Peugeot 205

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 7 model years from 7,088 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

74%

Total Tests

7,088

Highest Pass Rate

1990 (80%)

Years Covered

About the Peugeot 205

The Peugeot 205 was MOT tested 7,088 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 7 model years (1990 to 1996), with an average pass rate of 74%. That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1990 model has the highest pass rate at 80% from 1,931 tests. The 1996 model has the lowest at 66%. The 14 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Older Peugeot 205s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 6 percentage points across model years.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 107,231 miles, while the newest (1996) averages 123,274 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Peugeot brand average of 83%, the 205 is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Peugeot models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1769cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,527

Per month£211/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 1996 details

How reliable is the Peugeot 205?

vs average of all models-8% (82% avg)

vs Peugeot brand average-9% (83% avg)

Best to worst year spread14 percentage points

Reliability trendDeclining over years

Peugeot 205 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
1996	66%	277	123,274 mi
1995	71%	485	109,355 mi
1994	73%	543	107,930 mi
1993	77%	938	102,809 mi
1992	74%	1,287	108,252 mi
1991	79%	1,627	103,325 mi
1990	80%	1,931	107,231 mi

Questions about the Peugeot 205

Is the Peugeot 205 reliable?

Across its 7 model years in our data (1990 to 1996), the Peugeot 205 averages a 74% MOT pass rate, from 7,088 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1990 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 80%.

Which year Peugeot 205 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1990 Peugeot 205 has the highest MOT pass rate at 80%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 66%, a 14 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.