2002 Citroen Saxo VTR 1.6 8v from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Handles superbly and will rev its backside off
Faults:
When I first purchased the car I noticed the front seat backrests had noticeable play in them. Not a major problem, but as the car was still under warranty I sent it into my local dealer. No fault present, a feature on the saxo apparently.
The gear linkage had come away whilst travelling on the motorway at a high speed, probably due to vibration. The local dealership explained that sometimes the linkage pin isnt knocked in properly at the factory.
A rattle coming from the inlet manifold on idle. Sometimes its noticeable from inside the car. I sent it into the dealership and they tried telling me it was because my oil level was high. They didnt actually fix the fault or change my oil level. As Im a technician my self I sorted the oil level and the rattle was still present. Im thinking its coming from the idle valve.
Drivers side aperture seal was coming adrift. Sent the car into the dealership and seal was replaced.
A knocking from the steering when turned about a quarter of a turn, but only when the cars not moving. Sent the car in, no fault present. Sent the car in after another week had passed. Front suspension removed and struts greased. The fault is no longer present.
The rear window seal is coming adrift on the near side bottom corner.
When changing from 3rd to 4th gear, a squeak can be heard.
Front bonnet isnt level.
Off side front wing trim is slowly coming adrift from body.
Drivers door isnt level and creaks when operating.
Rocker cover has noticeable rust on it.
The car is coming up to its 3rd birthday and has only done 21000 miles.
General Comments:
When I first purchased the car I found the seating position a bit poor and the pedals close together, but after a few weeks I got used to them and find it pretty comfy and I'm 6ft 4'.
The build quality isn’t the best, but the car makes up for it self with its superb handling, very little under steer and an occasion of over steer to keep you on your toes. The car handles even better with a bit of weight in the rear, but watch out for the average brakes. The rear discs barely work compared to the front.
The 8v engine is very nippy, pulls all the way to maximum speed and has a great tone after 3000 rpm. Motorway driving can be very fun, city driving even better.
Fuel economy is great even when you push it.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 17th September, 2005
10th Nov 2022, 17:22
My Saxo went through brake pads quickly as well, must be a common quirk.
To be fair, apart from that mine was more reliable than some others peoples experiences with them seem to be.