208 GTi, what's the catch?
Discussion
Looking to buy a ULEZ compliant petrol over the next few months and these have popped up on the radar. 200BHP, low road tax, good fuel economy and the prices seem surprisingly reasonable compared to everything else of a similar age.
I am a firm believer in the Fast, Cheap, Reliable, pick two mantra so there must be a catch.
I know there are lots of issues with the Prince 1.6 engine in the Mini Cooper S, but have these been fixed with this version of the engine? I have read about the high pressure fuel pump issue and it appears there are companies that will rebuild it for under £200
Is it the bargain it seems, or am I going to regret it big time as it suffers issue after issue?
I am a firm believer in the Fast, Cheap, Reliable, pick two mantra so there must be a catch.
I know there are lots of issues with the Prince 1.6 engine in the Mini Cooper S, but have these been fixed with this version of the engine? I have read about the high pressure fuel pump issue and it appears there are companies that will rebuild it for under £200
Is it the bargain it seems, or am I going to regret it big time as it suffers issue after issue?
Yes the Prince engine has numerous reliability issues, the main ones being poor timing chain tensioner design, excessive carbon buildup as it's direct injection, and fuel pump failure as you mention.
The timing chain issue was rectified with the Euro 6 engines around 2015, so go for a 2016+ Euro 6 model to be safe. The timing chain issue also appears to be exacerbated by using the wrong kind of engine oil and missed oil changes, so pick one with a full Peugeot service history with no missed oil changes. The carbon build up is exacerbated from lots of short journeys and driving sedately, so avoid low mileage one lady owner examples!
Based on that, I'd pick something like this one, even though it has fugly black wheels
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210230...
The timing chain issue was rectified with the Euro 6 engines around 2015, so go for a 2016+ Euro 6 model to be safe. The timing chain issue also appears to be exacerbated by using the wrong kind of engine oil and missed oil changes, so pick one with a full Peugeot service history with no missed oil changes. The carbon build up is exacerbated from lots of short journeys and driving sedately, so avoid low mileage one lady owner examples!
Based on that, I'd pick something like this one, even though it has fugly black wheels
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210230...
georgeyboy12345 said:
Based on that, I'd pick something like this one, even though it has fugly black wheels
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210230...
Seems good value compared to similar age/mileage/condition MINIs for example.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210230...
And is it just me, or is the fact the previous owner has had carpet floor mats made with the reg no.embroidered on them (photo no.19!) a sign that they probably cared for the car?
I had a 208 GTi...
I thought it was pretty poor to drive, I'd advise you to drive one and form your own opinion.
I came from an Elise and a Clio 200 (na) which may explain why I have a harsher opinion on them than most. However, coming from those cars the 208 was quite 'slack'. Long throw to the gearchange, quite a disconnect with all the controls, quite a loose feeling drivetrain. Compared to the Clio which fealt like a little touring car. Things like poor throttle response (the revs hang when you let go of the gas) and absolutely no exhaust noise just made it feel like a faster regular 208 than a proper hot hatch.
It's weird actually because after that I had a cooper S and a JCW. Both of these use the same engine but you would never have guessed. A universe apart in terms of the way they drove and more similar to the Clio.
I can totally understand considering them though, in todays market there isn't a great deal of performance cars that seem good value!
I thought it was pretty poor to drive, I'd advise you to drive one and form your own opinion.
I came from an Elise and a Clio 200 (na) which may explain why I have a harsher opinion on them than most. However, coming from those cars the 208 was quite 'slack'. Long throw to the gearchange, quite a disconnect with all the controls, quite a loose feeling drivetrain. Compared to the Clio which fealt like a little touring car. Things like poor throttle response (the revs hang when you let go of the gas) and absolutely no exhaust noise just made it feel like a faster regular 208 than a proper hot hatch.
It's weird actually because after that I had a cooper S and a JCW. Both of these use the same engine but you would never have guessed. A universe apart in terms of the way they drove and more similar to the Clio.
I can totally understand considering them though, in todays market there isn't a great deal of performance cars that seem good value!
Golfgtimk28v said:
A lot of people won't even entertain a french car (even though their German car has a french engine), so means the cars are overlooked, which if you are looking means you get a bargain. I was looking at them, no real downsides.
Always fun to see the smugness drain from a Merc A Class owner, if you ask " .... is that the one with the Clio engine? ....." 
I did drive a prestige model before buying my Fiesta ST. It was okay, I did like the comfort and the panoramic room makes the cabin nice and light. People complain about the steering wheel but I didn't find it a problem. Ultimately I went Fiesta because it felt more exciting and engaging. If I did more miles, especially motorway it might have been different. I think they'd make a good all round daily.
Must say though the Fiesta ST has broken the rules during my ownership. Its cheap, fast and reliable. I can highly recommend one.
Must say though the Fiesta ST has broken the rules during my ownership. Its cheap, fast and reliable. I can highly recommend one.
I'm very happy with my 208 gti BPS I bought last year. I don't do a huge amount of miles but it's an excellent car. Really enjoying it, I've had some pretty serious modified cars, and this little thing still entertains me
I think alot of the issues with the thp/ prince engine where rectified in the later version. There's a cross over period, but most of the face lift cars are the later engine.
