Citroen AX
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Cheap. Prices now bottoming out - rare diesels attractive.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    74mpg, but high insurance for what it is and expensie dealer servicing.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Smile a minute, even for a 58bhp diesel.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Not a road burner, but you can make good progress without thrashing it.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Never failed to start, but see below.

    Image

    1 out of 5 1.0

    It's boxy, cheap and French.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Excellent front sports seats. Good ride. Wouldn't want to go more than a few hundred metres in the back, though.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    1 out of 5 1.0

    No alarm, immobiliser, or lock on glovebox. If frameless rear hatchback window is smashed, the hydraulic arms force the rest of the tailgate away from the body, damaging the hatch lock.

    Service

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Citroen's own (i.e. not a franchise) dealer tried to charge me £13 to replace a Bosch wiper I fitted the week before. One saving grace is that they fixed a known fault with fuel tank without charge.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Fuel pump had to be totally rebuilt after water ingress from broken fuel filler pipe.

    Other

    Horn fuse (also operates lighter) failed after 4 years/24,000 miles.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No