I loved that car. I loved absolutely everything about it. I only had it for a year (insurance premiums!), but if I had a couple of extra grand to spend it would be top of my shopping list now, without question.
Anyway, thanks for the advice and tips, I really do appreciate it. I've never been on forums before and I'm amazed at how helpful people are. Good luck with the clio, and I'll update tomorrow on whether or not my 3-hour journey was worth it.
Cheers
Sean
Cheers for the advice there Pablo. Quite comprehensive, and very much appreciated.
I've spent the last 24-hours (literally!) scouring the 205drivers forum pages and noticed that the idling and rear beam issues come up a lot. From what I can gather though, both are relatively easy to fix given that they're common faults. Strut brace is a good idea too. Not something I'd thought about, but when you mention it, it's a no-brainer.
I've had some "test" quotes for the insurance, and it's pretty good. Around £230 fully comp with NC protected. Considering my last car was a Jag diesel in the same grouping (14?) and I was paying £400 per annum! Still going to try and get it on classic though, hopefully bring it down below £200.
I whole heartedly agree with you on pricing. I'm looking to spend no more than £1500 on as an original car as I can get. Most I've seen out there have either been modded too much, or (as you say) £3, £4 and even £5 grand plus. My idea is to find one in need of a little TLC. Which should be fun considering my 10-month old daughter probably has more mechanical knowledge than me! but you've got to start somewhere. And if it all goes pearshaped, I'll just have to walk to work.
As for the interior I'm have expecting this to be on my to do list, along with wheel refurb. Didn't know about the tyre sizes though. Does that make much of a difference?
I think the owners thing relates back to the pricing. Just because it's only had 2 or 3 owners, doesn't always mean it's been well look after and vice versa.
As for an alarm/immobilser it's a must for me. Not only for peace of mind, but to reduce premiums. However, I suspect there are a lot of DIY botched jobs out there.
The sunroof should make a hiss when closed to signify it's made a water-tight seal via a vacuum - Is that correct? If it doesn't do this is it just likely to be the rubbers or something more serious?
I'm off to go and see one tomorrow. '92 J (so hopefully no cat, seeing as it's got an uprated exhaust). It's got uprated shocks as well, and the "killer" factory fitted bodykit! I know this isn't to everyones taste (mine either TBH), but I figure if the car is sound enough the kit can always be removed at a later date. It's high milage (130k), but that only averages out at 7k a year, and although it is a trade sale, the price is right(ish). So watch this space. This time tomorrow I could have broken my 205 cherry!
As for your 172. I don't want to bust your bubble as they are a nice car. But around 11 years ago I had a Williams 2 and I loved racing 172's because they couldn't quite figure out how a car with 20 less bhp could more than keep up. You and I know it's mainly down to weight, but those at the time didn't like the fact that their nice new car couldn't lose the 5-year old blue one from their rearview mirror. And yes, mine was completely standard.
God I loved that car. I loved absolutely everything about it. I only had it for a year (insurance premiums!), but if I had a couple of extra grand to spend it would be top of my shopping list now, without question.
Anyway, thanks for the advice and tips, I really do appreciate it. I've never been on forums before and I'm amazed at how helpful people are. Good luck with the clio, and I'll update tomorrow on whether or not my 3-hour journey was worth it.
Cheers
Sean
A close friend of mine bought a 1.6 recently, one owner from new and a huge wedge of histroy - all receipts and invoices for 20 years.
Mechanically in good condition but the bodywork was a bit scruffy, the alloys were all needing refurbed and the interior is quite badly worn in places. He paid 2500 for it which I thought was pretty high but I must admit, it's a lovely little thing.
Are you set on a 1.9? I don't think there's much difference performance-wise...
Good luck!
Mechanically in good condition but the bodywork was a bit scruffy, the alloys were all needing refurbed and the interior is quite badly worn in places. He paid 2500 for it which I thought was pretty high but I must admit, it's a lovely little thing.
Are you set on a 1.9? I don't think there's much difference performance-wise...
Good luck!
If you'd asked me a few months ago I would have said it's gotta be a 1.9. No questions. Not interested in a 1.6. In fact I've even discounted good ones in my price range without even going to look at them. A decision I am most likely to regret.
I've read all the debates on which one is best. 1.6 more responsive, better gearbox. 1.9 better mid-range etc....etc. I think it simply boils down to personal preference. For the miles I'll be doing, running costs don't even come into it for me either.
In short I would ideally like a 1.9. However the more I think about it, the more I think I've been a d*ck for turning down perfectly decent 1.6's. So whilst the car I'm going to see tomorrow is a 1.9, I think I need to focus more on the actual car itself rather than 300cc or so of difference.
Thanks for the tip off for post '91 cars Simes. I'll be sure to have a good prod about for rust.
I've read all the debates on which one is best. 1.6 more responsive, better gearbox. 1.9 better mid-range etc....etc. I think it simply boils down to personal preference. For the miles I'll be doing, running costs don't even come into it for me either.
In short I would ideally like a 1.9. However the more I think about it, the more I think I've been a d*ck for turning down perfectly decent 1.6's. So whilst the car I'm going to see tomorrow is a 1.9, I think I need to focus more on the actual car itself rather than 300cc or so of difference.
Thanks for the tip off for post '91 cars Simes. I'll be sure to have a good prod about for rust.
i now what you are saying about 172s. a friend and i were looking at a series 1 1.8 16v but i plan a few mods and its going to be stripped primarily for the track so i'm not too bothered about weight because once another 35 kgs of roll cage goes in its all academic!...
re 1.9 vs 1.6, both mine were 1.9. i just loved the pull of the engine and all that torque at 2000 rpm never failed to make me laugh. i think the fastest i ever got mine was about 105mph before it started shaking itself to death!
re 1.9 vs 1.6, both mine were 1.9. i just loved the pull of the engine and all that torque at 2000 rpm never failed to make me laugh. i think the fastest i ever got mine was about 105mph before it started shaking itself to death!
Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 29th May 08:20
Sounds like it's going to be a bit of a beast Pablo. You'll have to post some pics when its done.
I went to see a 1.9 yesterday, and was really impressed by the pull from an 18-year old car. It felt like it would go on for ever, damn rev limiter! Really put a smile on my face. Mechanically it was sound, but needed too much doing to it for the money, so walked away.
As they say, plenty more fish in the sea. With a bit of luck I might find one in Wales while on my hols this week.
I went to see a 1.9 yesterday, and was really impressed by the pull from an 18-year old car. It felt like it would go on for ever, damn rev limiter! Really put a smile on my face. Mechanically it was sound, but needed too much doing to it for the money, so walked away.
As they say, plenty more fish in the sea. With a bit of luck I might find one in Wales while on my hols this week.
pablo said:
re 1.9 vs 1.6, both mine were 1.9. i just loved the pull of the engine and all that torque at 2000 rpm never failed to make me laugh. i think the fastest i ever got mine was about 105mph before it started shaking itself to death!
Well something was wrong with it then. I regularly take mine past 130mph and it's fine.HereBeMonsters said:
pablo said:
re 1.9 vs 1.6, both mine were 1.9. i just loved the pull of the engine and all that torque at 2000 rpm never failed to make me laugh. i think the fastest i ever got mine was about 105mph before it started shaking itself to death!
Well something was wrong with it then. I regularly take mine past 130mph and it's fine.Gassing Station | French Bred | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff