The 205 Gti - A Dying Breed?

[Ryan 99]

I quite like that it's a bit anonymous. 90% of people probably don't look at your car twice, but then occasionally you catch someone do a double-take as they walk past it, or they stop you in a car park for a chat.

[cRaig 273 1 Cars]

Sadly mine has turned into a long, long off the road restoration, but its a lack of time which is holding things up, rather than a lack of enthusiasm! I was planning on getting it finished towards the end of this year/next, but with the rise in uni fees, I have little choice but to go back to start my next degree so I can avoid the tripling of the fees!

If the 205 doesnt get done this winter, it will be another 2 years off the road until my uni work is finished again

[d7ve_b 44 1 Cars]

I use mine pretty much every other day and frickin love it. On the way home yesterday I was sat in the inside lane of the motorway cruising at 65 with the roof open and window down feeling good about the car and the weather, the next thing I know a couple in an E36 318is slowly overtake whilst smiling at me and giving me the thumbs up in appreciation. I don't get that reaction in the Audi. Long live the 205GTI.

[harryskid 193]

Another point to bring up is how many are now being tunred into/used as rally cars? I know I have one and it still gets used every now and again when there are no events. Since I bought mine nearly 2 years ago Iv always said that the 205 will go like the mk1/mk2 Escorts. Hardly see any of them around anymore and when you do their rally prepared.

Long live the 205.

 

With the right prep they make great rally cars, though as i have found to do it properly its not always cheap!

[2052NV 24]

this is true change is unstoppable but i reckon the 205 is still going strong maybe not what it once was but still heaps out there (even in New Zealand!). looking at PFC magazine its all Clio's atm and i imagine in 20 odd years they will be lemons aswell

[Moby 0]

Nothing comes between me and my 205. I've got my tools in the back of my 205 because I refuse to buy a van, wen I pull up outside someone's house to do electrical work they say oh we were expecting a van, not seen one of them in ages or get a comment like I used to have 1 in White back in the day. Which makes me feel a proud retro owner of a classic.

It's funny how you can't really drive it sensibly all the time it just wants a thrashing most of the time can't be helped.

I always look back after parking up , bit strange bit weired ? Not really . It's a 205 thang.

[Moby 0]

My dad offered me his dawoo Matiz free ,and said you sell ur 205 and have this it's very economical. He goes its prob the same size engine , I told him it's a 1.9. He was shocked and I couldn't help laughing and said I'm happy with my car thanx. Your crazy he says.

[mick3pugs 1]

this is true change is unstoppable but i reckon the 205 is still going strong maybe not what it once was but still heaps out there (even in New Zealand!). looking at PFC magazine its all Clio's atm and i imagine in 20 odd years they will be lemons aswell

Thats good to know...because everytime I look on trade me,there only seems to be 3 or 4 for sale ( I must be looking at the wrong time!! )

 

P.S, we're looking to emmigrate to NZ in late 2013.

[Ben Allen 8]

I'm glad the article has got people talking - thanks for reading everybody. It was just something I noticed when I got back. A sharp contrast from three years previously. When I was in the UK I spent three weeks around and about, and the only 205 GTi I saw on the road was James' (j_turnell) Miami Blue runaround. I'm glad that people still keep them and love them to bits. It's nice when cars are appreciated by others.

 

Fox, I'm glad you're not breaking your 309 GTi. Definitely get it saved one day, maybe this summer?

 

If a 205 GTi were readily available in Vancouver, I'd get one 100%. There's nothing else like it. For now I just sold my Chevy and went back to European though. Unfortunately I had to go German - a BMW E21 320i is my daily drive now

[Alastairh 47]

Good work Ben. Is the article going live in PPC?

 

Al

[Miles 331 1 Cars]

Always been the same here, Most of mine are tucked away, My CTi is the worst and that won't come out for another 5 to 10 years maybe more.

But the Gentry I have will be the Mrs's drive when she pass's her test

[Ben Allen 8]

Al, I spoke to Will about the article. I was hoping they'd use it for their Piston Broke section, but they have other ideas unfortunately. However Will said it would possibly be used in a modified state in the news section. I've Emailed him to see what'll happen

[Edp 67 3 Cars]

Nice article Ben. Shame you didn't hang onto any of the 20 or so pugs that went through your hands!

[GLPoomobile 958]

My 2 cents worth.

 

 

I see just as many (or should that be few) 205s on the roads now as I did 11 years ago when I bought my first one. In fact I've seen more GTIs/CTIs up here in Edinburgh in the last few months than I've seen around anywhere in ages. But you only have to look around the forum to notice that there seems to be hotspots around the UK where there are a lot more GTIs still going strong than in other areas.

 

On the odd occassion when I look, there seems to be plenty for sale on PH and eBay.

 

There's undoubtedly been a great many lost over the years, but I didn't think things have got that quiet just yet, although I'd agree that many spend far too much time parked up (mine included).

