1998 Citroen Xantia HDi 2.0 turbo diesel
Summary:
Very economical, low cost, comfortable load lugger
Faults:
Low pressure in-tank electric fuel pump failure - acceptable after 125k, although potentially avoidable by keeping fuel tank topped up, as immersion in fuel cools the pump.
Various aspects of suspension i.e. spheres and leveling mechanism - always a potential problem with these cars, but not unreasonable to budget for; in view of mileage, probably doesn't work out much more than replacing ordinary suspension units anyway.
ABS sensors - passenger side (UK) front gets covered in road gunk, and both sides can be a pig to remove for cleaning due to seized mounting bolts; rear sensor's wiring prone to fracture, although the unit itself remains perfectly serviceable - however unit and wiring are only available in one piece, so unnecessarily expensive to replace.
Ball joints and other rubber suspension components - again not unreasonable for mileage.
Suspension fluid line - tiny leak was rather difficult to find, fracture in line caused by rubbing against another component.
General Comments:
Probably the lowest cost 2nd hand medium hatchback available, which unreasonably scares people off because of its unique suspension design (it's really not that bad folks). Check out the range of independent specialists - everything else is similar to other cars.
10k service intervals, but worth keeping an eye on things in between; not bad reliability at all - I cover 20k per year up and down UK motorways with no trouble.
Loaded up with 2 adults, 2 children and holiday luggage filling the hatch, it still chugs along giving maybe 45 MPG at up to 80 MPH.
Seats very comfortable over very long distances, cabin a bit dull, but uniquely handy front door pull out stowage.
Air conditioning, 6 CD changer, 4 electric windows, electric mirrors, rain sensitive wipers, deceptively capacious - drop the back seats and you've a huge load space.
Obviously not a sports car, but you'll be very surprised how hard you can corner this machine if you like doing that sort of thing.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th September, 2010
6th Apr 2013, 07:56
Hmmm, starting to get pricey to keep on the road; wiper mechanism failure, £200 GB to replace, and required the additional cost of removal of the screen, because the plastic shroud is bonded to the screen!
Noisy wheel bearings; hopefully not too costly to replace.
Any more failures and I think it's time to dump it at last. Still, not bad for 162k miles...
13th Apr 2013, 17:15
Thanks for your updates, I have followed them with interest. I think you've done okay out of it if it's time to say goodbye soon. What else might you have in mind? Something similar but newer?
29th Jun 2014, 14:14
Got rid a few weeks later in June 2013 when more little bits were starting to wear and I couldn't stomach spending much more on such an old car, despite its general work-horse-ability. Rust was starting to take hold. Part ex for £200.
13th Oct 2012, 09:35
Further to my review above; car has now covered 156k miles.
I've replaced the front spheres, cam belt and tensioner - good for another 75k.
I've poured some K-Seal Kalimex sealant into the coolant, because the heater matrix was leaking into the foot wells (saved a potential £300 repair - mainly labour costs of removal and refitting of the entire dash assembly).
The central locking is faulty, so it's a bit of a hassle to lock the car.
Window motors are starting to get a bit worn, and there's rust at the base of the rear passenger door frame and rear wing.
It's my daily drive; it still delivers good MPG at proper motorway speeds, and carries huge amounts of stuff all the time.
If you're utterly not bothered about your car's looks, this machine is ridiculously cheap to hang onto; everybody knows these engines can go round the world multiple times when looked after properly.