1994 Peugeot 205: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1994 Peugeot 205?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1994 Peugeot 205 than on all cars registered in 1994.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.5× usual
  Peugeot 205

  11.8% All 1994 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Braking performance1.9× usual
  Peugeot 205

  13.7% All 1994 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.2%, against 3.9% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Ball joint2.3× usual
  Peugeot 205

  8.5% All 1994 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.2% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Brakes pulling to one side2.4× usual
  Peugeot 205

  7% All 1994 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2.3% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Washers2.1× usual
  Peugeot 205

  7.2% All 1994 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 3.5% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 1994 Peugeot 205 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1994 Peugeot 205 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  39% 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.

• Suspension
  38% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  23% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1994 Peugeot 205

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1994 Peugeot 205 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1994 Peugeot 205 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1994 Peugeot 205 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?