A Stranger: 1989 Peugeot 309 GTI
The Peugeot 309 was a small family hatch from those crazy Frenchmen and was originally designed to be badged as a Talbot Arizona as a replacement for the outgoing Chrysler-Talbot Horizon. Production started at a former (Fiat subsidiary) Simca plant in Poissy, Frnace in 1985 and continued through 1993 when the strangely styled hatchback was replaced with the Peugeot 306. Find this 1989 Peugeot 309 GTI here on eBay
for $12,999 buy-it-now or make-offer, located in Philadelphia, PA. Tip from Mike.
The 309 was available as a 3-door or 5-door hatchback, but it really looks like a sedan; the hatch is only apparent when it is open. It may have seemed that the 309 was a replacement for the aging 305, but it was a much smaller vehicle and only a bit larger than a 205. Buyers in showrooms were probably (and rightfully) confused by the numbering scheme, but it sold in decent numbers and a few nice examples survive today.
Power in this GTI version comes from a 1.9 liter XU9 inline-4 that pushes out 130 horsepower…but the GTI spec also added a trunk hatch spoiler, front air dam, GTI steering wheel, extra fog lights, Speedline alloys, stiffer suspension and a sunroof.
See a better way to cruise in a French fry? tips@dailyturismo.com
Very good condition, and a highly praised model. Yes, the downside is the styling — it looks far less attractive than the 205 GTI, and the similarity to its US Escort contemporary is unfortunate. However, the chassis was more developed than the 205, the weight distribution superior, and, consequently, it was known for neutral handling and very pleasant and controllable mid-corner lift oversteer.
It would be a great city car — Philadelphia is a driving city, and there are some great country roads in the area. I would want to change the timing belt before doing anything serious though (if it has not already been done). Check out the Eakins and 17th century tapestries at the museum if you go.