1998 Citroen Saxo VTS 1.6i 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A good performer with niggling problems

Faults:

Radiator replaced.

Catalytic convertor - replaced after 18 months.

Alarm fault - sounding for no reason.

Battery replaced.

Front pads replaced after 10K.

Engine revs dipping when idle, sometimes stalling the car, only recently started after 36500K miles; yet to visit the dealer.

General Comments:

I have had this car from new and overall it has been a good performer.

Handling and acceleration are very good, and fuel consumption is average if driven in a sensible manner!

It looks good.

However I have had a number of niggling problems with the car, and feel that the initial 1 year manufacturer's warranty should have been longer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th January, 2002

1998 Citroen Saxo VTS 1.6 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Hard on the wallet

Faults:

26500 miles - a bad misfire at about four thousand revs, then when idling the revs bounce between 500 and 1000rpm, and it eventually stalls. The dealer replaced the manifold pressure sensor on the second attempt. £79.

30000 miles - a knocking noise from the front left was a worn bottom arm bush. Of course got to replace the whole arm. £125.

36000 miles - brake pedal is hard to press. Replaced the brake pressure valve. £30.

38000 miles - bad oil leak when driving. Front crank oil seal replaced and because it was covered in oil, a new timing belt was fitted. £151.

Also the passenger side electric mirror does not work, and the car often refuses to start because the immobiliser won't deactivate.

General Comments:

Yes it is very fast and yes it handles brilliantly, but as one thing is fixed something else breaks, I just cannot wait to see what is next.

Maybe the car cannot handle 700 miles a week.

Also the 30000 service was £97 at my dealer and then phoned today for the price for a 40000 mile service, a whopping £210, if that is right I'm going to find somewhere else.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th November, 2001

15th Dec 2001, 04:55

Carried on from above - took it to the dealer for its 40,000 service and told them to look at the front and rear suspension because they had been damaged. Went back at 5pm and they said they had not had time to do an estimate for the work, they will post one. Estimate arrived, list of parts required but no price. Went back to the dealer and he said 'that's strange, I cannot do anything about it because the body shop man is not here today'. So now instead of 5 next to dealer (above) it now should be 0.

1998 Citroen Saxo VTR 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Fast, good handler, far too many problems!

Faults:

Driver's door came away from its hinges at 45000.

Squeaky front suspension at 50000.

Squeaky rear interior at 50000.

Sound of rushing liquid when revs are applied at 55000.

Oil leak at 55000.

Gear box started to crunch - 52000.

Gear link snapped at 53000. Gear problems continued after this was fixed.

Engine stalls when most electric equipment was turned on (windscreen wipers, fan, lights, radio etc) and the engine fan kicks in.

General Comments:

As you can tell, I've had problems with my car after the 45000 mile period. Until then it was my pride and joy.

The performance of the car is still very impressive and its road handling is second to none.

However, this cannot counter the problems I have had with this car and with the dealer. The 'door off the hinges' incident was a manufacturers problem, but they refused to pay up because the car was more than 3 years old.

I would advise anyone wishing to purchase a Saxo VTR to buy brand new and then get rid within three years or 30,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st November, 2001

12th Nov 2001, 02:33

Just to let you all know that the 'rushing water' sound turned out to be the head gasket, common problem with Saxos over 50,000.

Keep Saxos until around the 45,000 mile mark and then GET RID!!!

8th Apr 2003, 07:24

Had the same rushing water sound on my Astra when the head gasket went, and now own a Fiat Punto which has had this noise since new. The Fiat is a heap as well, and I was seriously contemplating chopping it in for a VTR, but from the reviews on this site, it seems like I'd be swapping one problem car for another. Cheers for the advice mate - I'm off to look for an Astra instead now (stick with what I know 'n all that).