Last review: Peugeot 405 Mi 16

 This legendary model, produced in 1989, used to be very famous but now it’s sold for parts.

 It’s 25 years since the Peugeot 405 was created. It had success all over the world. It also got the award “Car of the Year” in 1988.

 This is the model Peugeot 405 Mi16 which couldn’t be sold at a set  price of about 750 Euro so now it’s sold for spare parts. The 2.0 petrol engine produces 147 hp. It’s also used in models: Citroen BX and Peugeot 309 GTI-16.

 The Mi16 is a classical model for connoisseurs but unfortunately in Bulgaria there aren’t many opportunities for this type of hobby. The salaries are low; the prices are similar to the ones in the others European countries. So the market is limited.

 Here is my impression 25 years after the production. The dashboard was simple and clear, there was nothing superfluous. I don’t comment on what was shown on the mileage. It’s not important. The equipment was good: power windows, mirrors and sun roof. It was spacious which creates the feeling of safety and comfort. In the middle console there was something like a climate control which used to work during 1989.

 The seats were faded and there were holes on them, made by cigarettes. Still they were pretty comfortable. My back lay exactly on the back of the seat.  There were twin side backrest frames, which created a feeling as you were in an armchair. The rear seat was also very comfortable and the space is enough. It could be a bit narrow for a tall man.

The exterior – the original rims with an inscription “France” couldn’t be missed. There are some places where the polish was damaged and you could see some deformations on the body, which is a normal. The most important thing was that there wasn’t rust and rotten details. Maybe they were deep under the body of the car, under the fenders or somewhere on the chassis. Who knows?!

 The most interesting thing for me was wipers nozzles for front window washing. They weren’t placed on or under the front hood like in the most cars, which I know. The nozzles were on the same wiper and were as long as it. The fact that this type of washing was cancelled shows how efficient the system is.  

 There was enough volume in the trunk, despite the fact that there was a LPG bottle. I don’t know how many litters the capacity is but next to it you can put a big suitcase and a few backpacks.

 I feel terrible when similar cars aren’t owned by collectors, museums or restorers but are sold for parts. In contrast, another point of view is  that this is just a pile of tin.

 That’s all for this week, I’ll see you again next Sunday. Bye.