1991 Peugeot 205

With six previous keepers and 175,000 on the odometer, you could be forgiven for thinking this is your standard high-mileage, thrashed ‘n’ abused, badly modified example. However, you couldn’t be more wrong; while the mileage is high – although it does equate to only 6,700 miles per year – its overall condition, along with the comprehensive service history and records that come with it, would indicate that all six of them absolutely loved it.

Unusually, it is also completely standard having avoided the dubious attention of those who think they known how to improve one of the most lauded cars of its generation. Aficionados will appreciate just how rare this is, further increasing the appeal of this outstanding car.

Recently resprayed, the body is in very good condition with no rust, dents or serious scratches or scuffs. There is a minor ding in the boot and the odd stone chip but given the car’s mileage this could actually be liberating as it leaves you free you to drive it without having to worry about inflicting any troublesome wear and tear to the paintwork.

Speaking of which, this example is finished in Sorrento Green, a gorgeous dark metallic green that is a much more interesting and, dare we say, classier alternative to the more common red, black or silver.

The original equipment Speedline alloy wheels are in good order and the four tyres have plenty of tread left on them.

The interior also belies the car’s mileage, remaining in incredibly good condition for its age, especially when you consider that Peugeot interiors don’t have quite the same reputation for longevity and durability that some other manufacturers enjoy; finding a 205GTI with a good interior is becoming hard and we suspect that someone has replaced the odd piece of trim over the years, further proof of the regard that this gorgeous little car has been held in.

Problems are pretty much limited to the fabric on the base of the two front seats which has become a little wrinkled. The offside leather bolsters on the driver’s seat are slightly faded too and the painted edges of the boot are a bit scuffed where previous owners have lugged stuff over the lip but otherwise it’s all good news with no other damage, obvious wear or even cracks to the hard plastic trim.

The 1.9-litre engine is clean and honestly presented; the fact that it hasn’t been steam-cleaned and dressed in an attempt to hide old oil leaks should reassure potential bidders that the seller doesn’t have anything to hide.

He has done a few bits and bobs to the car since he’s had it but he tells us that it hasn’t needed anything serious and is in good mechanical condition with no known faults. The car performs as well as it should, especially the 130bhp engine, which loves nothing better than being fully exercised throughout its full rev range!

The car will be serviced and MOT’d before the new owner collects it.

The car comes with a service book that has been stamped up to 120,000 miles as well as a large number of old invoices, bills and previous MOT certificates and the original owner’s wallet containing a number of handbooks.

Please visit the ‘Gallery’ section of this listing to view for yourself this vehicle’s impressively comprehensive service history.

Yes, the mileage is high, so if you’re a collector looking to get into the booming hot-hatch investment market, this probably isn’t the vehicle for you.

But, if you’ve never scratched your Peugeot 205GTI itch then you really should start bidding because this is your chance to own one of the most iconic cars of the 80s and 90s at a bargain basement price.

We think this car should reach around £5,000 but the reserve is, as ever with our cars, set at a lower point than this. So, what’s stopping you taking a chance? After all, with the price of low-mileage 205 GTIs having reached almost £40,000, we’d all do well to remember that fortune favours the bold…

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car can be seen in Essex; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car, AnyVan for transporting it, and Footman James for classic car insurance.