nick205
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| posted on 2/2/05 at 08:44 AM |
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Hi Ned,
Sounds like a pretty reasonable car to me!
Did it definitely have PAS? It wasn't standard on all cars, so it may not have it.
That said, even without PAS the steering should only be heavy at parking speeds. Once on the move it should be very light and responsive.
The kangarooing is normal and something all 205GTi drivers have to master. This is caused by the way the ECU/fuel injection system cuts the fuel off
on over-run and the switches it back on either at idle or when the throttle is pressed. You'll soon master the art of using the clutch to
control it.
Let us know if you go for it! 
Cheers
Nick
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ned
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| posted on 2/2/05 at 09:41 AM |
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The guy did say it had PAS. When driving it was ok, noticed it being heavy when i tried to go round a roundabout at relatively low speed, and parking
obviously was heavy..
Thanks,
Ned.
beware, I've got yellow skin
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ned
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| posted on 2/2/05 at 10:52 AM |
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Just looking into audi's I found this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4523869989&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
which seems a good buy, might try and arrange a viewing. Will be more practical, lower miles, + better spec so should be more reliable. maybe too
sensible.
hmm.
Ned.
beware, I've got yellow skin
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donut
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| posted on 2/2/05 at 11:01 AM |
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Personally i would rather go with the audi as it seems a better car, if the chaps honest that it. Audi's are very reliable and go on forever
plus if you still have it after you are board with the locost you can build a MK GT-R and use the Audi engine, running gear etc
For £500 its a bargain seeing as you could do the wheel barings yourself in an afternoon.
[Edited on 2/2/05 by donut]
Andy
When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/andywest1/
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ned
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| posted on 2/2/05 at 11:27 AM |
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hmm, i know what you're saying makes sense, but as its really going to be a short distance, weekend only car, I'm kinding of thinking I
want something a little more fun, i've had a boring reliable car for several years and want to own something with a bit of get up and go. the
higher milage of the 205 does worry me though, and like you say, the audi could be a nice donor for a project later down the line 
Ned.
beware, I've got yellow skin
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dern
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| posted on 2/2/05 at 11:50 AM |
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I can't recommend the 205 gti simply because the build quality varies so much. We had a 1.9 and a 1.6 and the 1.9 was fine but the 1.6 broke
down all the time despite being newer, better service history and lower miles. I bought the 1.6 for my wife on the strength of the 1.9 and regretted
it.
I also crashed my 1.9 sideways into a high curb on ice at 5 mph and the rear suspension just folded and it cost 1500 to fix.
I though the handling on the limit was dreadful. The lift off oversteer may be great on a track but on the road it's frightening. Unlike rwd
cars that you can take positive action when they spin out, with the 205 you're just along for the ride. The problem (unless you like that kind
of thing) is made worse by the car cutting fuel when you lift off the throttle transfering weight from the already light rear to the front. Never
understood why they have such a great reputation for handling.
They look great though.
I had an opel manta 1.8s berlinetta before I had the 1.9gti and the manta was a lot more fun despite being under powered and I really regret
changing.
BTW, have you considered an old porsche 944/924? I run a 944 lux as an everyday car and it's easy to fix, feels very solid (now I've put
new shocks and bushes on it) and goes very well indeed. You're not likely to get anything usable for 500 quid admitedly.
Regards,
Mark
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ned
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| posted on 2/2/05 at 12:28 PM |
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looked at a couple of cheap porsches on ebay, but the cost of running/fixing (for a cheap one) and the insurance is a bit out of my league for
now..
Ned.
beware, I've got yellow skin
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dern
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| posted on 2/2/05 at 12:41 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by ned
looked at a couple of cheap porsches on ebay, but the cost of running/fixing (for a cheap one) and the insurance is a bit out of my league for
now..
Just wait until you've replaced half a 205 through the peugeot network
To date I've done the following on my 944 lux... new shocks which cost 200 quid for all 4 corners, new arb and wishbone bushes and balljoints
which cost 100 quid total, parts to completely refurbish the driveshafts for 200 quid. They're not as expensive as you imagine using the large
number of specialists kicking about but not as cheap as a ford or something like that I guess.
Having said that, mine is waiting for me to change the valve stem seals so they aren't bullet proof but I hate doing bodywork and paint so the
galvanised body is a distinct bonus.
Anyway, not trying to convert you but they're not as bad as many people imagine.
Regards,
Mark
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