1993 Citroen Xantia SX 1.9 turbo diesel

Summary:

Good enough that I'm buying another

Faults:

Hydraulic pump, receiver and sphere failure at 90,000 miles - hydraulics overfilled by a non-Citroen garage (warranty fix).

Water manifold failure at rear of the engine (115,000 miles).

Sundry electrical faults - mainly annoyances.

ABS sensor failure (172,000 miles).

Glow plugs (two) at 174,000 miles.

General Comments:

Probably the most reliable car I have ever owned (please note Volvo, Saab and VW!) despite the catalogue above.

Brakes can be a bit of a challenge (i.e. sharp) and it wallows a bit towards the end of the sphere life (60,000 miles), other than that a smooth ride especially on poor country roads - even at high speed.

Reasonable driving position for its 6ft 3in tall male driver. Comfortable on long journeys.

Short tail and good PAS makes reversing into tight parking slots a breeze.

Responsive engine (for a diesel) delivering reasonable fuel economy, though not in the Audi/VW class.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2001

1993 Citroen Xantia LXi 1.8i 8v

Summary:

A fault ridden mule - to put it politely

Faults:

The car suffered from terrible suspension, the ride was terribly hard and bouncy. Pressure accumulator was constantly "clicking" and a replacement was just as bad. I would even go so far as to say the suspension was life threatening when cornering at speed on uneven surfaces.

Exhaust valve burnt at 80,000 - £350.

ABS sensor broke at 85,000.

Remote locking button was worn out after 5 years.

Uneven tire wear all round.

Drinks oil by the gallon - slight exaggeration.

Terrible front lights.

Ignition was known to mysteriously fail during rapid deceleration.

General Comments:

A rather enjoyable, comfortable, "fast" car, but the suspension, dealership service, and complexity of manufacture let it down, badly.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd January, 2001

24th Jan 2001, 08:08

Once the car has risen, the pump should only click about once every minute. Much more than that indicates a weak accumulator sphere which will place an additional strain on the pump. A pump which has been strained by a weak accumulator will show leaking LHM fluid from behind the pump pulley.

The LHM fluid should be green and semi-transparent. Change it every 36,000 miles to keep the suspension in top health.

Spheres are past their best at 60000 miles.

19th Jun 2001, 11:44

My first continental car. I owned a 1997 Xantia 1.9TD at 55,000KM done. Ever since, life has become restless, because this is the only car I have to earn my living. Problems surface like a timebomb (any moment).

I have repaired and replaced the following within the 1st year of my ownership: both side strut-mounting cracks, radiator fan motors worn off, pulleys & tension bearings, air-conditioning compressor bearing, ignition keys & lock due to switch failure, T joint hydraulic systems, electrical system disruption, hydraulic sphere leaking, engine mountings (3 nos.) & still more to rectify...

9th Sep 2004, 20:03

Well I am baffeled with mine. it clicks like mad continuosly, but has had the front spheres and accumulator renewed. the back ones have not been renewed, but I can't be bothered anymore its costing too much. any ideas?

1993 Citroen Xantia SX 1.8i

Summary:

A motorized bouncy castle

Faults:

Clutch failed at 40K miles.

Rear screen washer is broken.

Front suspension spheres replaced.

General Comments:

Very noisy engine (apparently this is "normal").

Suspension pump and steering pump are noisy (again this is "normal").

Early 93, 94 models have no "anti-sink" valve. This means that you might have to wait 30secs for the rear suspension to rise after ignition. Very annoying.

The ride gets even bouncier as the suspension spheres wear out. The car wallows around corners totally without poise. Comfy motorway driving for the old folk.

Strong PAS makes parking light work.

Very good equipment levels for the money. The wireless controls on the steering wheel are a good safety feature.

Reasonable fuel economy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd November, 2000

13th Mar 2001, 08:31

Why blame the spheres? They are as cheap (expensive) to refill or replace as normal shock absorbers are! And VW Golf absorbers do wear as well...! Just re-gas or replace your spheres and it will float, instead of bounce. Luck with it!

1993 Citroen Xantia SX 2.0i

Summary:

Comfortable and fast - just don't go round corners

Faults:

Exploding fuel pipe.

Glove box handle breaking.

Various wear and tear but not bad considering 130000 miles.

General Comments:

Suspension great for round town and motorways. Not so great for winding A and B roads - get sea sick.

Steering unresponsive.

Great brakes, ABS etc.

Gets expensive late in life, especially suspension maintenance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th May, 2000