208 GTI - Experiences

Ryan-3 · 10 Nov 2022 at 08:52

Hello all,

Currently thinking about purchasing a 208 GTI Prestige (facelift, 17 plate). Budget is aiming for around 10k but can be closer to 11k. Aiming for a car of that size (GF will use on the odd occasion), will do around 7k a year and would like some performance. I personally much prefer it to the rivals.

However, as it's a Peugeot and the THP engine, i can't not think of reliability. I know there are endless issues flying around on parts of the net for these cars. Although those with issues will always speak the loudest, I have seen quite a few people that have had trivial issues or nothing to report.

So good people of OCUK, who's had any experience with one of these? Did they prove to be reliable? Will I become good friends with the parts shop?

inflames · 10 Nov 2022 at 10:01

I personally don’t, but the guy I sit next to at work owns one. He has owned it for about 3 years now, he is very enthusiastic about it, so I hear every detail. From what I have been told, it’s been fairly reliable, no major issues. It had a top mounts replace this year. He loves it.

carrot1401 · 10 Nov 2022 at 10:27

I had a 66 plate GTi from Peugeot Sport in matte grey, and then a rioja red 17 plate GTi Prestige. Had it for a couple of years (sold September 2020 as not using due to covid). Never had any issues with it (went to go check mot status, but looks like they changed plate)

If I remember correctly they changed the engine around 2015-2016 from 205hp to 208hp, but importantly improved reliability, so make sure it's a facelift version. Also most GTi had Apple Carplay, but the newer facelift models did Android Auto too. I think the 17 plate will have both (least mine did)

I got it as I think it looks better than a Fiesta ST, is nicer to sit in (compared to previous gen ST) and is def rarer.

Just for the love of god avoid their matte paint options.

Ryan-3 · 10 Nov 2022 at 10:58

Thank you both. GF has been listening to the generic Peugeot horror stories (of which I know there are many, hence the whole stigma...) and it hasn't been helped by reading about pre-facelift issues and viewing some of the cheaper ones on sale.

Agreed that it seems a much nicer car to be in than a Fiesta, also much prefer it's looks. But yes, I absolutely detest matte paint so will be avoiding it like the plague. White, then Red for my personal preferences.