Citroën Xantia Estate (1995 - 2001) 2.0 HDi LX 5d (AC) (1999/T) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

buying a car which has so many great qualities, practical reliable and economical says why waste money on overpriced status symbols

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

I never asked anyone if my car had street cred because Im happy with it so they can think what they like.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Its a fantastic value car and apart from some poor electrical connections its been totally reliable and so cheap to run

What are you likely to buy next?

I am in the process of buying a C5 HDi estate (90) so its a downgrade in power but...got a terrific bargain with very low mileage, Insurance is group 7 from group 13 for the xantia and road tax is only £115. the C5 seems Longer too with more space, an extra 12v power in the boot and rear suspension lowering. A friend who runs an 03 Mondeo TDi has had mechanical problems so best avoided

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,300

When did you buy the car?

October 2003

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was on ebay and I saved about £1000 on the going price at the time, the seller withdrew it from ebay but I had already arranged to go and see it. it only had 59k and full service history.Was told it was 90hp but later found out it was 110hp

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Upgrade from BX estate, reliable practical, ideal workhorse, comfort economy, versatility

What was the dealer like?

Bought it privately, the seller used it to tow his caravan and bought a ford maverick for the 4 wheel drive but later bought another xantia HDi estate

What's it like to drive?

Seemed heavy at first after driving a BX but its a dream to hammer down bumpy winding backroads, responsive, solid and no rattles. It also cruises at speed well and not affected much by strong cross winds,good torque for towing and climbing hills.

What's it like to park?

I tend to leave the nose sticking out a bit in supermarkets rather than risk backing into anyone with my towbar. Light power steering but turning circle isn't great.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yeah I had a puncture! other than that faulty dash airbag and seatbelt lights, poor connection in o/s front fog light, No breakdowns. I changed the suspension spheres and flushed the hydraulic system myself after a local mechanic didn't know enough.

What's most practical about your car?

Use it for my carpentry business, carries a lot of weight with tools and timber on the roofbars, has a towbar and trailer which hardly ever gets used. Its comfortable and economical. Cheap motoring if you can service them yourself

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Tuning box and K&N filters give it more oomph and smoothness, keeps up with modern 130hp TDi cars such as fords and VW's. As standard I like the suspension because the cops can't tell when its overloaded with weight and theres the ability to raise the suspension for driving over rough ground or through floods.