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Peugeot 205 Classic (741) (1983-1998) reliability

At a glance

Peugeot 205 Classic (741) built before 2000: about average at the MOT

Peugeot 205 Classic (741) 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.

Looking at a Peugeot 205 Classic (741) right now?

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Key figure

24% of MOT tests on Peugeot 205 Classic (741) 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 Classic (741) models built before 2000 involves fluid leaks.

Peugeot 205 Classic (741)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings1983-1998HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 4,065 tests of 205 models registered 1983-1998.

About 1 in 8 205 Classic (741) MOTs (12%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 4,065 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 25 205 Classic (741) MOTs (4.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Based on 4,065 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Classic (741) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
4,06523.9%

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.

How the 205 Classic (741) compares

At each age below, see how the 205 Classic (741) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 11,900 tests across 6 Peugeot models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail ratePeugeot average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
4,06523.9%

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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can 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.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 205 Classic (741).

  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 Classic (741), 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 Classic (741), 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 Classic (741), 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 Classic (741), 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.

Recall context

2 recalls in all

1 of the 2 205 Classic (741) 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.

What has gone wrong on 205 Classic (741) cars built before 2000

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 4,688 cars.

Structural systems

Emissions
35%
Suspension
33%
Drivetrain
28%
Bodywork
7%
Steering
6%

Wear items

Brakes
57%
Lighting
51%
Tyres
25%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 12% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Fail rate by engine size, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol 205 tests (not specific to Classic (741)).

Under 1.0 litreToo few tests to rely on81 tests1.0 to 1.4 litres25.9%886 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres21.3%2,315 tests
Classic (741) variants compared

205 Classic (741) variants built before 2000

The fail rate for each 205 Classic (741) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • 20522.7%3,295 tests

Diesel

  • 20528.7%770 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Peugeot 205 models of this age

This list covers every Peugeot 205 built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Classic (741) on its own.

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 tests

Looking at a Peugeot 205 Classic (741) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Peugeot 205 Classic (741) (1983-1998) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 4,065 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 4,065 MOT tests on Peugeot 205 models first registered between 1983-1998. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.