1992 Peugeot 205 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1992 Peugeot 205 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1992 Peugeot 205 diesel than on all cars registered in 1992.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  Peugeot 205

  29.6% All 1992 cars

  15.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.4% of all 1992 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.2× usual
  Peugeot 205

  16.8% All 1992 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.1% of all 1992 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.

• Brake discs2.6× usual
  Peugeot 205

  17.1% All 1992 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.4% of all 1992 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Braking performance2.2× usual
  Peugeot 205

  18.1% All 1992 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 4.3% of all 1992 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Ball joint3.5× usual
  Peugeot 205

  10.2% All 1992 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1% of all 1992 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 1992 Peugeot 205 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1992 Peugeot 205 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  47% 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
  39% 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
  36% 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
  33% 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.

• Tyres
  23% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  17% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1992 Peugeot 205 diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1992 Peugeot 205 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 1992 Peugeot 205 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1992 Peugeot 205 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?