2001 Citroen Xsara L 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Brilliant ride with poor reliability

Faults:

Airbag light kept coming on - repaired twice, eventually being rewired.

Engine Management light came on four times. Once needed a new distributor cap, the other times were software/firmware problems.

New brake disks needed at 30,000 - the same time as first pad renewal!! Very expensive.

General Comments:

Superb handling, excellent space for a small car, reasonably economical.

Poor reliability.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th June, 2004

2001 Citroen Xsara VTR 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Won't boil the road, but looks good and goes well

Faults:

Rattle from metal bar under fuel tank, cured by cutting some old fuel pipe and fitting around it.

Rattle from area around rear n/s side seat catch, very annoying.

General Comments:

This is my first car with some degree of comfort built in after a MK2 XR2 and a 1.6 205 GTi.

The car isn't that quick below 3,000 rpm, but after that the second cam kicks and it will pull strongly. I've never had a lead foot anyway and tend to treat any car with kid gloves so this is only a minor issue.

Economy is very good averaging 35 - 40 mpg easily.

The car looks great in Metallic Red, but I simply had to replace the hideous steel wheels and saucepan lid wheel trims and have fitted some Wolfrace alloys. It now looks far more purposeful.

At the three year (but only 14000 mile) service I was disappointed at leaving the car at 8am and not being able to pick it up until 5.30 pm as the dealer didn't start work on it until the afternoon. Not only that, I was miffed at £25 for a pollen filter and they said it was all washed and ready to go when in fact it hadn't had a sponge anywhere near it.

Overall, although the build quality could be better (squeaks and rattles abound) I'm starting to warm to the car. It's comfortable, quiet and quick if it has to be. Not much room in the back, but I don't care - I never sit there!

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

Review Date: 28th May, 2004

2001 Citroen Xsara x 1.4 from Croatia

Summary:

Generally good, but faults are very frustrating

Faults:

Strange noise during ignition. It turned out it was faulty gas pump. Drivers side window would not fully close on very cold days. Rear brake pads were replaced after 45.000 Km. Again, fault in pads manufacturing. Air conditioning is terrible, especially during rain. Child locking door switch did not work. Letter form genaral importer about electrical and wiring fault. Dealer fixed this free of charge. Two weeks after that, airbag malfunction lamp turned on. Again, connection problem in airbag sensor wiring.

With my Volvo I have never experienced so many problems and consequently visits to the dealer.

General Comments:

Very comfortable car, especially seats. Lots of space in the boot. One of the biggest boots in this vehicle class. It was 2001 "Best buy" car, according to reviews of several car magazines in Croatia.

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

Review Date: 4th February, 2004

2001 Citroen Xsara VTS 1.6 li from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

I made a mistake, should have just bought a Corolla

Faults:

The first problem encountered with my Xsara was the engine management lamp. It turns on in the morning when I start the air conditioner while the engine is still cold. Then came minor problems such as the air vents on the dashboard was pushed in, pocket behind the driver seat pulled out, squeaky brakes, radio lost FM reception, and just now, the signal wand gets stuck on the right indicator especially on cold winter mornings. Crickey! All these happened with just 16,000 kms on the clock. This is my first (and last) French car. Mind you, I only experience problems with my Japanese cars when they've traveled over 100,000 km.

General Comments:

The only thing that makes me happy to own a Xsara is its ability to take on sharp corners. Handling is superb for a small hatch and it drives like a larger sedan. Its suspension is a bit hard, but I like it that way. Steering is not overly assisted and is very accurate. Its 1.6 li engine lacks flair, but is competent - a power output comparable to the Focus 1.8 li. Its fuel consumption is not exceptional. Runs on 10 li per 100km (suburb driving), just like any other 1.6 car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th January, 2004

4th Nov 2004, 15:54

I am the original writer and I'd just like to give an update on my Xsara. After all faults were fixed by the dealer, with just 15,000 km, I'm glad to say that I'm now quite happy with my Xsara, now reaching the 40K mark. The first 10K was very disappointing. I had the dealer change the indicator stalk, radiator hose, rubber door seal, CD player, and engine mount. The dealer though was very cooperative. At 10K, I also find the car too sluggish off the mark, but now it's very perky and quick for a 1.6 auto, comparable even to most 1.8's. I still like the Xsara's handling capabilities, the best for its class. Once we made a mistake of filling it with 91 ULP which caused the engine management to light up. A couple of Optimax full tanks solved the problem. I hope no more surprises to come, but then the car is already 3.5 y.o, I expect more minor faults which I guess is common even for Japanese cars.