My *208 GTI* 1 Year Ownership Review

Here’s a 1 year ownership review of my Peugeot 208 GTI Prestige in white.
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[@LC-br3xf]

I absolutely love my GTI prestige, I've had mine about 4 years now, lovely little drive :)

[@js5392]

Had mine for 15 months. Pearl White. Love it still even with all its issues (usually coolant leaks) powder coated my wheels grey because the previous owner liked curbs a bit too much. I would definitely change the inlet hose because mine disintegrated and the turbo ate it. You should also buy a Powerflex lower engine mount. Just makes it feel much stiffer and a dv+ valve to hold boost better ect.

[@deejGTI]

I was considering powder coating my alloys all the way though owning mine but always found myself conflicted wether I would regret saying goodbye to the factory diamond cut

[@Sebaaa]

I cannot wait to pick my 17 plate prestige up in a few weeks. First watched this video earlier this year and have been having it on repeat for the last few days because I’m finally getting one. SOOOO damn excited!!

[@deejGTI]

Congratulations brother, keeping watching and enjoy the new ride👌

[@Sebaaa]

@@deejGTI I look forward to it, get some more content out in 2024!

[@deejGTI]

@Sebaaa thank you my bro

[@TrevorKevorson]

Great video, I'm mulling over getting one. I had a 1.9 205GTI in white back when I was a young lad in the late 90s (and had a couple since) but these days in my 40s I need something a little more reliable, but still fun. A friend of mine who recommended the 205 back in the day suggested a 208GTI over a Mini Cooper D which I was looking at (I currently have an 09 Cooper D which is a fun little car but a bit lacking on the performance). I'm hoping to test drive one later this week, it's a bit more than what I want to spend, but from what I've read and seen, it's seems well worth it.

[@deejGTI]

Hi mate, without hesitation I’d say the 208 is going to be a dramatic increase in performance and fun over a cooper D. You can get 208 gtis very cheap these days, my recommendation for you is to get the facelift 2015 onwards, reworked engine is much more reliable, moving from the THP200 to the THP208, it also has a little more power. And if your budget can stretch to the prestige model, I would do so, the panoramic roof with the blue LED strips was by far my favourite feature(only available on the prestige) it’s the one thing that anyone who went in mine still reminisces about when talking about the car, best of luck with your search.

[@carlmarkwyatt]

I've had my 15 reg Prestige GTi for nearly five years and 45k miles now. It's been a brilliant car to own, very reliable, fast and frugal. I've done a few mods including remap, Quaife LSD, Bilstein B14s, AirTec FMIC and GFB DV +. I like the car so much I'm half tempted to buy another and pop it in storage so I can keep driving a 208 after my one eventually wears out haha.

[@deejGTI]

Haha I totally agree, was such a great car. I didn’t have an exhaust and it still sounded beefy. I’m currently sharing a car in Australia. A 1.6 Hyundai I30 N-line. It’s a auto, I miss driving a manual car so much.

[@novasigma5964]

308 gti 270 will be next car

[@amyy801]

Would u still stand by this? I've heard the pre 2016 models are prone to lots of issues

[@carlmarkwyatt]

@@amyy801 Hi, the pre facelift models were (according to the internet at least) less reliable. My car is a facelift 2015 model that comes with the Euro 6 engine. The car has just passed 65k miles and has remained extremely reliable I've got no intention to change it anytime soon as it's practical enough for my needs and is still brilliant fun to drive.

[@amyy801]

@@carlmarkwyatt thank you! Looking to buy one, it's a 2015 but not sure if it's pre or post facelift, is there a way to tell? Or did the facelift models start in 2015? Would be super helpful if you know

[@Seppe1106]

Got mine now for almost 5 years. Currently 153.000km on the clock. I love it, really. It's been an expensive Car maintenance wise ( kinda lot of issues ) , but kinda expected if you push it to the limit and own one of the first models built. Got mine a few upgrades, ranging from 50mm lowered suspension to a slight modification regarding engine ( 235 hp ). Like how the car can be both, a fun machine and a fuel saving wonder ( 5.5L/100km ) when driving normally. Software optimization probably helps with that. I can recommend the car as well, but really go for the facelift modell rather then the first one. Facelift model has quite a lot of issues resolved, that the first one had. Otherwise you can go for the first model but make sure it got treated well and the sensitive things have been taken care of. :)

