1997 Citroen Saxo SX 1.1 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap, fun and basic town car

Faults:

Not much, just a small oil leak, and new rear brakes.

General Comments:

I like the simplicity of this car. It is had little in the way of equipment, therefore making the car quite light.

This lightness aided the cars nippy responses around town, with nice steering, that is only heavy at parking speeds due to lack of power steering.

The driving position was bad for me at 6 foot 1. The wheel was too low (or seat was too high) and I don't know why Citroen decided to put the pedals in the position they are in. They are too close together, and very small. Takes some getting used to!

The gear change is OK, but could be a bit more positive in its action.

The car rode well, and had very good handling for such a simple car. It gripped well, and was always fun to drive.

The rear seats are poor. Very little room for even average sized people. The boot is quite big though.

Build quality and materials are dreadful! The plastic is worse than some kids toys I have seen! It rattles sometimes, and is noisy.

Plus points are:

Nippy and fun to drive, cheap to insure, excellent fuel consumption (50mpg), servicing and parts are cheap.

Bad points:

Bad quality trim and body panels (very flimsy), slow on the open road, basic, poor gear change.

Overall I enjoyed this car, but wanted an upgrade to a more comfortable car with more equipment, so I bought a Ford Ka Luxury (review there as well!)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th September, 2002

6th Nov 2006, 16:59

Why did you not recommend it because it seems you have enjoyed owning the car?

6th Dec 2009, 09:13

To be completely honest, I had a Saxo 1.1i 1997 (P) for my first car, and I personally think the car is excellent. I work with car and have driven loads of cars, and there may be loads of cars that are better looking, performance and build quality, although Saxos are not amazing. If I would get any car again, I would get a Saxo.

1. Cheap to tax

2. Cheap to insure

3. Brilliant on fuel

4. Small and easily movable

I would recommend a Saxo to anyone. You may be 6 ft 1, so a bigger car would usually be a good thing to do. If you wanted a small car with all the room, get a Pug 307 HDi or a Rover 25.

1997 Citroen Saxo VTR 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap to run, but unreliable

Faults:

The steering rack needed replacing, the car has needed 2 new exhaust pipes, the horn has broken, the clutch squeeks, the sunroof leaks, the tappets rattle, the radiator blew, it leaked oil and the CV joint needed replacing. the car has a full service histroy to the manufacturers schedule.

General Comments:

Nice car looks wise, cheap insurance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th August, 2002

22nd Nov 2002, 11:30

Hi guys.

My saxo has come across several problems during its time with me, a new clutch needed, water leaking through the roof, brake discs and pads wear out every 10,000 miles, and in general terrible build quality. The dealerships are even worse, and would strongly advise not buying one of these micro-machines.

Rob.

8th Apr 2003, 06:56

Cheers for the comments boys. I was thinking about buying one of these in a couple of months time, but there seems to be a few too many of the reviews on here that pan the build quality and reliability, which, as I intend to keep the car for a few years and I do a high mileage, is no good to me. Looks likes it's onto plan 2, and a Vaux Astra.

5th Oct 2003, 15:41

I bought my Saxo on August 1996. On January 1997 I had an accident - I was almost killed.

The car's structure is very weak, and if something goes wrong, the possibilities of surviving are nil. The reason for the accident was the broken hydraulic steering wheel. The car was only 4 months old!!!