 

No, I think the only thing that has really changed in the 205 scene is this forum. A few of us saw what we percieved as a decline in quality quite some time ago, and everyone will have a different opinion on that. But quality aside, you can't argue that this is a much quieter community than a few years ago. These days when hit the "view new posts" button in the morning all I get is tumbleweed blowing across my screen! I suspect this is due to the change in ownership behaviour as Ben pointed out, in so much as 205s are being stored away and not used. If they're not being used, and not being worked on, there's not much to talk about on the forum!

Edited July 13, 2011 by GLPoomobile

[lfallgti 12]

Slightly off topic from the previuos posts, but, J174 JVV was my old car for a while. Bought just before christmas last year from another member on here (DaveW), was in a pretty sorry state when i had it. The paintwork was faded and cracked and the interior was pretty ropey.

 

I couldnt be sure whether it was originally a 1.6 with a replacement 1.9 engine and spec, or originally 1.9 running a 1.6 gearbox and drum brakes/beam after the original beam seized? Everything bar the gearbox and axle was 1.9 spec including the V5.

[Ryan 99]

No, I think the only thing that has really changed in the 205 scene is this forum. A few of us saw what we percieved as a decline in quality quite some time ago, and everyone will have a different opinion on that. But quality aside, you can't argue that this is a much quieter community than a few years ago. These days when hit the "view new posts" button in the morning all I get is tumbleweed blowing across my screen! I suspect this is due to the change in ownership behaviour as Ben pointed out, in so much as 205s are being stored away and not used. If they're not being used, and not being worked on, there's not much to talk about on the forum!

 

There used to be more activity on the forum, but a lot of it was the same newbie questions over and over.

 

Back when you could pick up a GTI for £250 there was a lot of owner turnover - people would buy one only to sell it again a few months later, so there was a constant influx of new members. These days the people buying GTIs tend to be enthusiasts who know what they're buying into. They buy one and keep it longer instead of selling it the first time it breaks down. The number of new members might be down, but every other thread isn't "why don't my fog lights work?" any more either.

[Anthony 1,003]

I couldnt be sure whether it was originally a 1.6 with a replacement 1.9 engine and spec, or originally 1.9 running a 1.6 gearbox and drum brakes/beam after the original beam seized? Everything bar the gearbox and axle was 1.9 spec including the V5.

Slightly off-topic, but there's normally a couple of obvious giveaways that I don't think I've seen addressed on a single 1.9 converted car.

 

• If it's an original 1.9 then it'll have the wiring in place for the air-horn relay near the expansion tank, whereas 1.6's and other 205's didn't.
  
• Assuming that it didn't have ABS (extra hole in the bulkhead is a giveaway) then check the nearside chassis leg for evidence of the 1.6's brake compensator, as even when it has been removed it's normally still pretty obvious that it was originally there. ABS cars ran 1.9 running gear anyway.

Most other things can be easily changed, although most people don't change the brake line layout (and if they do, often not fully) and that's normally a giveaway too.

[lfallgti 12]

Slightly off-topic, but there's normally a couple of obvious giveaways that I don't think I've seen addressed on a single 1.9 converted car.

 

• If it's an original 1.9 then it'll have the wiring in place for the air-horn relay near the expansion tank, whereas 1.6's and other 205's didn't.
  
• Assuming that it didn't have ABS (extra hole in the bulkhead is a giveaway) then check the nearside chassis leg for evidence of the 1.6's brake compensator, as even when it has been removed it's normally still pretty obvious that it was originally there. ABS cars ran 1.9 running gear anyway.

Most other things can be easily changed, although most people don't change the brake line layout (and if they do, often not fully) and that's normally a giveaway too.

 

 

You learn something new everyday!

 

To be honest, i bought the car as a winter runaround to keep my good one off the road and didn't really feel the need to dig too deep into what it is/was.

Edited July 14, 2011 by lfallgti

[Ben Allen 8]

Slightly off topic from the previuos posts, but, J174 JVV was my old car for a while. Bought just before christmas last year from another member on here (DaveW), was in a pretty sorry state when i had it. The paintwork was faded and cracked and the interior was pretty ropey.

 

I couldnt be sure whether it was originally a 1.6 with a replacement 1.9 engine and spec, or originally 1.9 running a 1.6 gearbox and drum brakes/beam after the original beam seized? Everything bar the gearbox and axle was 1.9 spec including the V5.

 

Yup I bought that car in about 2004/5. It was a completely standard 1.6 GTi from some guy up in Manchester, and had the usual J plate laquer issues back even then. It had only done about 83k when I got it, but the engine was tired/a little smokey, so if I remember correctly we fitted a 1.9 and kept the 1.6 'box. Eventually I moved on to other cars.

 

Actually J174 JVV has been featured a bunch of times in my Staff Cars articles in PPC magazine. See one example (of it in it's completely standard form), here: http://benallen.ca/writing/

 

What did you do with it in the end? When I got rid of it the interior was a lot better than it was when I bought it, was a pretty good car really!

[lfallgti 12]

Yup I bought that car in about 2004/5. It was a completely standard 1.6 GTi from some guy up in Manchester, and had the usual J plate laquer issues back even then. It had only done about 83k when I got it, but the engine was tired/a little smokey, so if I remember correctly we fitted a 1.9 and kept the 1.6 'box. Eventually I moved on to other cars.

