Models · Peugeot
Peugeot 208 GTi buying guide
Peugeot's supermini hot hatch, on sale from April 2013 with a 1.6 turbo and a six-speed manual, joined in late 2014 by a more powerful limited edition. Most of its checks centre on the engine's timing chain, the front suspension and the touchscreen.
The versions
- 1.6 turbo four-cylinder petrol, 200bhp
- 30th Anniversary limited edition from November 2014, 208bhp
- Six-speed manual only, front-wheel drive
What to check on a 208 GTi
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Timing chain rattle
What to look for: Ask for the engine not to be started before you arrive. Listen at the front of the engine for a rattle on a cold start and at idle, and on the drive note any rough running, hesitation or a warning light. Check the dipstick.
Why it matters: Timing chain problems have been reported on the 208 GTi and can lead to serious faults if ignored. A specialist check is the way to settle any rattle, and paperwork showing chain work is a plus.
Knocking front top mounts
What to look for: On the drive, listen for a knock from the front suspension over bumps and when turning.
Why it matters: Failing front shock absorber top mounts cause a knocking noise from the front suspension, and some cars have needed new ones.
Touchscreen freezing
What to look for: Use the touchscreen for a few minutes, switching between radio, media, navigation and settings, and watch for it freezing or going blank.
Why it matters: The touchscreen software can freeze or fail completely, taking the radio, media, navigation and settings with it. Switching it off and on, or a software reset, sometimes fixes it, but some owners have needed a replacement unit.
Also in the full guide
- Recalls, including the wishbone bolts
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 208 GTi
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Peugeot.