Used car guide

1991 Peugeot 205: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1991 Peugeot 205s, from 529 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

529MOT tests in 2025
74%pass first time (all 1991 cars: 71%)
3,000typical miles a year
25%had brakes flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 1991 Peugeot 205 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    25% 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
    25% 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
    22% 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
    17% 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
    14% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    10% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1995134Brakes 47%
1994169Suspension 41%
1993292Brakes 29%
1992403Brakes 30%
1990626Brakes 27%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1991 Peugeot 205s registered in 1991. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score