1996 Citroen Xantia SXi 2.0

Summary:

Cheap as Chips, but Worthless Scrap

Faults:

Remote central locking has given up and not been fixed because of the cost.

Rear wiper only works when it feels like it.

Drivers door bottom hinge welding has split.

ABS warning light comes on for no apparent reason the goes out again after a few miles.

Drivers side front suspension leg failed and pushed the sphere through the bonnet.

Keeps on blowing the drivers side brake light bulb every few months.

Water leak under the rear seats causing a flood in the rain.

Will not select 4th gear without a 3 second pause between 3rd and 4th.

When the central locking worked the rear drivers side door would stay deadlocked and required stripping to release it.

Gearbox is now making a strange rattling noise.

General Comments:

When I first acquired this car it was a pleasure to drive, but that was the calm before the storm. After a few minor faults I started to have major problems. The front suspension leg failed around its top mounting plate and ended up embedded in the bonnet. After I replaced the whole leg assembly the ride quality has never been the same. The car is now excessively bouncy on the front which can cause a problem braking hard on a bumpy road. The first Citroen that I have owned and will be the last.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th August, 2003

1996 Citroen Xantia TD 1.9 turbo diesel

Summary:

Overall a crap car with great engine

Faults:

Brakes are hideous, none of the pedals line up, buttons rattle, squeaks everywhere, things dropping off.

General Comments:

General wear and tear of the car is poor and does not stand the test of time.

Diesel engine is priceless, constantly giving 50mpg, and very reliable.

Suspension is unstable at best, even with new globes.

Brakes don't inspire any confidence at all and overheat too quick.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th February, 2003

9th Apr 2004, 09:27

Why don't you just sell the car instead of MOANING about it! Things like the pedal position don't just happen... or have they moved overnight! Did you have a test drive before you bought it!! My personal experience of my Xantia is that it is a brilliant car and fabulous value for money.

5th Dec 2005, 04:52

If its too bouncy the 'globes' which are actually called spheres which shows you don't even have a basic knowledge for Citroen or its hydraulics need replacing.

Like the other post says, how can you comment on bad pedal position, if the pedal position is so bad why did you buy the car or did you not view and test drive it before hand.

No wonder citroens get such a bad name when people who seem to have no knowledge whatsoever buying them.

1996 Citroen Xantia LX 1.8

Summary:

Lots of room, but make sure you fit the seats, and that the suspension really works

Faults:

Suspension.

Mysterious messages from computer telling driver to stop and requiring transporter to dealer.

Theft of spare tyre.

Broken fitting on side blind.

Stuck electric window.

Accidental locking of keys inside car due to remote key locking.

General Comments:

One of the main attractions of this car, the Citroen suspension, must be great if it works. Sadly, in three years this car's suspension never worked, and the dealer couldn't fix it, despite several very expensive attempts (under warranty).

The other big attraction was space. There is plenty, and the room for rear passengers is excellent. However, this again was spoiled by front seats that gave an aching back and a numb left leg on long journeys. The boot is adequate without being generous.

Despite being only a medium-sized car, the Xantia is very difficult to park. The front slopes down a long way out of sight, and the back is cut off right at the back wheels, so one is always bumping into things in car parks, and cutting off sharp corners. This car seemed to attract bumps and scrapes.

The spare wheel is slung under the boot, and is easily (and often) stolen, unless you invest in a retro-fitted anti-theft device.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd February, 2003

24th Jun 2003, 14:16

You must be very short. I have no problems parking mine & the seats are fine, I drove 1000+ miles to Poland in mine in a lot less than 24 hours.

8th Aug 2007, 06:12

I am 5 foot 10 inches tall, and find the Xantia driver's seat very uncomfortable on long journeys. I also suffered from a sore leg, and my hands shook from vibration in the steering wheel. Also, while we should of course all be expert parkers, the Xantia is rather unusual in its layout - it sticks out a lot in front and not at all in the back! Trying to park in a multi-storey car park in a Xantia can be a nightmare if you're used to a normal car, and you're not one of those people who leave six foot gaps around their vehicle in every direction.