The Peugeot 305 is a large family car (D-segment) produced in Europe from 1977 to 1989. It was known for its comfortable ride, modern design for its time, and the introduction of Peugeot's new range of XU-series engines.
Overview and Design
The 305 was designed to fill the gap between the smaller 304 and the executive 504 models. It was praised for its handling and comfort, which became a trademark of Peugeot cars of that era. The car was available as a 4-door saloon and a 5-door estate (SW), the latter offering practicality with a large boot space and versatile folding seats.
Styling: Its design was a collaborative effort between Peugeot's in-house team and Pininfarina, resulting in a clean, angular look that was popular at the time.
Engine Innovation: It was one of the first models to feature Peugeot's all-new XU engines (which included the XU5 and XU9 found in the iconic 205 GTI) in its larger 1.6L and 1.9L versions, which were known for their reliability and efficiency.
Common Problems and Reliability
As a vehicle that ceased production decades ago, condition is highly dependent on prior maintenance. When new, the 305 was generally considered reliable, with a few common areas of concern for owners of surviving classics:
Rust: Corrosion is the most significant issue for these older vehicles, particularly on sills, wheel arches, and the underbody. The estate version was more prone to rust than the saloon.
Engine Gaskets: The petrol engines, while robust, could be susceptible to head gasket failure if the cooling system was not meticulously maintained.
Suspension: While providing an excellent ride, the suspension components, particularly the front wishbone bushes, were prone to wear over time.
Fuel System: On older diesel models, owners should be aware of potential issues with fuel injectors and injection pumps due to age and potential wear.
The 305 remains a classic example of the dependable and comfortable French family cars of the late 1970s and 1980s.