1994 Peugeot 205 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1994 Peugeot 205 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1994 Peugeot 205 diesel than on all cars registered in 1994.

• Ball joint2.9× usual
  Peugeot 205

  10.6% All 1994 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.2% of all 1994 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.5× usual
  Peugeot 205

  11.8% All 1994 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 2% of all 1994 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.

• Braking performance2× usual
  Peugeot 205

  14.4% All 1994 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 3.9% of all 1994 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.

Common 1994 Peugeot 205 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1994 Peugeot 205 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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.

• Brakes
  41% 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
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  24% 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
  21% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  12% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1994 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 ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 1994 Peugeot 205 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1994 Peugeot 205 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1994 Peugeot 205 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?