[@mv8897]

can you name major issues to be fixed pls?....I fixed a new timing chain kit on mine

[@Seppe1106]

@@mv8897 depends on the year of the model. Pre 2016 like mine (2012) are more vulnerable

[@deejGTI]

I had to replace the top mounts on both of the front suspensions, both at different points around 7 months apart

[@ReviewApaHariIni]

Pretty late to the party but I'm about to dive headfirst into a 2013 Gti with 53k miles. Car has been inspected and nothing is wrong with it. Nothing majorly that is. However as a preventative maintenance, what are the things you guys recommend to get it fixed/replaced on day one of getting the car? Thanks and appreciate the help.

[@Seppe1106]

@@ReviewApaHariIni well, if nothings wrong with it then there's nothing you need to do I guess. Depending on the last inspection I'd do an oil change, check the spark plugs.

[@ThePaulRyder34]

Second car?!? Omg. I’m looking to buy one now and I’m 45!!! My second car was a 1.8 Cavalier! Nice drive around my local roads there - it really shifts. I have the xy which is pretty much identical spec except it’s the 1.6 DIESEL and 92bhp 😢. Not much you can get for the money with that performance is there.

[@claudiushempstead9893]

Thanks for that. A from the horse’s mouth video very good review. It may have to be the ST for me as is so tuneable, so can be a project car. Again many thanks.

[@deejGTI]

My dad had a 2015 ST-3 in the factory black, will always hold a soft spot for one of them

[@Claraat33]

Ricky had a 208 that was mad fast

[@samuelmarshall100]

I've owned mine for nearly a year now too and I've got a backbox delete and it sound amazing

[@deejGTI]

Hi mate, I’ve driven with a few with custom exhausts and they do sound amazing. I’ve been debating it myself but the time to sell the car is coming up(video coming soon) and so I don’t think I’ll be getting one. I think the stock exhaust doesn’t sound too bad on its own. Thanks for watching :)

[@Stallzyx]

Nice video, thanks for making it. Might look at one of these in a couple days but may end up with something less powerful as not driven for 3 years pretty much and just had two hours in my instructor's car today

[@deejGTI]

Value for money I think it’s better than all it’s competition, definitely a car to go check out.

[@Stallzyx]

@@deejGTI unfortunately it sold the day before I rang up 2nd time :/ a really nice one has just popped up in the last couple days after but it's 190 miles down South lol so can't do much in -3 degree weather and also still considering options

[@deejGTI]

Getting a train to go pick up the new stallion and a big road trip back is one of the best days of the year mate😂👌

[@Stallzyx]

@@deejGTI oh nvm I was getting you confused with another video I commented on maybe. I was looking at MK5 Golf GTIs too and I'm maybe more set on one of those. Looking for a sort of warm to hot hatch car but that's also sort of lowkey as I am getting back into driving after not driving for 3 years and building confidence and experience. Could get something less powerful or kind of boring but I'm not sure if it makes sense for me. My first car was a Fiesta 140 ST-Line but it got written off when I was passenger. 208 GTI is one of the most recommended cars on the Pistonheads forum when people ask so they must be solid. I just dunno about French reliability haha but even the German stuff needs some serious looking after. Not too clued up what difference is between regular 208 GTI and the Peugeot Sport one. Think it comes with a diff and alcon brakes. I haven't been out much like less than 10 times probably since first lockdown, so travelling 200 miles for a car is pretty nuts and I probably couldn't drive it back myself 😅

[@ginobragoli1448]

Definitely get a lot more for your money than say a VW polo (over priced). Nice car 👍

[@1213dragon1]

