Need advice on buying a GTi

I’ve owned a 205D for a while now and want a GTi as well now that i’ve
got money. The last petrol I owned was an old x reg (1981) Toyota
Starlet 1.3 but I’ve driven a 2l Subaru Legacy and a 1.8l Xantia in
the mean time.

These other cars, although faster to 60 and capable of higher speeds
don’t feel as powerful as my 205D so I’m worried that I won’t like a
GTi. Should I go for the slightly less powerful 1.6 GTi to get used to
a powerful petrol again, or go staight for a 1.9? If I should get a
1.6 what years should I go for?

Also despite the fact that I’m expecting a large amount of work on the
car to get it working well, what should I expect to have to do and
what should I look for in terms of problems?

Cheers

 

I don't think you'll find them underpowered although you may miss the
diesel's torque at low revs pulling away in certain circumstances. It would
appear that the best combination is a 1.9 with a 1.6 gearbox as the ratios
are slightly nicer from what I've heard.

Rough idling is common (although easily and cheaply fixed) and headgasket
wear on thrashed/unserviced examples.
Check for worn rear suspension and repaired accident damage at the front end

On the whole they are reliable and cheap to run cars if looked after and
serviced properly. As with any car purchase (especially old/classics) buy
the best you can afford.

M
--
1991 Peugeot 205 Roland Garros Cabriolet
TU3S 1.4 Carb
http://www.205rolandgarros.co.uk
2003 - Happy 20th Birthday Peugeot 205
SETI Team "Peugeot 205" Founder (and only!) Member
http://setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu/stats/team/team_152225.html
==

 

Until the 1.9GTi came out, the diesel was the fastest 205. You'll be
disappointed with a 1.6. So...........
Why not a turbo diesel 205? You'll have similar useable performance to the
1.9, maybe more, with the torquey turbo diesel, keep your economy and pay
less for one. You can always fit GTi Wheels and suspension for the handling.
Make a nice car.