Hello! looking to buy need some wisdom ;D

[lolzilla]

Hello, not being cheeky or anything but i am a youngster to the car world. In saying that though have had my fair share of thrills and... no spills

After getting sick of my wee Honda civic *spit* i have decided to invest in a real car, I'm a die hard rally fan (Group B *drool*) and the only reasonable wee car to pop in my brain and stay there is a Pug 205gti.

Was just wondering if you guys could shed some light on the matter maybe pointing me in the right direction etc I have around the 3k mark to spend so any advice or information would be great   

Thanks
Ben

[Carpentry]

Hi Ben

I can wholeheartedly recommend the 205gti as a driver's car, however I have experienced some shortcomings as an owner's car Lucky for you, the former outweighs the latter and all the rain leaking, funny idling, things falling off or turning to a weird, sticky black goo when it's damp can be put down to personality. I wouldn't have it any other way.

For 3 grand you're likely to get something good, but not mint. The paint will be a bit rough, mainly on the roof and the k's will be high (being a 20 yr old car and all). Try not to let the problems get on top of you like I did. My 205 is sitting dejectedly on the lawn and it upsets me.

Welcome along!

Joel

[BigPete]

Lol @ black goo. So true. Citroen steering wheel is like permanent goo-spec ftl.

[lolzilla]

Im quite mechanically sound, as of late restored a wee mini to pristine condition doing absolutely every little nook and cranny. only took 3 years -_-. Was just wondering if you guys had any ideas what to look out for when buying? cheers

[Carpentry]

Look out for NZ new ones, they have English-spec engines without the pain of salted roads. Otherwise there are Jap import ones that have a slightly less powerful engine.
Likely places of rust that I know of are above the rear 1/4 windows and near the bottom of the windscreen.
Listen for clunking/creaking noises from the back when going over bumps or instances of rear suspension compression. Noises = bad trailing arm bearings.
Look out for smoke when it's running, flat spots on acceleration (fuel pumps have been known to crap out)
Other than that they're the same as other cars: Caveat Emptor

[lolzilla]

Anyone know of any south island pugs that might take my fancy ??

[lolzilla]

really? link it?

[mrc_1979]

Don't think its the same one but......

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Cars/Peugeot/gti/auction-239515653.htm

"The car, a Jap import dfz was purchased from a garage in chch after the previous owner cooked the engine. They didn't want it fixed ($$$), so left it with the garage to sell it. Got an engine from Auckland, a second hand dkz engine (122hp) from a 1990 309 gti. Never was the greatest with smoke, then the smoking got worst. Classic on these engine to wear valve guides at around 160k and getting blow by. Got a second engine from a wrecker, another 309 gti dkz complete (comes with the auction so as the original motor) but it's got an unknown history. Suit for parts or rebuilt or try as is? I got two of these 205 and one is gotta go (no room) since Wife got a new company car.
Body is 6.5/10 mostly because of little dings on some panels - clear coat as faded in some spot- plastics trims and bumper have some cracks.
interior 7/10 (20 year old car)
- new clutch and grounded flywheel
- new oil cooler hose
- 15 in speedline
- new cv inners and outer boots
- spare rear bumper
Would be a great project for mi16 or?
these little car are just a bit special a Top gear top choice from Jeremy Clarckson. Hope to see it go to another enthusiast or will make one of you."

You could be living the dream for the princely sum of $750 

[lolzilla]

could be ok, just the whole unease around the condition. getting sick of restoring just want a manageable pug that wont be a constant fix

[Carpentry]

...just want a manageable pug that wont be a constant fix

That's the real trick

You'd have to get a later model like a 106 xsi/gti or 306 S16/gti6. Then the price goes up a bit...

[lolzilla]

Why does the price never go down as the years increase? lol