Nice video and good points I'm thinking of getting one to replace my high mileage 2010 118d M sport, the anxiety about the timing chain isn't worth it 😂. I want decent mpg and performance, these Peugeots seem to be the perfect balance with good tuning ability when supported mods are done. No idea why but my insurance has shot up this year but things like the GTIi's and VXR's are much cheaper

[@deejGTI]

I’m currently getting about 38-42mpg on my fiesta St, better than I got in the pug

[@Mojohead20]

Loving mine after a year of ownership. Other than having to add an O2 spacer to stop the engine check light from illuminating as the CAT is gone, and the clutch squeal (Leaky oil cooler £800 to replace) the car is a dream to own and drive. Although I think the front shocks have gone now. But despite that I love it lol

[@David-ct7lu]

when you covered the speed you were doing 😂😂😂😂

[@vaperiza]

ive buyed mine today! always wanted it since my Study by Peugeot.. but its still a THP Engine... *knock 3 times in wood*

[@Dom77HD]

Hello mate class video, you recon it’s worth going for the gti prestige over the gti for a couple of grand extra?

[@deejGTI]

Hi mate, thanks for the comment. Yeah I’d definetly recommend the Prestige upgrade. Among many features the panoramic roof with the running LED’s is such a unique selling point, I can’t count the amount of times people have got in the car and asked if I did it myself of factory. Looks mint at night 👌

[@Dom77HD]

@@deejGTI cheers for the reply, going to look at one today so fingers crossed 🤞

[@Fatgunner]

I got one the the 7 of jan and love it. Question for you though when changing gears do you feel like you get like a slight bit of a knock from the clutch/box?

[@deejGTI]

I don’t feel like I get a knock from either the clutch or the box. It does however feel like quite a mechanical gear box. What car have you come from previously?

[@Andy4530000]

Hi, I also got one end of last year, a 2013 model year and I feel it the same. I think its quite common with Peugeots, in 5008 I have the same feeling going 1-2

[@mv8897]

@@Andy4530000 change the gear oil and upgrade to a short shifter from pug1off...it will last forever and more fun to drive....thank me later

[@kenlo2410]

​@@mv8897 changing the gear oil in an manual gearbox? It should not be necessary when it has run about 50.000 kilometers.

[@jhercules]

I had a 208 gti from 2015 to 2022 I loved it but the drink holder was too small and because I’m from Australia servicing was expensive my ac evaporator was quoted $3000 and my oil pressure light came on and I was servicing regularly they found metal in the oil they said maybe engine rebuild 😭😭😭 so in the end I sold it and got a wrx

[@BDogs10]

Crikey bro, I’m from Aus too. Been considering the 208 gti for awhile & particularly because they’re reasonable price(& plenty of them). Should I steer clear of these things or you reckon they’re ok? I don’t really want a headache with repairs etc. 🙏

[@jhercules]

@@BDogs10 it’s up to you man I had a lot of fun with my gti I was just unlucky with my I it doesn’t mean the one you buy will have the same issues

[@alexanderjones6852]

iv owned two of these common faults will crop up eventually like it eats timing chains and likes to leak oil, the cat is made out of chocolate so straight pipe it or have a custom sports cat made, Remaps cause more issues then good such as the turbo will literally break, so if your going remap it take that into consideration, but if you dont mind throwing money at it like me, you will fall more in love with it like i did and like i said i bought a second one when my last one got nicked. but some great advise get warranty with warranty direct thank me later

[@deejGTI]

I am so lucky to have got a warranty with mine. I owned it for just over a year and managed to save myself about £2000 in parts and that’s before any mods or actually track use was involved. Still loved the car everyday

[@ycynical9006]

I’ve got a 208 GTI prestige and it beats my mates stage 2 ST

[@novasigma5964]

yours has 2x the mile as mine so i guess ive got this to look forward to

[@deejGTI]

Got it all to look forward to

[@rhydianwilliams887]

Have a 208 gti prestige exactly like this one but with black peugeot sort alloys bought about 3 years agom Brilliant little supermini, like you I also jumped from a Corsa to this so was quite a step up, had one issue with it just like yours the front suspension mounts went £400 job to replace. As to your fiesta st statement I disagree a few of my mates have St's both the mk7.5 and the mk8 3 cyl model. The peug gaps them all when we go drag racing the extra hp is just to much for them, modded St's are a diffrent story tho😂.. But honestly brilliant little car wouldn't change it for the world

[@deejGTI]

I’ve currently got a mk7.5 ST myself and in a straight line standard, yeah the pug would win but the overall driving experience is much more fun in the ST

[@finlaygordon9731]

What are these like on mpg city driving wise?

