Mine had a manual choke (with a broken lever lol) and carb was a bit broken, so it was a bit tricky to start and drive it, but once I figured that out the car was a blast. When I sold it, the guy who bought it couldn't even drive it, so I started the car for him and spent half an hour explaining stuff. He still stalled 5 times on his way out of my yard. Two hours later I received a call from him, he brought a car home, and couldn't start it anymore .
Aw yeah, I owned a 205 for a week. Really fun thing to bash around, only that 1.1 engine was too weak. If I'd buy another I'd save up and get a 1.6Gti or 1.9Gti (pocket rocket). I wonder if they are reliable, but they don't get good fuel economy for a car that size at all!
Maybe an escort estate? They seem to be cheap, fuel efficient and roomy enough inside. I'm not sure about the insurance tho, in my country situation is normal, so I considered getting one, as they are really cheap. Then finish it and throw it out.
I'd buy a Fiesta MK3 diesel. Costs cents to run, and you don't have to worry about breaking down, as you could just buy another one for like 100 pounds.
Can't that be an optional feature? Like it is in VW Caddy for example? I personally like these doors more than standart, because I always bang my head against open hatch door. I'm a bit clumsy. But yeah, it's a bitch in tight spots.
Edit: Nope, only the newer version has normal door.