Faults:

Engine Control Unit failed suddenly.

Rear windows seized up.

Front left window seized.

Heater matrix leaked.

Hydraulic leak, front left side.

General Comments:

Despite what amounts to a generous list of fault and failures in almost four years, this car has been a pleasure to own. Two things: one, it has never failed to complete a journey, some up to 800 miles in one day. And two, maintenance costs have never been heart-stopping or unrealistic. I have spent what I wanted to spend on this car to keep it happy and it has never required overdrafts or budget-busting payments for the mechanic.

The car looks like nothing else on the road, and also drives very nicely all day. It especially enjoys motorways, but when asked to do so it can be a fun car to hustle along narrower, smaller roads.

The XM can be a limousine due to its comfort, a workhorse due to its space and utility and even with its mild mannered engine it is more of a sports saloon that you would expect.

The interior is especially comfortable for both the driver and passengers. All those who have driven in the car have been very impressed with its comfort and style. The velour upholstery has been very hard wearing and the plastic trim has also lasted well. The same can't be said for the door-lock tabs which have all popped off. And the glove box lid lock is bust along with its fancy gas strut. But that exhausts the list of interior failures.

If I were redesigning this car I would pay more attention to wind noise which can be quite noticeable. Also, the secondary ride is good, but not great. Expansion joints and cat's eyes make more of a thump than would be expected from a car with this type of suspension.

Overall, it's a smooth running luxury bargain. Style, space and utility are what this car has by the bucketful.

Faults:

Largely irritating but non-serious faults with the trip computer which are a common fault with the earliest models.

General Comments:

This car makes every journey feel quite special from the 'brake test' and 'suspension mode' display on start-up to the hydraulic adjustments throughout the journey.

Peculiarly, this car (to date) has only been slightly more expensive to run than my previous car, a Citroen ZX (if one adds up the cost of silly fault repairs). Whether this is luck of the draw I shall never know, but the 'needle-nose' has had a pampered life previously, having been owned, serviced and driven by an independent Citroen specialist.

Naturally fuel costs are higher but not as horrific as I imagined.

The ride seems to become smoother and even more unruffled as the car warms up, and it appears to be its most poised when driving at speed.

The shape and feel of the car remain completely unusual and exciting despite its age, but it invariably needs a clean and polish otherwise it can begin to look a little tired.

The engine performs with gusto, sounds tremendous and the brakes are magnificent.