Citroën Xsara Picasso (2000 - 2010) 1.6i LX 5d (2004/53) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Have, or belong to, a family that needs regular transport. Desire for comfort. Not interested in street racing.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Seem to be generally quite impressed with it - this is understandable if they travel as passangers, due to the comfort and smooth ride.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes - good value, very reliable, very comfortable. Only real drawback might be fuel consumption - but again, depends on how it is driven! It is very much a car which only comes to its best with high driver competencey.

What are you likely to buy next?

Who knows. Maybe even another!

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

June 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes - they wanted the sale, we kept going back every few days, which got them in to a 'got to get rid of this lot' mentality.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Upgrade required - growing family and additional pressures for both space and usage. A newer, spacious, affordable and more reliable car compared to that previously owned was required.

What was the dealer like?

Friendly and efficient - quite a normal humanoid considering it was the Citroen dealership.

What's it like to drive?

Very nice indeed, but only once you're used to it. It is important to get used to the big gearstick (not dissimilar from many modern coaches!) and the light clutch. There are a few blindspots, particularly rearward. The windscreen pillars can also be obstructive, at say roundabouts. Spatial awareness is key for parking - due to the above but also because it is pretty big by most peoples' standards. Excellent on the motorway - cruises well. Very, very comfortable and spatious inside, for everyone. All seats fully adjustable, including driver up and down, which is excellent. The steering lock isn't great - 11m turning circle. There are times when it feels that a 6th gear could help fuel economy, but for its weight it isn't bad anyway. The lights are absolutely excellent.

What's it like to park?

See above - can be hard work and judgement is key - but wholey depends on the driver. It goes without saying that it won't fit in to spaces that a 'smartcar' might. To put it in to perspective, your mother would probably struggle.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Not a great deal - it has been through a couple of headlight bulbs (one each side within a couple of months of each other at about 5 years old, so perhaps some logic there). It has also been looked at for a strange rattling underneath, but this comes and goes, and several garages say there is nothing wrong with it. This is a sound I have heard a number of Picasso's make, and isn't anything to worry about if it happens, and is barely noticable even from outside.

What's most practical about your car?

Loads - tons of boot space, can fit in a full load of passengers comfortably (children and adults, or any combination!) and with the right driver is very spatially practical.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Front 'dashboard' display/computer/warning system/toy - useful, clear and a great help. The various internal lights are good.