1995 Citroen Xantia Dimension 2 1.9 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Nice but USELESS

Faults:

The clutch cable has snapped at the plastic clip on the pedal 11 times and each time has cost between £40 and £105 to repair. Also I have had 2 new clutches, not because they wear out, but because Citroen dealers and garages say that the clutch is stiff and causing the clip to break.

General Comments:

Basically it is a nice car, but unfortunately it is useless because the clutch cable snaps too often. I had a clutch fitted today and it snapped 2 hours later. I have spent thousands on the clutch, but nothing works.

The AA cannot repair this cable so every other week I have to be towed into a garage. So far I have tried four different garages, all replaced the plastic clip, but it never lasts. I have had a metal clip made, but then the cable snapped after 2 months. The people repairing the car are not at fault, it is a design fault which makes my car USELESS.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th April, 2001

1st May 2001, 13:18

I have owned my present Xantia (1993 TD SX) from 67,000 miles up to 174,400 miles and the problem you mentioned happened only once, about 8,000 miles ago. My garage told me that replacing the cable was "an absolute pig of a job" as it is very easy to kink the cable - and if you do that the cable jams in the sheath and the clip comes off... I have the service history from new and the vehicle never had a replacement cable fitted prior to the last one.

25th Jul 2006, 12:28

Whilst looking for some Xantia info, I found a company in the USA which makes metal clip assemblies...

30th Sep 2007, 05:25

The issue you have IS caused by the repairers not having the intelligence or diligence to look further than a broken cable or retaining clip. There's always a reason for this happening, and as one of your repairers commented, the clutch is "too stiff". If they'd bothered to look further they'd have found the clutch actuating shaft (which runs down through the bellhousing) to have partially seized in its bushes. This can be sorted out in-situ by careful lubrication of the shaft bushes. It's even easier if the 'box is off to change the clutch. Many other cars suffer from this issue too - it's not just Citroens!

15th Jan 2010, 11:54

Hi

What is the company that does metal clips in America??

1995 Citroen Xantia VSX 1.9 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

If you can find a nice clean model second hand, it is a lot of car for the money

Faults:

I have had the car just 3 weeks, the rear suspension has been playing up since day 1. This in turn affects the rear brakes and makes for concise braking.

I have been to a local Citroen dealer who confirm there is a fault but are unable to diagnose it as their equipment is currently faulty.

General Comments:

The car is in A1 condition visually, the engine is superb and responsive bearing in mind the size and weight of the car.

There are plenty of goodies on this model and they all seem to work apart from one heated mirror.

There seems to be a fair bit of road noise at low speeds, but perhaps I am too used to hearing the engine in my old car.

The seats are comfortable on lengthy journeys, but it is awkward to find a place for your clutch foot to rest.

Overall, bags of room - an ideal family car, economically returning 40 - 45mpg urban and 55mpg on the motorways.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd February, 2001

23rd Feb 2001, 13:20

Sounds like a defective brake valve on the high pressure line. The car takes pressure from the suspension and this functions perfectly. But if there is a leak or even an obstruction in the lines then you have a sudden drop in height when you apply the brakes. This can turn out very dangerous if there isn't enough reserve pressure in the system. Even with the engine not running these cars can do several emergency stops with the reserve pressure unless there is a big problem of course.