 

Actually J174 JVV has been featured a bunch of times in my Staff Cars articles in PPC magazine. See one example (of it in it's completely standard form), here: http://benallen.ca/writing/

 

What did you do with it in the end? When I got rid of it the interior was a lot better than it was when I bought it, was a pretty good car really!

 

Must be something about the J plate 1.6's dying young. I had a sorrento that was knackered at 88k!

 

Yeah, i realised the car was mag featured after posting originally, looks better than when i had it. The seats were cracked and ripped on most of the stitches, the dash had a what looked like a DIY attempt to repair some mobile phone holder holes and resulted in a melted patch, indicators would flash when the headlights were on full beam, and the sunroof was solid shut.

 

Despite that, the engine pulled hard and seemed healthy and the car drove like it should.

 

I sold it a few months back to a guy near Lincoln. The last i saw, it was on ebay for far more than i paid for it, or indeed it was worth.

[damien 22 1 Cars]

i was using my 205 daily until the engine packed up, now she rests in my garrage where i slowly repare the damage

[madspikes 41 1 Cars]

 

I agree with Tom though, even my 306 (V reg / 2000 plate) is considered an old banger even though there is absolutely nothing wrong with it & I know of no reason to change it just because.

 

 

My car is normally the oldest in the car park at work by a long way, ok bar a 70's spitfire that appears on sunny days.

 

I haven't seen another GTi on the road for ages... and I certainly haven't seen one since I;ve had mine back on the road. Trying to buck the trend with my car, and keep it on the road for once! Well, saying that the wife is putting pressure on me to sell it!!

 

Shame the government stopped the rolling 'free' road tax for old cars....

 

 

 

Mad.

[Pugs in Pieces 0]

the guttman gets pointed at and looked at by alot of people, maybe due to the fact its convertible though, i dont see as many as i used to on the roads, glad to say though that most of the people i know with them have kept them over the years and i still see them out and about, all gti drivers nod and wave these days too.

[Alan_M 66 1 Cars]

 

There's undoubtedly been a great many lost over the years, but I didn't think things have got that quiet just yet, although I'd agree that many spend far too much time parked up (mine included).

 

No, I think the only thing that has really changed in the 205 scene is this forum. A few of us saw what we percieved as a decline in quality quite some time ago, and everyone will have a different opinion on that. But quality aside, you can't argue that this is a much quieter community than a few years ago. These days when hit the "view new posts" button in the morning all I get is tumbleweed blowing across my screen! I suspect this is due to the change in ownership behaviour as Ben pointed out, in so much as 205s are being stored away and not used. If they're not being used, and not being worked on, there's not much to talk about on the forum!

 

I remember years ago when this very subject was discussed, on the twice previous versions of this forum. It was pretty much decided that only the 'hardcore' enthusiasts would remain, with plenty coming and going. Back then, new topics were frequent with newbies on the scene on anything from engine mods to aftermarket muppet parts. You can see the change though, little new topics due to regular users using the search function (masses of info!) and those that are new seem to be restoration based.

 

I've been using my 205Mi16 everyday for the past 13 months now, and it's been brilliant transport. Bar a fragged alternator, massive air leak in the inlet and a forever coming-loose exhaust, it's behaved much better than I thought. Thankfully, it'll be shoehorned into my garage shortly once the 306 is sorted as the main problem with it now is the shell. Surface rust is getting a grip in places and needs to be sorted now.

 

The thought of selling it and moving on always crosses my mind, but on those occasions when the weather/conditions/road/205-is-up-for-it, nothing else with 4 wheels would bring bigger grin to my face. Only the other day, I rolled up to the local petrol station for weekly fill of super. The typical cammed Mi idle made a few turn their heads, as I pulled opposite an Impreza. Got the usual question as I got out, '1.6 or 1.9 mate', so went with the side badges and said 1.6. A smug smile appeared across his boat, a 'look, I've got an Impreza' face. Only then, I heard 'cool car, mate'. Turned round to see it was directed at the Pug, from an old chap. Apparently used to race tin tops and 205s a fair few years ago. I think the Impreza man was disappointed that a sheddy 205 was focus of attention.

[flipperthebushkangaroo 2]

Im glad your dad likes them. My dad asked if he could have a go in mine the other week. I passengered. I was terrified. He couldn't get reverse, couldn't turn the non pas wheel, kangeroo'd everywhere, stalled. We only went to the local shop.

 

Its amazing how people (ie my dad) have become to used to not having to "drive" a car as such, as nowadays everything is done for you. Auto lights, auto wipers, mega light steering, climate control. You barely have to be awake to drive a new car. He suggested i get a real car. I told him to do the same. lol

 

 

Never a truer word, My wife will not drivethe 205 and often takes the 307 rather than the MX5 because " you don't have to concentrate to drive the 307 like you do in the MX"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

And yes I'm another guilty party my poor 1.6 has sat in for a couple of years now with the engine almost ready to come out so i can sort the engine bay /inner wing hole/gearbox and wiring but i rarely seem to find the time especially since libya kicked off and things went mad at work.

Edited July 16, 2011 by flipperthebushkangaroo