[@SheldonBeldon]

I get 33 mpg on a 2018 gti prestige with a relatively heavy foot, 50/50 city and highway driving.

[@samosa990]

7:00

[@DaleSteel]

I'm selling one of these. Mint. Fsh. Only 26k miles. £7400

[@ProBectonGamer]

Any idea what the OBD code was for that engine light. Having a few issues with mine where my engine light comes on every so often.

[@Seppe1106]

Any Issues except for the engine light? I assume we are talking about a 208 Gti, been through a lot with mine, maybe I can give some hints.

[@mv8897]

@@Seppe1106 hi there what year is your Gti?...mine is 2013

[@ProBectonGamer]

@@Seppe1106 the code is saying something to do with the camshaft postiion sensor, but it runs fine until the sensor comes on so i have no idea lol

[@Seppe1106]

@@ProBectonGamer cheapest and easiest thing to do would be changing mentioned sensor. If you're unlucky the reason is a longed timing chain. Could check the timing and see if everything's fine there before the chain wrecks your engine.

[@ProBectonGamer]

@@Seppe1106 thats my only worry is the timing chain, i know these have a common fault with the timing chain tensioner. Mine was done 30 odd thousand miles ago so maybe needs doing again before something bad happens 😂

[@Claraat33]

I’m looking at buying one this week is there anything to look out for when buying

[@deejGTI]

Hi mate, yeah I had a few issues over the year. Definetly recommend getting one with a warranty. I have a 1 year ownership video on my channel where I detail the problems.

Hi,how many problems did you have with that car,and how long you drive him now?

[@deejGTI]

I put about 12k on the clock over a year of ownership, had 4 major faults with a roll of about £1700

@@deejGTI ohh it's reslly not to much km,and so many common problems like what etc?!

[@deejGTI]

@ I had to have major work (£400+) work on both front suspension, a oxygen sensor needed replacing and a problem with my heater, would heat but the fans would not turn

[@Conzyy]

i currently own a 2016 Molten Orange 1.6L Turbo MK7 ST, i absolutely love my car, its my baby but the one thing i HATE about it is the interior, it is so outdated, tiny little screen that isnt eye-pleasing, boring old dash, terrible arm rest positioning, everything about it is so bland, interior wise. Im thinking about getting a 208 gti because 1. Good price 2. stunning exterior 3. interior is much nicer. Thinking about selling my ST and buying one of these.

[@deejGTI]

Definitely worth taking one for a test drive if you haven’t already. Interior was such a nice place to be. Only thing I’d recommend for the interior is buying an aftermarket arm rest for the centre, plugs into the cup holder but comes with a cup holder in the unit so your not loosing one. Other than that an absolutely great place to be.

[@David-ct7lu]

I have a peugot 208 1 litre and im getting the same exact issues as you

[@deejGTI]

The French mate

[@mab0738]

What year model is this? I'm interested on buying

[@deejGTI]

Hi pal, my car is a 2016, they face lifted the car on the 2016 models. It was 2016 they also introduced CarPlay and a couple other comfort creatures as standard aswell as a little more power.I would try to go 2016 and newer however it must be said the pre facelift is an absolute steal bang for buck!

[@Seppe1106]

If you decide to go for a pre 2016 model make sure the timing chain isn't causing any issues, or best , already has been replaced.

[@mv8897]

@@Seppe1106 just replaced mine couple of weeks ago....before then ....it was hell and I had to change some sensors as well....running like a brand new now ...for now lol ..any advice on the spark plugs?

