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.
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.
- Brakes25% 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 electrics25% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension22% 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 leaks17% 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.
- Tyres14% 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 emissions10% 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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 134 | Brakes 47% |
| 1994 | 169 | Suspension 41% |
| 1993 | 292 | Brakes 29% |
| 1992 | 403 | Brakes 30% |
| 1990 | 626 | Brakes 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