Peugeot 208 GTI, experiences and opinions?
Discussion
I've been looking at small, quick, economical, manual petrol cars to complement or potentially replace my large thirsty auto diesel Grand Cherokee. I was surprised to discover that the 208 GTI can now be had from £5k upwards for decent looking cars with fairly low mileage. Looking at the specs they look tremendous, 200bhp, 1160kg and 47.9mpg. The reviews rate the ride and handling quite highly and the spec includes everything I would require (cruise control, bluetooth and ideally heated seats). I even think they look quite good in so much as modern hatchbacks ever can.
What is the PH verdict on them from those who have owned, driven or ridden in them? Do they have any major reliability issues that one should be aware of?
What is the PH verdict on them from those who have owned, driven or ridden in them? Do they have any major reliability issues that one should be aware of?
I test drove one once and I quite liked it. Ride was really good, quite grown up really for a small car. I veered off course at the last minute and got an Abarth 595 Comp. In a way, I wished I'd have held course for the Pug. I'd probably still have it, where the Abarth is long gone for being unbearable on my longer commute.
Not sure what there is to look out for really? I think the 1.6THP engines might have had issues with inlet carbon build up but a lot of these haven't done enough miles to get that I wouldn't have thought. Isn't as fun, aurally, at the Abarth, its got that typical turbo 4 noise, but its certainly not slow. I think many reviews rate them highly, though they always put the Fiesta ST first as its supposedly a better steer. But I know which I would want when I just want to get home...the more grown up Peugeot.
You have to change your ideas about seating/steering position mind. A lot of people complain they can't see the dials, but your're meant to have that little wheel low and close and it works really well.
I think Peugeot have made some very good cars in the recent past. Obviously still marred by the earlier trouble years where they made complete dross. Now that you've reminded me...I'm off to the classifieds. I think its got a 50L tank as well, which is a few litres (usefully) more than some of the others. It would do me for a week easily.
Try find one with the pano roof, it really makes a difference to the interior.
Not sure what there is to look out for really? I think the 1.6THP engines might have had issues with inlet carbon build up but a lot of these haven't done enough miles to get that I wouldn't have thought. Isn't as fun, aurally, at the Abarth, its got that typical turbo 4 noise, but its certainly not slow. I think many reviews rate them highly, though they always put the Fiesta ST first as its supposedly a better steer. But I know which I would want when I just want to get home...the more grown up Peugeot.
You have to change your ideas about seating/steering position mind. A lot of people complain they can't see the dials, but your're meant to have that little wheel low and close and it works really well.
I think Peugeot have made some very good cars in the recent past. Obviously still marred by the earlier trouble years where they made complete dross. Now that you've reminded me...I'm off to the classifieds. I think its got a 50L tank as well, which is a few litres (usefully) more than some of the others. It would do me for a week easily.
Try find one with the pano roof, it really makes a difference to the interior.
When I decided to change my Fiesta ST, I really quite fancied a 208GTi and test drove a 16 plate model.
Unfortunately, while it went well, the power delivery was not as good as the ST and it simply didn't feel as "right" as the ST, almost like a slight hesitation.
Whatever it was, I was still being tempted but then got back in my ST and instantly concluded that the Fiesta was easily the better car. So I bought a Mountune Fiesta ST although the difference between that and standard is marginal.
I believe the 208 uses the same Prince engine as the Mini.
Though I had already decided against it, I canvassed the views of a friend who works at a Peugeot dealer and he suggested I might soon be on first name terms with the workshop manager and to "walk away".
Unfortunately, while it went well, the power delivery was not as good as the ST and it simply didn't feel as "right" as the ST, almost like a slight hesitation.
Whatever it was, I was still being tempted but then got back in my ST and instantly concluded that the Fiesta was easily the better car. So I bought a Mountune Fiesta ST although the difference between that and standard is marginal.
I believe the 208 uses the same Prince engine as the Mini.
Though I had already decided against it, I canvassed the views of a friend who works at a Peugeot dealer and he suggested I might soon be on first name terms with the workshop manager and to "walk away".
I've had mine nearly 4 years now and it's been a terrific car. Had a few other fast Peugeot's in the past and this is as good as any of them.
Other than normal servicing, I've changed the rear discs and pads , front pads and a new set of tyres, that's it in 24k miles. Mine is the standard GTi not the Peugeot Sport model that is a bit more hardcore but it suits me perfectly. Only criticism is that the clutch bites a bit on the high side and the release bearing can squeal from time to time but it's a common issue.
Other than normal servicing, I've changed the rear discs and pads , front pads and a new set of tyres, that's it in 24k miles. Mine is the standard GTi not the Peugeot Sport model that is a bit more hardcore but it suits me perfectly. Only criticism is that the clutch bites a bit on the high side and the release bearing can squeal from time to time but it's a common issue.
2172cc said:
I've had mine nearly 4 years now and it's been a terrific car. Had a few other fast Peugeot's in the past and this is as good as any of them.
Other than normal servicing, I've changed the rear discs and pads , front pads and a new set of tyres, that's it in 24k miles. Mine is the standard GTi not the Peugeot Sport model that is a bit more hardcore but it suits me perfectly. Only criticism is that the clutch bites a bit on the high side and the release bearing can squeal from time to time but it's a common issue.
Must be a Peugeot trait, I have the high bite point and occasional clutch squeal from my 308 GT line. Other than normal servicing, I've changed the rear discs and pads , front pads and a new set of tyres, that's it in 24k miles. Mine is the standard GTi not the Peugeot Sport model that is a bit more hardcore but it suits me perfectly. Only criticism is that the clutch bites a bit on the high side and the release bearing can squeal from time to time but it's a common issue.
All sounds fairly positive, I shall have to try one soon. The Fiesta ST is out because it seems much more expensive used and by all accounts has a rather spine shattering ride quality, the 208 gets much praise for riding well and being the better car for day to day driving rather than thrashing round a track.
I had a one on lease for a couple of years (65 plate).
It was plenty fast and comfortable enough, and did the usual hatch things quite well.
The major let down was the horrible turbo lag which made driving less than pleasant.
The touch screen/ICE was largely awful as well, random reboots and on one occasion it would not turn off, even with the car keys removed.
It was plenty fast and comfortable enough, and did the usual hatch things quite well.
The major let down was the horrible turbo lag which made driving less than pleasant.
The touch screen/ICE was largely awful as well, random reboots and on one occasion it would not turn off, even with the car keys removed.
LG9k said:
.....The major let down was the horrible turbo lag which made driving less than pleasant.....
I tried the 308GTi which has an even more boosted version of the engine and the lag was severe bordering on dangerous.With the 308GTi being laggy and the 208GTi gaining a reputation for engine unreliability, I ended up buying a Swift Sport 1.6 because it was so much more responsive, without the added complexity of a turbo or direct injection.
However, the Swift Sport wasn't ideal, either. It was 'tinny', too harsh for average B-roads in my area and surprisingly thirsty.
So at the moment I don't have a warm/hot hatch.
Ron99 said:
TurboHatchback said:
So what are these engine problems then? I can't immediately see any common horror stories from a quick google.
Direct injection leading to carbon buildup causing loss of performance, hesitation, stumbling and misfires. Same engine and same problems as Mini.Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff