Citroen BX Estate
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Not worth buying an abused example.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    45 - 50mpg + great performance is main attraction. Parts including suspension are cheaper than equivalent bits on 'normal cars'. Regular oil and filter changes are essential.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Good handling; understeer present but never a problem. Brakes a little too sensitive and easy to lock unless you have ABS.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Sluggish from below 2,500. Above goes like a rocket. Excellent motorway stormer.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Excellent if looked after like many other cars. Engine is excellent; although let it tick over before switching off to avoid destroying turbo. Suspension very reliable but rubber return hoses will usually need replacing on all cars by now, which is a pain

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    No image, but ok-looking in practical estate form. Great to surprise boy racers. Who would nick it?

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Excellent seats in top of range model. Lots of electric toys, better than an Escort Ghia. Optional air con would have been nice.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Easy to break in to; could be a problem if people knew how good they are.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Citroen dealerships are uninterested; no money in these for them. Specialists are easy to find, but find a good one.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Turbo whistle traced to intercooler seal cost £2 from dealer. Oil leak from cam seal. 'Stop leak' in oil cured that.

    Other

    Suspension return pipes. Cheap, but a sod to fit. New rear suspension spheres at £18 each and new rear arm bearings.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes