Peugeot 205 XR
Discussion
So I decided I needed a project car as a lockdown hobby, teach myself to spanner. I was looking for a car that wasn't rusty, cheap to insure (180 quid a year! The 75 is 600 quid...) and for parts, and most importantly not too far away! So I picked up this.
More photos to follow...
Externally a little tatty - could do with a bonnet respray, a few scrapes/dents attended too, and a good polish. Interior js immaculate ... though very basic. Keep fit windows, no central locking, no tachometer! Manual choke! I don't even know how a manual choke works...
Its on 137k miles, though the seller thinks the engine/box was changed at some point as there is some paperwork for a lower mileage car mixed in. It went off the road in 2010, was tinkered with a bit by previous owner in 2013 then put off road again, then tinkered with to get through an mot in 2020. I have ordered aux belt cam belt water pump oil filter air filter spark plugs front discs and pads 5l oil...for the grand total of £108. Damn parts are cheap. I'm a very amateur mechanic with little skills so fitting the parts will be a test but part of the fun. Intend to change coolant and brake fluid as well.
We think it is the 75hp 1.4l engine. Makes quite the noise for a 4 cyl and can spin the tyres and move quite quickly probably due to weighing only 790kg
More to follow...
More photos to follow...
Externally a little tatty - could do with a bonnet respray, a few scrapes/dents attended too, and a good polish. Interior js immaculate ... though very basic. Keep fit windows, no central locking, no tachometer! Manual choke! I don't even know how a manual choke works...
Its on 137k miles, though the seller thinks the engine/box was changed at some point as there is some paperwork for a lower mileage car mixed in. It went off the road in 2010, was tinkered with a bit by previous owner in 2013 then put off road again, then tinkered with to get through an mot in 2020. I have ordered aux belt cam belt water pump oil filter air filter spark plugs front discs and pads 5l oil...for the grand total of £108. Damn parts are cheap. I'm a very amateur mechanic with little skills so fitting the parts will be a test but part of the fun. Intend to change coolant and brake fluid as well.
We think it is the 75hp 1.4l engine. Makes quite the noise for a 4 cyl and can spin the tyres and move quite quickly probably due to weighing only 790kg
More to follow...
didnt noticed when they were dirty....Ordered a couple of replacement drive shafts ... the cv boots need replaced and given the driveshafts are so cheap (75 quid delivered for two!) figured i might as well just replace them.
Can't decide what wheels to get, seems new wheels are massively expensive but used wheels tend to be pretty tatty and not very cheap...
Can't decide what wheels to get, seems new wheels are massively expensive but used wheels tend to be pretty tatty and not very cheap...
So, on Saturday I got a second set of keys cut at Timpsons as I only had one set. It appears that the replacement key has broken the boot lock, which will no longer turn. I've taken it out the car and it is sitting on my dining room table, but still won't turn, using either set of keys. The new key works on the ignition and the doors. How very annoying. Anyone know of a way of fixing a lock...?
The other odd thing is I seem to have a central locking mechanism in my boot - one of these - https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_t... - with a cable connected to the lock. Yet it doesn't have central locking. Perhaps it does but someone has lost the keys...?
Rear footwell carpets were damp this evening. Which is odd, as it is parked in my carport. Must still be damp from washing the car. It was definitely leaking through the sunroof, but the footwells are damp on the opposite side. So maybe it is leaking from somewhere else as well. Boot seems dry, so don't think it is coming in that way.
The other odd thing is I seem to have a central locking mechanism in my boot - one of these - https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_t... - with a cable connected to the lock. Yet it doesn't have central locking. Perhaps it does but someone has lost the keys...?
Rear footwell carpets were damp this evening. Which is odd, as it is parked in my carport. Must still be damp from washing the car. It was definitely leaking through the sunroof, but the footwells are damp on the opposite side. So maybe it is leaking from somewhere else as well. Boot seems dry, so don't think it is coming in that way.
ambuletz said:
great looking car. I do wonder if renting a heat gun might help to darken up the black plastics around and to the rear? getting it to look as new. you see this kind of thing all the time with people that own black bumper cars
Good shout, I have read that before. I did spray it with a bit of back to black but it didn't do very much. Tbh the paintwork ain't great in places so I'm not going to be too focused on cosmetics. 
xstian said:
That's a breather hose, I can't see if it's broken on my phone, but if it is split it can drip oil. Worth taking it off and giving it a crean out.
Have you been on the 205gtidrivers.com forum? Loads of info on there and not just for GTi's.
Thanks, you can't quite see but a chunk had broken off where it connects at the top. There is an advised oil leak on the MOT, it would be too easy if it is from there ... Have you been on the 205gtidrivers.com forum? Loads of info on there and not just for GTi's.
I've been on the forum, but not signed up, possibly should. Have joined the FB group which is helpful. Got some 19mm hose and clips on order to renew that hose and any others that look degraded.
StuntmanMike said:
Challo said:
StuntmanMike said:
Challo said:
Cracking project OP. I had a 205 Rallye when I was younger and loved it.
Such fun cars to drive.
Chris Harris said in an interview that the 205 was by far his favourite hatchback.Such fun cars to drive.
Whilst I’ve never seen him as a presenter ( don’t watch Top Gear ) I have always put weight in his opinions.
He has the original 205 Rallye which is only left hand drive and very quick. The UK got a watered down version with only 75bhp i think, but similar looks and stripped out interior.
that really is an excellent interview.He has five 205s
Quick query on timing belt change.
Haynes says the following:
"Note: Peugeot specify the use of a special electronic tool (SEEM C.TRONIC type 105 belt tensioning measuring tool) to correctly set the timing belt tension. If access to this equipment cannot be obtained, an approximate setting can be achieved using the method described below. If the method described is used, the tension must be checked using the special electronic tool at the earliest possible opportunity. Do not drive the vehicle over large distances, or use high engine speeds, until the belt tension is known to be correct. Refer to a Peugeot dealer for advice."
Can I simply ignore this warning ... ?
Haynes says the following:
"Note: Peugeot specify the use of a special electronic tool (SEEM C.TRONIC type 105 belt tensioning measuring tool) to correctly set the timing belt tension. If access to this equipment cannot be obtained, an approximate setting can be achieved using the method described below. If the method described is used, the tension must be checked using the special electronic tool at the earliest possible opportunity. Do not drive the vehicle over large distances, or use high engine speeds, until the belt tension is known to be correct. Refer to a Peugeot dealer for advice."
Can I simply ignore this warning ... ?
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