Citroen Xsara road tests and consumer car reviews

Citroen Xsara 1.8 16v petrol injection 1998

One of the first models to come out but excellent value for money at the time. Had a few problems such as petrol pump needing replacement, front brake calipers locking solid last year and during it’s first month, the lateral airbag on driver’s seat exploded without warning resulting in a recall locally. Has been used as a workhorse transporting everything from furniture to building materials. The downside being the battery under front seat which resulted in the seat not being able to be locked into position when battery replaced - hence four days for garage to find out how. No warning when battery died at 7 years old, everything came to a standstill. One of the most reliable cars we have ever owned apart from a VW Transporter Pickup which was brilliant. Not an economic vehicle to run in a hilly region but very very comfortable and safe feeling.

Citroen Xsara 2.0hdi LX 2002

If you enjoy regular trips to your friendly car repair man then this is the car for you. Anti-roll drop links go every 6 months, interior trim falls off somewhere on the car every so often, the rear suspension chats to me like a small child. But the engine is brilliant. Pretty economical, but this is outweighed by the regular trips to the repair man.

Citroen Xsara 1.9 Turbo D SX 2000

I have a Metallic Blue 2000 Xsara 1.9 TD SX and I absolutely adore it, it has to be the most comfortable car on the road. The engine pulls really well and its very very reliable, I have over 160,000 Miles on the Odo metre and it has never missed a beat. I have friends with new Astra’s and Ford Focus’ and they all ask me why I do not change my car. And the answer is simple, every so often I hear them talking about a fault or a problem with their cars! I never have anything of the sort to talk about, the car has never gave any electrical trouble. The only thing needing replaced was drop link arms. As they talk about "driving the car into the ground", this is exactly what I’m going to do because its faultless and there is another few years left in the car. Interior has stood upto 10 years of abuse very well, surprisingly when you hear of Citroens falling apart and you look at my car you wont say its a Citroen or else they are lieing in car reviews. I wish Citroen still made then because I would go out and buy another, but unfortunately they don’t so I want to hold onto mine as long as I can.

Citroen Xsara hdi diesel 90 lx 2003

This is my 3rd Xsara now, I have had 2 petrols and now a hdi diesel. My experience of all three cars is great comfort, in fact I would go as far as to say the most comfy car I’ve ever driven. All the seats feel like armchairs, they all drive smooth and are quite responsive particularly the diesel which is actually quite powerful and quiet! The petrols are reasonable on fuel but not great, however the 2.0hdi diesel is fantastic. I’ve had 60mpg out of it. Most Xsara’s come with full electric windows, mirrors, air conditioning, nice sound system etc... so are reasonable on specification. The only common faults I’ve found on them are rear bushes and shocks, and the electric windows can stick. Other than that they are very reliable. I would recommend the Xsara hdi diesel 90 lx, as it’s the best engine and is also cheap on tax and insurance.

Responses to this review

I have a SX model 2 litre HDI. Mine is pretty sore on diesel, maybe the fact that the price of diesel is way up as well. Only got it last Saturday, it’s very nice and comfy - Phillip Irwin from County Londonderry