[@Seppe1106]

@@mv8897 You can use the original NGK Sparkplugs, they get the job done. I use the NGK Laser Platinum ( LKR8AP4471 ). My Gti is a little stronger than standard so I need those for proper functionality, but also used them before the upgrade. They perform better cause they are "colder" and that little engine produces a lot of heat. :) They are not cheap ( at least here in Germany ) , but totally worth the money in my opinion.

[@RY-xc1cx]

Think I’m going to buy one of these for my next car I had standard fiesta 1.0 eco boost which is a good first car do recommend

[@deejGTI]

I’ve driven a few of the 1.0 ecoboosg, including the 140bhp. In my opinion the best first car you could ask for, fast, reliable, aesthetically pleasing. 208 GTI would be a great upgrade.

[@RY-xc1cx]

@@deejGTI yeah I loved my fiesta, shame it got robbed ! I did purchase a 208 gti prestige and more than happy with it, what a motor

[@thestrickymoore]

Arnt fiesta st only 180bhp?

[@deejGTI]

The 2016 St was 197bhp

[@BallsOfBedrock]

Can you open the panoramic roof?

[@deejGTI]

Unfortunately not

[@imprezaworks]

Time again would you buy an st over this?

[@deejGTI]

I think the ST may have been more reliable over the year but the 208 has a much better interior, and creature comforts. Plus more power from standard

[@Reknaw155]

I own a stock 208 GTI here in the UK. 63 plate, I love the car but I've had electrical faults that are really costly. For me this made me regret my purchase. * Wiring loom needed replacing £835 * Front passenger seat backrest wouldn't click into place £200 (I was lucky it was £200 as it'd of been £800 to replace) * Fuel pump replacement £400 2 weeks ago. The front right strut went on my car too, £200. I had a knocking on mine too. 6 months after having the whole wiring loom replaced years ago, the engine light came on 6 months later. The garage have said it's phaser units £1200 it'll cost they think when I take it to Peugeot. I don't drive the car as I'm scared to use it. I will take it soon and have it sorted. I prefer it to the fiesta st as it looks better and is rarer. I would like to fix and keep this car and remap it to 230bhp. My next car would be a focus RS. I think.

[@deejGTI]

My dads always said that French cars always have problems with the electrics. I beleive the facelift (2016 onwards) had a lot of these problems aswell but maybe a little less common. I loved the car and it will always hold a place in my heart, and great value for money and performance but the car will definetly face more problems than you’d find in a fiesta ST/polo gti

[@deejGTI]

What generation focus RS are you thinking?

[@Reknaw155]

@@deejGTI the newest model in Nitrous Blue.

[@Reknaw155]

Just an update I'm just on my way back to Peugeot again to pick it up as they cannot fix the problem. It basically loses power completely when driving for seconds then starts to shudder then won't move. Then doesn't turn over, it's a serious fault that's dangerous and after being told it was fixed 26 miles later it's back. They've said it's the solenoid before and now it's the other one, so 3rd time lucky let's hope. I'm stupidly driving this through a tunnel then back home as there's somewhere I need to be, I'm pretty stressed about driving it. The car itself is decent, it's awesome fun but I regret buying it.

[@houseatreides1]

What mpg were you managing?

[@deejGTI]

I was getting about 30mpg with this, I get about 38 currently with my Fiesta ST

[@UKAMJ]

Deej, doing a road trip in June to horseshoe pass then to black rock sands, meeting at wrexham sainsburys with a few other 208's if you want to join us? I'll message you on insta if you want to know more

[@oootaffooo501]

Do not consider thus car they are an absolute nightmare both fuel pumps pack in fast around £1500 fitted carbon build is chronic around inlet valves walnut blast £300 euro 6 not bad car leave euro 5 crap for tuning good fun car but expensive to fix common faults

[@rhydianwilliams887]

Euro 5 was a different engine entirely to the euro 6, I've had my 208gti (prestige exactly like the one in video) for 3 years it's a fantastic little supermini, but a mate of mine had a prestige in a euro 5 pre facelift form and the engine litrelly exploded