Faults:
One wheel bearing wore out.
Engine kept overheating - cause not determined before I sold the car!
Various unidentified leaks which could not be traced and which were not severe.
Hydraulic pump hissed. This normally happens on old Citroens and did not indicate a problem!
Bodywork was in good condition but bumpers were patchy at best - again, common on old Xantias.
General Comments:
Although not fast by any stretch of the imagination, this is the most enjoyable and entertaining car I have owned.
The ride was like a dream come true - solid, comfortable as all hell, and the hydraulic suspension made it feel like the car was riding on a cloud.
The interior was extremely tidy, a lovely grey which complemented the metallic green body. I sank into the seats and never wanted to get up. Ridiculously easy to keep clean both inside and out, this is a car my friends and family were proud to be seen in.
Running costs were low. I only got 37mpg on average as I have got a heavy right foot, but even I managed 45mpg a few times. The minor faults were cheap to fix, no major repairs were needed and I didn't own the car for long enough to require a service.
The handling was absolutely spot on; tight, responsive steering really got my herat pounding, which meant that I knew I wanted this car after the first mile of my test drive.
This Xantia seems designed for B-roads. There was very little body roll despite the car sharing a technology platform with the 406, a car noted for immense body roll on the less powerful models.
The spec level was good: all electric windows, air con and a decent 6-speaker sound system.
Being only 21 when I bought this car (my first), I enjoyed a great deal of cred - my mates all drove ordinary, crappy Escorts and Fiestas while I chose a much more mature and distinctive vehicle.
Delightfully oddball in style, which enough character to mark it apart from the rest of the motor brigade, the Xantia makes a fantastic alternative choice.
