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

Summary:

Rapid and economical. Spend money at high mileages

Faults:

The clutch bearing failed at 80,000 miles and had to be replaced with a full new clutch.

The suspension bushes were replaced at 70,000 miles for the first MOT, with a vast improvement in the handling.

The catalytic converter started to break up at 60,000 miles after a fast stretch of the German Autobahn, a costly, but exciting drive.

The engine management system had to be replaced at 60,000 miles.

The fuel line pipe from the tank had to be replaced at 30,000 miles after becoming damaged due to friction with the rear suspension. It took the Citroen dealership in Glasgow three separate visits to find out why there was water contamination in the fuel system. Another very costly experience.

General Comments:

A seriously quick little car which is happy to cruise at high speeds.

However, this vehicle is lethal in wet road conditions.

Sometimes the electric door mirrors work, sometimes they don't.

The car has not yet developed any clunks or vibrations, which surprises me, as the build quality is not good.

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

Review Date: 28th May, 2001

29th May 2001, 11:45

Original reviewer here...

The alternator is just about to fail as I notice that the red battery light on the dashboard flickers at idol speed.

The mileage is now 82,800.

21st Jun 2001, 07:00

1998 Saxo VTS.

I've now clocked up over 77,000 miles in mine and other than having to replace the head gasket at 60K it hasn't missed a beat. Not the most refined automotive creation although as a (relatively) economic choice that satisfies commuters and enthusiasts alike, it really is quite hard to fault.

Impending MOT may be interesting - headlight bulb out, emissions suspect (hopefully just an oxygen sensor rather than a cat problem), tyres wearing (rears still on original Michelins - bloody superb tyres) and the ABS warning light has just decided to make an appearance (maybe an indication that the discs/pads require attention).

Performance is hard to fault with such a lack of inertia, although add more than one passenger and the BHP/ tonne figure falls to that of something rather less spectacular.

Fit a K&N air filter cartridge and you can expect anything up to another 10mpg - mine averages about 44mpg when I'm off the motorways (the low gearing means 80mpg needs about 4,000 rpm and hence economy suffers).

Handling is to die for. I do a lot of track work (not in the VTS) and the journey to and from the track in the Saxo serves as a good warm-up.

If you think of this car as a practical and cheap alternative to an Elise, you'll begin to get the picture.

Only the insurance throws a spanner in the works at group 14 (and one company was adamant it was 15), premiums are a little harsh.

If you enjoy driving and appreciate the feedback a car delivers through its seat, wheel and pedals, then go and buy a VTS and use all its revs (the VTR's not quick enough, even if (up until 5000 rpm) it may seem to keep up - just wait and see what happens after 5,000!).

1998 Citroen Saxo Westcoast 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Not a bad car, shame about the dealers

Faults:

My injectors were blocked and the car was stalling.

The airbag light is faulty.

General Comments:

The standard of service provided by the Citroen dealer I bought the car from was awful.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th April, 2001

1998 Citroen Saxo VTR 1.6 8v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The Saxo is sex on disappointingly small alloys

Faults:

Have not experienced any major faults although the engine seems a little too hot at times.

General Comments:

Surprising performance for a mild hot hatch. Manages to hold its own when up against the bigger fish in the proverbial hot hatch pond.

Overall good looks, but border line with tasteless and cheesey. Interior is not for royalty, however this is overlooked by its superior handling wet or dry.

Traction control would be a lavish luxury when indulging in a wet urban thrash.

This cars main asset is without a doubt its insurance friendly grouping.

Although the alloys could be an inch or 2 bigger, it does have the advantage of being accompanied with both front and rear discs, an attribute not found in competitors such as the Fiesta Zetec-S.

In summary, excellent value and acceptable performance amalgamate to create a car which doesn't try to be something it is not. Whilst on this subject I feel it necessary to vent my anger with the "wannabe" VTR drivers who think it acceptable to drive around Saxo West Coasts and Furios sporting VTR alloys, quite clearly displaying their rear drums.

In conclusion it sticks to the road like knickers to a nun and sprints around town like a rabid dog from a slaughterman.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2001

6th May 2001, 15:28

Insurance friendly? What planet do you live on, it's group 14! Maybe if you're about 30, but I'm 17 and because of the fact it's that high they wouldn't pay for insurance and alloys! I put 16 OZ Super-Ts on and it rubs the plastic suspension covers really badly on full lock, but now I have a Xsara VTS engine in my Saxo and modded arches with 18" F1 cup alloys on, it's like a dream! 0-60 in just over 4 seconds, 0-120 on the M6 just over 10 seconds! Very nice.

Mail me @ zeekuk@hotmail.com

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