Peugeot 205 XS

[Mrcarfan832]

I own a '91 H-reg Peugeot 205 XS as a second car. With the current climate making things rather expensive, should I keep it or sell it? If PHers could give reasons for and against, I would really, really appreciate it

I guess part of my question should be, what's so good about them? Have any Phers ever owned one? Should I make the effort to keep it on the road?

Many, many thanks.

[swifthobo]

Good car's fairly quick however over shadowed by gti's run it into the ground.

[Mrcarfan832]

Do you mean overshadowed by the 205 GTi, running it into the ground?

[swifthobo]

Yes that's what i mean, if you like the car try to keep it on the road

[Mrcarfan832]

Ok, thanks for your opinion

[sjabrown]

Keep it. A rare sight on the roads these days. I'm using a 1.9 gti on the road fairly regularly just because I can. Bought it for spares for the rally car but too good to break yet.

[garethj]

Pretty light and responsive, not as quick as a GTi but still fast enough to have fun. Must be at the bottom of the depreciation curve by now so it won't cost you anything to keep it running.

If you care about NCAP stars or having a "new" car, get rid of it immediately. If you're after something that's a bit interesting to drive around on the cheap, keep it.

[s m]

Mrcarfan832 said:

I own a '91 H-reg Peugeot 205 XS as a second car. With the current climate making things rather expensive, should I keep it or sell it? If PHers could give reasons for and against, I would really, really appreciate it

I guess part of my question should be, what's so good about them? Have any Phers ever owned one? Should I make the effort to keep it on the road?

Many, many thanks.

Is this Chris Harris writing under a pseudonym?

[djt100]

Keep it.. if it works its cheap reliable motoring

[Negative Creep]

I remember when I passed my test these were the cars to have, since they were a low insurance group and passed under the radar. Same engine as the AX GT, must be pretty rare these days

[Husaberk]

To give a proper answer would need to know what your primary car is but I loved my XS. Great steering, handling but relatively low grip so fun to play with. one of the best cars I've owned for driving in the snow. Cheap to service, fix, insure, etc. Gave me fizz!

[LeoSayer]

My Mum owned one from new for 10 years, she paid £8,000ish in August 1988. I learned to drive in it and must have done 20,000 miles in at least.

There are great fun, accelerate quite quickly considering it's only got 85bhp. The twin-choke carb and low ratio gearbox (80mph = 4000rpm in 5th) mean it's not relaxing to drive. The handling is quite nervous and exciting. If you can beat 110 mph indicated then you're doing well.

I can't think of a modern equivalent that comes close for excitement for such a low price. Just make sure the cambelt has been changes recently.

Keep.

[Chris Harris]

Keep it, drive it, cherish it. Love mine.

[r1ch]

Some people rate the XS as being a better drive than the GTI's. Personally I prefer the GTI, but i'd say keep it and make it mint because they are a rare sight. What colour is it?

[Garett]

I used to have a white one made to look like a Rallye, although it was a better car than the UK version of the Rallye.
Have a look at it in my garage in my profile, I loved the way it went, handled sounded and looked, it was abused though and needed work constantly and in the end it was too much for my meagre budget.
It went off to be turned into a rally car by the guy who bought it off me, he sent me some pics and he'd completely transformed it, no idea if its still going now!

[Mrcarfan832]

r1ch said:

Some people rate the XS as being a better drive than the GTI's. Personally I prefer the GTI, but i'd say keep it and make it mint because they are a rare sight. What colour is it?

The colour is dark grey, possibly referred to as Graphite Grey(?) and it also has the optional factory-fitted alloy wheels, which I think are the same as those fitted as standard to the 205 Roland Garros (sorry if I'm being anorak-ish here..).

Anyway thanks everyone so far for all your positive comments recommending I should keep it.. I really would love to, however there is something else about it I haven't mentioned yet. The car appears to have developed significant 'cracks' in its body - namely from the top of the B pillar going halfway towards the C pillar just under the roofline on one side, and on the other side same place but at the bottom of the car. I'm assuming this is why when going around corners and on speed bumps it often feels a bit "bendy", if you see what I mean.

Do these cracks signal the end of the car's life, or can they be easily/cheaply fixed?

[irish boy]

A 205 xs was my first car back in 94 when I passed my test. Great car's, old now tho for the daily grind.

[rallycross]

Great little car the xs much like the AXgt it's the ultra light weight and sharp handling that make them such fun 85 bhp is enough to be fun in such a light car. These ones have an alloy engine hence mega light compared to others.

Not seen on with cracks are you sure it's not just the factory sealer cracking along the seems of the shell?

[swifthobo]

Mrcarfan832 said:

The colour is dark grey, possibly referred to as Graphite Grey(?) and it also has the optional factory-fitted alloy wheels, which I think are the same as those fitted as standard to the 205 Roland Garros (sorry if I'm being anorak-ish here..).

Anyway thanks everyone so far for all your positive comments recommending I should keep it.. I really would love to, however there is something else about it I haven't mentioned yet. The car appears to have developed significant 'cracks' in its body - namely from the top of the B pillar going halfway towards the C pillar just under the roofline on one side, and on the other side same place but at the bottom of the car. I'm assuming this is why when going around corners and on speed bumps it often feels a bit "bendy", if you see what I mean.

Do these cracks signal the end of the car's life, or can they be easily/cheaply fixed?

yeah your right that's a common thing on the 205's it in no way signals the end a mate of mine has a roland garros which is essentially the same car i believe and its now coming upto 197k! really nice little car it is aswell plus i drive a 91 car and its a pain in the arse to keep it looking it's best but is great fun and you rarely see another car like your own.

[icepop]

Wow, drove one of those many moons ago, and first impressions were, how responsive it felt, and relatively nippy. Was driving a Manta GTJ at the time. Great little cars, keep it.