1989 PEUGEOT 309 1.3 GE
ENGINE 1294cc/4-cyl/OHV POWER 65bhp@5600rpm TORQUE 76lb ft@2800rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 98mph 0-60MPH 13.2sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 27-34mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, five-speed manual MoT July 2019 ODOMETER 54,011 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The engine comes to life willingly and pulls effortlessly, even when cold. There’s an odd vibration from what appears to be the fuel pump, but it doesn’t affect the car’s performance. The only other issue is a sticking offside front brake caliper; this was reportedly freed off for its latest MoT (the nearside caliper looks new) and may return to health with use, but needs further investigation. The car drives perfectly in all other respects. The engine, transmission and running gear are smooth and responsive; it’s hardly sporting but swift enough for casual driving. The brakes respond firmly, gear selection is a doddle and the handling is crisp and precise.
BODYWORK CHECK
The car presents well overall, despite a few minor scrapes. The vendor is planning to replace the recently lost front indicator lens and there’s a small crack in the front bumper. There are large but fairly shallow scrapes in the rear doors and there’s a small dent on the tailgate (all of which would be routine fixes for a body shop) plus a few light scuffs around the rear bumper. There’s no major corrosion, but some rust is beginning to show where the sills meet the rear wheel arches on both sides. The 15-inch GTI alloy wheels – the only nonstandard items on the car – are in excellent condition.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Everything appears to be complete and original, including the Philips radio/cassette player. The manual sunroof shows no signs of leaks and the headlining is perfect, though the dome light is loose in its socket. There are a few small issues – the gear lever gaiter is split, the driver’s seat bolster is a little frayed, the plastic surrounding the ignition barrel has been repaired at some stage (quite well though) and the radio only plays through the left speakers. Everything else works perfectly.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay – which would benefit from a spit and polish – is neat and tidy, bar an air intake duct that’s beginning to perish. Cables and hoses are all intact and there are no signs of leaks. The battery clamp appears nonoriginal but has been fabricated to a high standard, and a few of the fuel hoses appear new. The engine oil is clean, but there’s no history.
THE CCW VIEW
This is an honest example of a competent family car that thoroughly deserves rescuing given that only a handful (reputedly fewer than 500) of 309s now survive. The rusty areas around the rear of the sills will need intervention soon for it to hold its value, but the overall condition is promising, especially mechanically. If you’re concerned about the extent of the corrosion, ask the vendor if you can put the vehicle on his inspection ramp.
PROS Rarity, price, scope for tinkering CONS Bodywork imperfections, no history
BUY IT FROM The Car Cave, Butlerfield Industrial Estate, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian EH19 3JQ. 01875 820527, carcavescotland.co.uk