The Peugeot 205 is a great little car. The original ‘hot-hatch’ – they were immensely popular from the moment they were introduced back in 1983, due to their styling, performance, and nimble handling. The reliability of the diesel versions is the stuff of legend, and there are still plenty of well-maintained examples on the road today.

The cost of running a car has increased enormously over the last decade, and even owners of an economical car like the diesel 205 need to cut unnecessary spending wherever possible. One simple way to achieve this is to do your own oil changes.

The 205 diesel engine has a reputation for being virtually unbreakable, but only if the engine oil and filter are replaced every 6000 miles. This is an easy job to do and will only take around half an hour. Oils and filters can be bought cheaply at any motor factor or car-parts shop. I recommend that you use semi-synthetic oil, as it is more durable than ordinary mineral oil and only a little more expensive.

Before you start, be sure to assemble all the things you will need. These are:

1) 5 litres of semi-synthetic oil for diesel engines

2) New oil filter (FRAM part No. PH5566A)

3) New 16mm copper washer for the sump plug

4) Old washing-up bowl

5) Latex gloves

6) Newspaper

7) Kitchen paper

Tool for sump plug (17mm socket, or 8mm square for turbo engine)

9) Oil filter removal strap

I also like to flatten out a cardboard box to kneel on. Read the rest of this entry »