1996 Citroen Xantia SX 1.8 16v from Finland

Summary:

Better then good

Faults:

Brake block on right front tire is loose, kind of a disturbing noise when running.

Little bit stacking problems with the front brakes (old hydraulic fluid?)

General Comments:

Only had to change two light pulb for instrument panel.

Leg room in drivers seat is minimum, distance from accelerator pedal to floor is not enough.

Travels on highway like a smooth dream.

Car body is beautiful.

Front seats could be better.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th October, 2005

1996 Citroen Xantia VSX 2.0 turbo petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Very comfortable and fast, let down by poor quality components

Faults:

Front brake calipers seized, replaced; both discs and calipers.

Top engine mount rubber failed and replaced.

Radio LCD display damaged/illegible and cassette not working, replaced.

Drivers seat mount at rear left corner broke, repaired by me.

General Comments:

It goes and corners brilliantly.

It's difficult to get a comfortable driving position between steering wheel/seat and pedals. (but it is possible).

Huge boot (this is the estate).

Very comfortable supple ride with sport mode which does make a difference. (Why else would you have a Citroen?).

22mpg driven by me.26mpg driven by my Wife.This is after the brakes were sorted.32mpg touring in France, do they have bigger litres than us? (or is it just that you're not forever stop-start like dear old Blighty?).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th November, 2004

1996 Citroen Xantia VSX Estate 1.9 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Handles well, but underpowered

Faults:

Throttle cable broke, easily fixed.

'Stupid' clutch clip snapped - heavy clutch required replacement.

Front hydractive electrovalve failed, expensive dealer repair.

General Comments:

When all is well these cars offer a great ride. The handling is superb, you can easily forget you're driving a big estate.

Xantias have a bad reputation for unreliability which is unfair, the problem is that the dealers are poor on the whole and for some reason people consider the suspension complicated - it really isn't and diy maintenance is easy.

The driving position is slightly awkward and it's difficult to get comfortable on long journeys despite the nice seats, however passengers will like it.

Also the 1.9TD is underpowered in the estate. Newer HDI 110 are the best bet.

There are a few design features that seem to effect all cars at some stage. The rear door of the estates start to leak and are a pain to repair, the clutch becomes heavy and the notorious 'stupid' plastic clutch clip snaps, heater matrix are prone to failure.

All that said I've enjoyed owning mine and would certainly consider another.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th September, 2004

29th May 2006, 06:49

Hi mate.

I have had the same problem with my VSXi and had a new clutch, cable, and clip fitted. Now the clutch is heaver than ever, and the clutch clip keeps breaking. It's been to the garage 4 times, but now I have got my money back. I watch the guy put a valeo in.

Any ideas anyone?

All the best, Andy.

16th Jun 2006, 05:26

I have a 1997 Xantia that has just snapped its clutch cable at 89000 miles, Looking at it I don't think its going to be an easy job, but after reading this site I can now see that it's a common vice of the model.

Apart from that I am also more than happy with mine, now they are getting a bit long in tooth there seems to be plenty out there at rock bottom prices, I too would consider another one.

31st Jul 2006, 12:35

I too own a 1996 Xantia VSX Estate 1.9TDi. Amazingly, I also have had the problem with the clutch cable clip...

I chose to disregard the main dealer's comment that the plastic clip snapping was a sign of the clutch going, but that may be true for one of the guys writing above.

The estimate for the fitting of the plastic clip was £170 - based on the book guidelines for labour (the part is only £7).

I agree that the job of doing it yourself looks horrific, but found a back street garage with a few trick up their sleeve and no book guidelines. They fitted the clip for £45. The last 18 months have shown no further problems, possibly due to the replacements being made of a different sort of plastic.

Does make me wonder what would've happened if the clip broke waiting at a junction though. Diesels have plenty of power to catapult you into oncoming traffic!

My current problem lies with the rear suspension's electrovalve. Any idea where to source one that is fully working, preferable not a new one for the £400 price tag?