1990 Peugeot 205 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1990 Peugeot 205 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1990 Peugeot 205 petrol than on all cars registered in 1990.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.3× usual
  Peugeot 205

  8.2% All 1990 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.5% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Horn2× usual
  Peugeot 205

  3.2% All 1990 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.6% of all 1990 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Common 1990 Peugeot 205 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1990 Peugeot 205 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  27% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  24% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  23% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  11% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Tyres
  11% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 Peugeot 205 petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1990 Peugeot 205 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the horn? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1990 Peugeot 205 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?