Faults:

Main beam headlight bulbs have a bad connection, so work when they want to.

Central locking works only for the drivers door, because the rest jam due to the catches - they can be opened from the inside. Not a big problem, but it can be annoying.

Linking to the above, drivers side rear door now will not unlock because the catch came out, this seems easy enough to fix.

Wiring for the back wiper has frayed, and the rear wash leaks where the tube has split. Easily solved.

Rear brakes failed at about 94-95,000 miles. The handbrake cable also had to be changed.

General Comments:

I bought this car about 6 months ago and so far nothing major has gone wrong with it. This is down to the fact that the previous owner took good care of it - she serviced it regularly, and the cambelt was changed early on, so that's not something I need to worry about at this mileage. I wish I could say I've taken such good care of this car, because it deserves it, but I haven't being an inexperienced driver.

The n/a diesel engine has some punch considering it doesn't have a turbo - something that's essential with newer diesels. The ZX has a different gear box from the Peugeot 306, making it faster and pull better. Since I owned a 306 before this car, I've noticed that it's a huge improvement. Peugeot: why didn't you use the ZX gear box?

I've heard reports that power steering can be heavy on this car. This is not true! Steering feels good, at all speeds.

The seats are very comfortable although they offer next to no support around bends. Combined with the French suspension (unfortunately it's not hydraulic) this makes for a very smooth, "floaty" ride.

Replacement parts and panels are cheap as this is a French car and there are loads of them being broken or scrapped.

The brakes aren't particularly good, my car doesn't have ABS. Despite this the ZX is a good little car that's comfortable, economical (if you drive it right) and good value for money. Compared with the Peugeot 306 this is the better car.

My only complaint is that the heater is rubbish. On cold mornings, expect to be cold until the engine is warmed up, because the heat comes from the radiator so I've heard.

The Citroen ZX is a solid buy, and if you get a diesel it won't let you down.

Faults:

Minor malfunctions: Both rear door locks broke @ about 13K km, Sunroof was not opening at the time I got the vehicle, plastic elements are wearing out relatively easy.

Major malfunctions: though you're not expected to have any serious trouble with the engine if you service the vehicle regularly, and use it in the way it's meant to be (running it smooth and peaceful). Pushing the car to its limits can prove to be devastating to the gasoline powered engine - I had my block punctured after I drove for half hour at about 190 km/h (about 115 mph). But hey it was my fault, no one said this car was a racer.

General Comments:

Pros: good economy, very smooth ride (and I mean it), relatively cheap service, front sway bar, passive rear wheel steering, extremely durable corrosion free bodywork that could only be compared to recent BMW makes' or Golf II's. It's a french make.

Cons: BAD ROLL (lack of rear sway bar, soft suspension... hey please don't try to race it OK?) - car tends to lean in corners, which combined with the heavy front makes the car not just unreliable, but somewhat unpredictable when racing through tight corners.

It's a brake eater - my grandfather used to have a russian LADA, even she wasn't wearing out its brakes as easily as this baby does hers... while brake cylinders are generally meant to last a bit longer than usual, pads are literally melting away when performing emergency stops, and especially when overheating them (e.g. driving down a steep incline). Front tires wear off too, so be sure to have your front axle aligned regularly (or as needed)

Although it has no power steering, driving this baby is a real pleasure. Steering isn't heavy, it's just good enough to make your hour long ride pleasant.

This car will not prove good for you if you want to go for a sporty feel and take your ride to extremes.

But if you're a prudent and modest driver, almost always obeying traffic rules, then the odds are that you'll be enjoying this baby for many years (and mileage) to come.