I think alot of the issues with the thp/ prince engine where rectified in the later version. There's a cross over period, but most of the face lift cars are the later engine.
Joey Deacon said:
Some of the cars I am seeing on Autotrader have had 6, 7 and even 8 owners. Doesn't exactly fill me with confidence.
I'd say take a look at the 208's cousin, the DS3 Performance it's exactly the same car but you'll get a very nice one for 11.5k:https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212032...
I’ve had 2x 208GTI Prestige’s and think they are brilliant little cars. The wife has had one since passing her test which we still have. I wrote mine off about 5 years back now lol. Together we have put 60,000miles on them.
I’d recommend going the facelifted model as the increased torque make a great difference.
In terms of catch there isn’t really one. They are reliable despite people jumping on the Prince engine which effected the mini.
Spec on the prestige’s is really good with panoramic roof, heated seats, climate control, cruise control, sat nav, auto wipers and lights and a real spare alloy wheel in the boot.
Compared to its rival it’s quicker than an ST, more room inside and the boot is bigger, seats are better, more reliable, far easier to live with, nicer interior and it doesn’t get nicked. An ST is more fun and better potential tuning.
Cons are the speakers are pretty poor, steering wheel isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (small and you look over the top of it) and it sounds nice but drones on the motorway at 80mph.
I really love them and think they are a hidden gem. It’s a proper pocket rocket that will get a wheel off the ground but at the same time is so easy to live with and gets 40mpg even with a wheelchair in the boot.
The 208GTI by Peugeot Sports lose the creature comforts of the prestige but they are the best of the super mini hot hatches to drive in my opinion.
I’d recommend going the facelifted model as the increased torque make a great difference.
In terms of catch there isn’t really one. They are reliable despite people jumping on the Prince engine which effected the mini.
Spec on the prestige’s is really good with panoramic roof, heated seats, climate control, cruise control, sat nav, auto wipers and lights and a real spare alloy wheel in the boot.
Compared to its rival it’s quicker than an ST, more room inside and the boot is bigger, seats are better, more reliable, far easier to live with, nicer interior and it doesn’t get nicked. An ST is more fun and better potential tuning.
Cons are the speakers are pretty poor, steering wheel isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (small and you look over the top of it) and it sounds nice but drones on the motorway at 80mph.
I really love them and think they are a hidden gem. It’s a proper pocket rocket that will get a wheel off the ground but at the same time is so easy to live with and gets 40mpg even with a wheelchair in the boot.
The 208GTI by Peugeot Sports lose the creature comforts of the prestige but they are the best of the super mini hot hatches to drive in my opinion.
Edited by CG2020UK on Thursday 9th February 00:03
CG2020UK said:
I’ve had 2x 208GTI Prestige’s and think they are brilliant little cars. The wife has had one since passing her test which we still have. I wrote mine off about 5 years back now lol. Together we have put 60,000miles on them.
I’d recommend going the facelifted model as the increased torque make a great difference.
In terms of catch there isn’t really one. They are reliable despite people jumping on the Prince engine which effected the mini.
Spec on the prestige’s is really good with panoramic roof, heated seats, climate control, cruise control, sat nav, auto wipers and lights and a real spare alloy wheel in the boot.
Compared to its rival it’s quicker than an ST, more room inside and the boot is bigger, seats are better, more reliable, far easier to live with, nicer interior and it doesn’t get nicked. An ST is more fun and better potential tuning.
Cons are the speakers are pretty poor, steering wheel isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (small and you look over the top of it) and it sounds nice but drones on the motorway at 80mph.
I really love them and think they are a hidden gem. It’s a proper pocket rocket that will get a wheel off the ground but at the same time is so easy to live with and gets 40mpg even with a wheelchair in the boot.
The 208GTI by Peugeot Sports lose the creature comforts of the prestige but they are the best of the super mini hot hatches to drive in my opinion.
I’d recommend going the facelifted model as the increased torque make a great difference.
In terms of catch there isn’t really one. They are reliable despite people jumping on the Prince engine which effected the mini.
Spec on the prestige’s is really good with panoramic roof, heated seats, climate control, cruise control, sat nav, auto wipers and lights and a real spare alloy wheel in the boot.
Compared to its rival it’s quicker than an ST, more room inside and the boot is bigger, seats are better, more reliable, far easier to live with, nicer interior and it doesn’t get nicked. An ST is more fun and better potential tuning.
Cons are the speakers are pretty poor, steering wheel isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (small and you look over the top of it) and it sounds nice but drones on the motorway at 80mph.
I really love them and think they are a hidden gem. It’s a proper pocket rocket that will get a wheel off the ground but at the same time is so easy to live with and gets 40mpg even with a wheelchair in the boot.
The 208GTI by Peugeot Sports lose the creature comforts of the prestige but they are the best of the super mini hot hatches to drive in my opinion.
Edited by CG2020UK on Thursday 9th February 00:03
Pretty much what he seid
Peugeot ironed out most of the problems with the facelift
We have a 2016 one & in 3yrs not had to do much outside of regular servicing
Only faults have been a 02 sensor & top mounts
Fyi the headlights are crap! Replace bulbs with some good LED's & the standard touchscreen is temperamental
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