Citroën Saxo (1996 - 2003) 1.6i VTR 3d (97) (1997/R) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That I can't afford a VTS, but still enjoy having a car that makes me happy. Some people viewed it as a boy-racer car, but everybody who attached the stigma to me drove just as irresponsibly as the stereotype they applied to Saxo owners. I suppose it says you don't care that it's a very common car, or that they are sometimes driven by irresponsible people - You have ambition and have bought something good within your price-range.

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

They Love it! Whether or not they enjoy traveling in the back would probably be a different story.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would opt for a Saxo VTS, since it feels like the logical progression.

What are you likely to buy next?

Whatever is within my budget... VTS Perhaps?

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,800

When did you buy the car?

October 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Good insurance group, good on fuel and versatile.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

It always felt like I was driving faster than I really was, and this led to lots of fun during even the most mundane journeys. The car accelerates well enough, and the steering was very, very good. The car went round corners with lots of grip, and inspired confidence. The slight nervousness when taking a corner in a 'spirited' manner worried me, but it was nothing to worry about. Driving in the rain should be kept as sedate as possible - The chassis seemed very stiff, and the car would slide sideways with ease at roundabouts. Driving at over 100mph seemed, to be frank, unstable. I don't doubt the car would go faster, but I have no inclination to test.

What's it like to park?

Wonderful!

Have you had any problems with the car?

The car idled poorly, and often cut out. When driving the car became very hot and I never had a need to use the heaters in Winter, even with the windows open. I suspect it may have been a problem with the head gasket, but the car was written off before said problem could be diagnosed. During the head on collision (Thankfully there was nobody in the Saxo at the time!) The air bag completely failed to deploy, instead starting an electrical fire and melting the wiring... Whilst the car survived the crash very well, the complete failure of both air bags made me seriously worry about safety.

What's most practical about your car?

Great fuel economy and cheap insurance.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Front and rear disk brakes