Faults:

Noisy timing chain.

Broken engine mount.

General Comments:

Well specced model, but not as good as my series I 1984 2500 GTI (steel bumpers), 290mm metric wheels manual model, which retired after 340,000 miles. The most comfortable sports car one could own back then.

Both models are seriously quick, but the manual edges ahead. Comfort/ride over pot holed roads, is unprecedented over other cars I own, including latest model 2005 luxury model/makes.

Only problem is with the law, as it really does not get moving properly until over 70 mph, which is illegal in this country.

Faults:

Minor hydraulic leaks from time to time.

Nothing major has gone wrong in 65,000kms. Starter motor wire shorted on air con compressor bracket. Starter motor died when heat shield was removed and not replaced (my fault). Inner track rod ends dissolve if steering rack leaks. Rack was leaking when I bought the car (result of lack of use) and is only component that is difficult to reach. Contains around 20 o-rings and Teflon seals.

Trims can be exceptionally hard to find in good condition.

Definitely a car for one who can do the work themselves or who has deep pockets.

General Comments:

Beautifully engineered and brilliantly executed. All the regular stuff under the hood is easy to get at. Engine and gearbox are unstoppable. Open the hood, and all the components that require servicing on a regular basis are at your fingertips. Timing chain is replaced through right side wheel arch. Gearbox can be overhauled through the left. (I haven't needed to do either)

Poor acceleration, but I did come from a V8 Aussie Chrysler so that's to be expected.

This is the long wheelbase Prestige which is 10 inches longer than a Pallas, so the interior is cavernous and even the inside of the glove compartment is lined in high quality leather. The ride is incredible.

Goes around corners exceptionally well for a car of its size and age.

Good fuel economy for its size and weight, and considering how hard the engine works sometimes.

Styling polarises opinions, but turns heads wherever it goes.

Has no peers of its vintage when considering cruising ability and long distance comfort. Tropical option of dual air-con copes with Aussie summers very well.

The CX is a superb example of how novel approaches to design and function can make perfect sense once you become used to them.

Faults:

Electrical faults with relays, flywheel computer sensors, radiator.

General Comments:

Top class performance at speeds above 140kph, particularly on uneven surfaces, including dirt. The performance is wasted with Australia's legal limit only being 100kph and with draconian enforcement.

Generally, a very pleasant car to drive at any speed, which cossets in comfort but comes alive when required.

Doesn't attract undue attention from anybody, including thieves!

Faults:

Lots of things, though it was used for daily transport approx 60km/day and it was 20 years old. In Sydney's heat, the cooling system needed lots of attention - I replaced the radiator a number of times. An OHV or two died. Rust was a bit of a problem, but OK. Interior warped a little, again - because of the heat.

General Comments:

Like the DS, the CX is a beautiful car. I really think they will be appreciated in 10 years or so. I love them, and would own another, despite having to fiddle with it nearly every week. I would choose a 5 speed model over the 4 speed to get the most from open touring. CX's are great cruisers! Buy a much loved one and you should have few problems, mine was a bit of a dog to begin with.