Faults:

Gearbox - they only last few thousand km (made from French Weet-Bix).

Leaking transmission oil.

The whole clutch assembly was ruined due to worn gearbox main bearing, seal was torn to shreds, leaking oil as a result.

Grille rattling and falling off occasionally (the French always have to show off how different they are and use some totally insane securing method).

Nothing else - but to be fair, did not do much mileage in it. I am sure, if I keep it for longer, something else would fall off, break down or leak.

With all this mentioned, I still liked that car. It was great to drive.

General Comments:

Despite its atrocious reputation for being a total lemon, this car somehow happened to be a very reliable car while in my hands.

I bought it in a very good condition overall, except that the gearbox was already ruined.

There was a grinding noise in 1st and 2nd gear, reducing and gradually disappearing as you go up in gears and speed. Totally quiet above 90 km/h.

Finding a secondhand gearbox was like a South Korean drama - endless and tearsome. Called all wreckers in Sydney. Found 3 places, quoting $450, $450 and $750, and stating they had them in stock.

Went to the 1st $450 place. After a 2 hour search they couldn't find one, and tried to sell me a Peugeot 306 box, stating it's the same. Surely, it wasn't.

Luckily, I am a mechanic, and I already had my gearbox out, so I knew it was different. Otherwise, would have wasted a lot of time (note to self - never trust what the seller says).

2nd $450 place - same story. Couldn't find one in stock, tried to sell a 306 one. What is it with Ozzy mechanics? They tend to think that Citroen Xsara and Peugeot 306 are the same cars under the skin. Well - they are not.

3rd place - total saga of sad unprofessionalism (luckily I am used to them, so always ready and prepared for disappointment). Called them, asked to confirm price and availability. Yes sir, $750 including GST, yes we have 3 in stock. Can I come and pick it up in 1 hour? Sure you can. OK. Came in 2 hours, just to be on a safe side.

After 40 minutes of waiting at the counter - what gearbox? I am not sure we have one. Let me check. OK. Another 20 minute wait. Yes, we have, sir, but you have to come back in 2 hours because we have to pull it out off the car. OK.

Came back in 2 hours. What gearbox? Let me check. Another 20 minute wait. Yes sir, the box is out. However, you have to come back in 2-3 hours because our policy is to do a pre-sale check and service them with new oil. OK.

Came back in 3 hours. Is my box ready? Yes sir, it is ready, but the manager said you have to pay $2200 for it (yes, two thousand two hundred dollars - I paid less for the car itself) because it is a RARE box. Are you insane? Didn't you quote me $750 just this morning? Yes sir, I am sorry sir, but the manager said - $2200, rare box.

After 30 minutes of negotiations with the manager, finally bought it for $1350 (incl GST) thanks to my 12 year history with them.

When the box was out, discovered that the clutch assembly was gone - replaced with a new clutch, another $350 (Valeo).

Half of all the bulbs were blown and never replaced by previous owner, and when I did it myself I realised WHY - it takes about 8 hours and you need an octopus friend to do this as the bulbs are totally inaccessible. To change bulbs in the left headlight, you have to take the ABS unit out!

After doing all this, the car was beautiful to drive, reliable and VERY economical.

I had to modify the seating position a lot to make it comfortable though.

It had K&N pod filter and big bore exhaust with a very nice sound, Bilstein lowered suspension and low profile Bridgestones.

I loved driving that car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Maybe. If I am in a state of temporary insanity, I might buy one.

That one I originally bought for $2000, low mileage car, so it was OK.

Faults:

External boot button has broken.

Occasionally the info display flashes up coolant temperature too high - even though I've just started the car up from cold.

Anti pollution fault comes on sometimes, and the car feels like someone has chucked an anchor out of the back of it, then in seconds the fault clears. Disconnect battery for 30 seconds each time and the engine management light goes off.

Sometime the immobiliser won't switch off - fiddle with the steering wheel adjustment and suddenly works.

Went into main dealers for a cam belt change, and ended up with a leaking radiator and new water pump needed.

Goes through dipped beam bulbs like no tomorrow.

Side bolster on drivers seat is worn out.

Handbrake is at its highest setting, despite being adjusted.

Spare wheel carrier rusted solidly when I needed to get the spare out.

Oil filler cap keeps on coming loose.

General Comments:

Despite the above, I actually don't mind the car.

It accelerates well, although it could do with a 6th gear.

Apart from oil changes, brake pads and the cambelt + other repairs, which I'm sure was caused by the dealership, I haven't spent anything on it major.