1997 Citroen Saxo VTR 1.6 from Netherlands

Summary:

Little pocket rocket, especially if the engine doesn't suffer idling problems

Faults:

Idling problems at low temperatures. When the engine is still cold, it tends to stall. The spark plug cables have been changed, but this hasn't solved the problem.

The radiator was changed, because the cooling block was corroded.

The first owner had some problems with the brake disks, the rear disks have been changed.

General Comments:

I really like the Saxo VTR. Mine is a little bit tuned, with a sports filter and a ECU 'manipulator' for more torque in mid rev sections. Great stuff, and it's quite cheap to run!

Unfortunately, it's quite cramped inside. As a tall driver you wouldn't prefer the Saxo to buy, for small families there are better choices.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2001

1997 Citroen Saxo VTR 1.6i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A real eye catcher

Faults:

My radiator burst after 40,000 miles.

Front passenger wheel bearing has gone after 44,000 miles, to my knowledge it is the first one.

General Comments:

This car is nippy and handles great even before lowering it.

My dad loves running about the town in the little pocket rocket.

The only dislike is they are getting too common.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2001

1997 Citroen Saxo VTR 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Handles like it looks

Faults:

Nothing spectacular has gone wrong for me (touch wood).

I had a non starting fault which was due to a poor earth on the starter motor.

The seats seem to have worn quickly, specifically the foam in the seat has compacted pushing through the metal frame.

The dash squeaks a bit at higher speeds, but nothing major has gone.

Oh, and the rocker gasket leaked at 40,000 miles.

General Comments:

Could do with ABS as I've had a few scary moments and locked up on one occasion flat spotting a new set of tyres.

Sunroof can be a bit stiff to open.

Watch where you hide your locking wheel nut key as I had mine nicked when the car was broken into by some lowlife.

The door lock buttons are a serious security threat as the door can be wedged and the locks pulled. The pegs can be removed and sealed, this makes it harder to be accessed.

I've had a couple of quicker cars including a mkII and mkI Golf GTI, and neither touch the handling of this. Outstanding.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th April, 2001

1997 Citroen Saxo VTR 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Excellent all-rounder!

Faults:

Tires wore very quickly and were unbelievably expensive to replace.

Dashboard/door fittings rattle quite badly.

Pedals too close together.

Drivers door doesn't close properly as the weld has broken.

Looses power and stutters when driven in wet conditions.

General Comments:

I love the car, although I have had minor problems with it.

The 8 valver has amazing torque and excellent pull from lower revs.

Would recommend a VTR to anyone who would like warm hatch performance for lower insurance costs.

Parts other than the tires are inexpensive to buy.

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

Review Date: 6th February, 2001

1997 Citroen Saxo VTR 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

If you can wait, I'll tell you in 3 weeks!!!

Faults:

Pick the car up tomorrow!

General Comments:

Well, from what has been said, overall, the Saxo VTR sounds good. That air bag light sounds like a bit of a git though!

I was (still am at the point of writing this) a proud owner of a Honda Civic LSI 3 door but on boxing day, alas, I killed a van! Now my friendly insurance company would like 2000 pounds per year for the privelage of insuring my humble motor! The Civic was a group 12, 115 BHP, 0-60 in around 9.5 - 10 secs...

So I said forget it! And now I have decided to trade it in for a VTR which I pick up tomorrow. Now looking at the reviews the VTR has had, it's a good performer but it sounds like its going to fall apart after 10,000 miles. So where does that leave me? I like cars that shift, but if I have to hold the door shut at 100 MPH then, to be honest, forget it!

Oh and by the way, I can't believe the amount of people who actually put 'This car is seriously quick and handles like it's on rails' in their reviews...

Give me two weeks and provide all people who access this web site with a true review of performance, build quality (probably crap) and a photo of myself (only joking)!

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

Review Date: 25th January, 2001

26th Jan 2001, 04:33

steven@carsurvey.org:

Thanks for the review.

Sorry, but I did have to change some of the wording as the advertising hosted on the site requires that language that some people may consider offensive is not used. I don't believe this has altered the points the review was trying to get across. Please add any updates as comments to this review.

Best Wishes,

Steven

28th Feb 2009, 13:10

Well, it's been more than 3 weeks! What you think?