Thinking Of Buying - What Do I Look For?

[72dudes]

Hi all,

 

I'm an interloper from the C5 owners forum, and I'm thinking of a Xsara for my wife, who only drives automatics.

 

I've seen a nice Y reg 1.6 LX auto for sale on autotrader on t'internetweb, lowish mileage (47k), price a bit high at £2200 but looks immaculate.

 

Before I rock up and have a look, thought I'd ask you guys what I should be looking out for? As it's generally more straightforward compared to a C5, is there less to go wrong?

Or should I avoid?

 

Thanks in advance for your hints and tips!

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Hello There.

 

The Xsara, like the ZX before it, is (was) a very staightforward car, At least the early ones were! Halfway through they got a "Facelift!" which improved Bu**er all in my opinion. aparently the later ones need the bumper to be removed before you can change some of the lamps in the headlight assembly! The face lifts also "benefitted" from multiplex wiring with the BSI and all it's economy mode foibles which I find completely irritating in my 2002 Picasso.

 

That much being said, and the slagging off of the BSI etc out of the way, the Xsara is basically a sound little car with few vices. Parts will be cheap as chips, and if you're willing to get in among it, you'll find brakes and general maintainance well within the DIY ability range. The bodyshell is fully galvanised so rust shouldn't be a problem and most Citroen engines seem pretty reliable. Servicing (if you don't want do DIY) won't break the bank and fuel consumption should be reasonable. Taxation will be £215 if it's pre Mar 2001 and so should escape the emmissions punishment.

 

If the car's sound, take it! <_<

[72dudes]

Thanks for that Colin,

 

Can you eleborate a little: What is BSI and the economy mode foibles - any signs I should look out for?

Does my C5 have this BSI?

 

Cheers.

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Yes. The BSI (I think) means Basic Systems Interface or something like that. It's a computery gizmo that monitors everything and switches off what it thinks you don't need running. For instance, if you're sitting in the car waiting for the Missus or significant other, and are listening to the radio, it's programmed to wait until a really important point is being made on the Jeremy Vine show, before switching off the bloody thing and displaying "Economy mode activated" on the screen! Usually after about 30 minutes depending on the state of the battery. However if your missus has her own motor it's unlikely to happen to you!

 

Yes, your C5 would have had one so don't let it put you off if you're happy with it. I, on the other hand, think it's an unforgiveable PAIN IN THE A&*E which is making me think twice about whether my next car should be a Citroen. But then (Sigh!) I hear they're all like that these days!

 

Don't let it put you off buying the Xsara on my say-so. I'm just a bit of a luddite who doesn't like change for the sake of it.

 

Cheers. Happy Buying! ;)

[72dudes]

Thanks again Colin, useful stuff!

 

I won't be buying the car I mentioned above. When I saw it, I could tell that the offside had been in a smash, as the re-paint wasn't brilliant and there was overspray on the inside of the wing under the bonnet. It wasn't cheap enough to overlook this so I'll continue hunting!

 

Cheers.

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Hi again.

 

If you're set on another Citroen have a look at the Autotrader website. There are 38 Automatic Xsaras on there from between £795 for a R plate 1.8i to £4995 for a 2004 110 HDi LX. If you've never looked at Autotrader it's a bit of entertainment in itself. You can (Virtually) spend THOUSANDS without moving out of your seat! I think I need to get out more!

 

Cheers! :unsure:

[72dudes]

Aha, one of my favourite pastimes already!

 

I've ended up with a 2001 Renault Megane Coupe Super Sport 1.6 auto. Very pretty little car! Collecting it tomorrow.

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Keep Shakin' that A*S! ;)