Petrol Or Diesel For Cheapest Maintenance?

[jgrange]

I am looking to buy used citroen for a cheap runner.  The classified and Ebay have some good offers but will diesel cost more for parts.  Would a low mileage deisel ZX (Ebay) have high maintenance compared to petrol?

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

You may find getting parts for a ZX is not easy since Citroen may not keep them leaving the scrap option and maybe aftermarket parts, so something to check before buying, especially if you know the car needs a repair to get it in good order.

 

Diesels can cost more for fuel filters and fuel pumps but the other usual things will be similar (brakes, oil, filters) but you would need to check things like a turbo are not in need of replacing.

[Johndouglas]

The ZX will have a XUD engine in it.   Is it a turbo or an atmo engine?   Providing oil changes have been done at the appointed times, there's very little to go wrong with the engine.   You can put any half decent semi-synthetic oil in it and a filter can be got for around a £5,   Brake pads and discs will all be obtainable at GSF/ECP.   Prices won't vary much between petrol and diesel.  

[jgrange]

Hi Gents,  great advice.  The ZX I am looking to bid on is in excellent condition - even the engine looks like its never seen a puddle but has a antique coating of oil!  It is automatic which wasn't something I had considered but with 42k miles I suspect the wear and tear will be minimal.  The owner showed me brake pads replaced in 2015.  As I am no expert I am taking a friend with educated ear to listen to the engine but it sounded OK to me. Thanks again.

[paul.h]

I guess this is it on ebay, a one owner, a white 1993 ZX diesel, 1.9 litre using the reg in eurocarparts site http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-ZX-Avantage-Diesel-Automatic-5-door-Hatchback-car-/111905978168?#description

 

It does not say if a turbo or not. The 2015 service history mentions new rear brake shoes and cylinders but not brake pads. It says there is no history of a cam belt change so this must be a first thing to do on the car. Recent Citroens have a mileage or 10 year interval if sooner but I do not know about 23 year old Citroens.

[Johndouglas]

I think it's safe to say that this car doesn't have a turbo otherwise it would be described as a ZXTD.   So don't expect it to be a flyer.   But it sounds a nice car - other than the auto box - to me it's just something else to go wrong.   Also fuel consumption will be a bit higher than a manual car.    XUD engines had earlier belt changes than more modern ones so get it changed ASAP.   They are an easy belt to change - apart from the lack of space, because it will have automatic tensioning.     Because of it's low mileage, pulleys won't need renewing.   Get the aux. belt changed at the same time.