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Peugeot 205 reliability by build year

Coverage 1983-19981 named generationHatchbackPETROL / DIESEL
At a glance

Peugeot 205 built before 2000: about average at the MOT

Peugeot 205 models built before 2000 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check a Peugeot 205 by number plate

Key figure

24% of MOT tests on Peugeot 205 models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 25% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Peugeot 205 models built before 2000 involves fluid leaks.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Peugeot 205's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your 205's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

205 Classic (741)

Classic (741) (1983-1998)

Too close to call between ratings
DIESELPETROL

23.9% fail rate, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 25.2%)

From 4,066 MOT tests at this ageView details →

By age

Peugeot 205 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Peugeot 205 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
4,06623.9%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 25+ year old Peugeot 205 models

These issues come from 25+ year old Peugeot 205 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    17.9%
    Advisory: 728Fail: 22 (3% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    11.2%
    Advisory: 676Fail: 56 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    9.0%
    Advisory: 387Fail: 113 (23% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    7.9%
    Advisory: 545Fail: 26 (5% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    5.9%
    Advisory: 303Fail: 21 (6% of the times it was found)

Based on 4,066 MOT tests on 25+ year old Peugeot 205 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 25+ year old Peugeot 205 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelPlenty of data
  1. Brakes + Suspension26%
  2. Brakes + Other23%
  3. Brakes + Lighting22%
  4. Brakes + Fuel & oil21%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 1,837 MOT tests on Peugeot 205 cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Peugeot 205.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

2 recalls in all

1 of the 2 Peugeot 205 recalls covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 recall

Top concerns

  • Driveshaft nuts may slacken

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks to compare

  1. 1

    Ford Sierra

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6%
    Dangerous
    1.5%

    Lower fail rate: 11.5%, against 23.9% for the Peugeot 205, both built before 2000.

    3,022 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Vauxhall Nova

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.8%
    Dangerous
    2.2%

    Lower fail rate: 15.2%, against 23.9% for the Peugeot 205, both built before 2000.

    1,003 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Ford Escort

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.6%
    Dangerous
    3.8%

    Lower fail rate: 16.8%, against 23.9% for the Peugeot 205, both built before 2000.

    10,088 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%

    Lower fail rate: 19.9%, against 23.9% for the Peugeot 205, both built before 2000.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,760 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Peugeot 205 across all generations combined fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 4,066 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Peugeot 205 ever sold: 4,066 tests. The main figures are for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old): 4,066 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.