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Car Forum / Citroen Cars / November 2006Opinions Please
Hi all, I'm new to this group and would appreciate your opinions on the following. Back in 1997 I had a 2 litre Xantia estate which I thought was a superb car. Unfortunately, when I quit my job the company insisted on me returning it to them :-( Nine years on and I've just pensioned off a 7 Series Beemer - bl00dy awful thing - and am seriously thinking about another Xantia; maybe 97 - 2000 vintage and preferably an estate. So, here come the questions: 1. Which is the best engine to opt for taking into account power, smoothness and economy - I drive about 25000 miles a year mostly on motorways. I will consider both diesel and petrol engines. 2. What are the differences between the various models (SX/LX/etc) and are there any serious omissions from any of them? 3. What should I look out for when going to view a car? Are there any common faults to be aware of? 4. If you were in the market for a used car right now would you buy a Xantia again? Your thoughts would be much appreciated :-)  SignatureRegards Steve G > Hi all, I'm new to this group and would appreciate your opinions on the > following. [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > Your thoughts would be much appreciated :-) I have it in a ZX, which is a smaller car than the Xantia, but the 1.9 non-turbo diesel is economical, smooth, and reliable; very easy to drive around town or in country lanes, but you won't shake off the cops if you need a quick getaway. I shall certainly consider a Xantia next time I'm buying, if I have enough money. Signature-- ^^^^^^^^^^ -- Whiskers -- ~~~~~~~~~~ > I have it in a ZX, which is a smaller car than the Xantia, but the 1.9 > non-turbo diesel is economical, smooth, and reliable; very easy to drive [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > I shall certainly consider a Xantia next time I'm buying, if I have enough > money. The 1.9 non turbo was mindblowingly, unbearably slow in the Xantia. And expensive, considering the total abscense of performance. Utterly, utterly awful. I thought it was too slow to live with, and I drive a 2cv now. siani (I also had the 1.9d and liked it in a ZX beforehand, though) Signature\\||// - oo - -|--|- (hedgehog) >> I have it in a ZX, which is a smaller car than the Xantia, but the >> 1.9 non-turbo diesel is economical, smooth, and reliable; very easy >> to drive around town or in country lanes, but you won't shake off the >> cops if you need a quick getaway. > The 1.9 non turbo was mindblowingly, unbearably slow in the Xantia. > And expensive, considering the total abscense of performance. > Utterly, utterly awful. I thought it was too slow to live with, and I > drive a 2cv now. > > siani (I also had the 1.9d and liked it in a ZX beforehand, though) The basic 1.9D isn't exactly a ball of fire even in the ZX - I can only imagine how sluggish it is in a Xant. Mind you, there was a non-turbo 1.7 (BX/C15/Visa lump) in an XM on fleaBay a while back... >>> I have it in a ZX, which is a smaller car than the Xantia, but the >>> 1.9 non-turbo diesel is economical, smooth, and reliable; very easy [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > The basic 1.9D isn't exactly a ball of fire even in the ZX - I can only > imagine how sluggish it is in a Xant. My 1.9D got a little more oomph after I had it serviced properly, but I agree that the acceleration at motorway speeds isn't going to break any records. For gentle cruising, it works very well indeed in the ZX - and if you have the nerve to keep your speed up on country roads then the handling of the car can see off some much 'faster' (and more expensive) vehicles. The Xantia is heavier though, so the turbo diesel would probably be worth considering. > Mind you, there was a non-turbo 1.7 (BX/C15/Visa lump) in an XM on fleaBay > a while back... Not everyone is in a big hurry :)) Signature-- ^^^^^^^^^^ -- Whiskers -- ~~~~~~~~~~ >> The basic 1.9D isn't exactly a ball of fire even in the ZX - I can >> only imagine how sluggish it is in a Xant. > My 1.9D got a little more oomph after I had it serviced properly A few years ago, my CX was in dock for a week or so for a head gasket and a few other bits. I got one of the 1.9D ZX loaners. It was flat at about 80mph when I picked it up. It was also VERY smokey... A thousand miles in a week later, and not only didn't it smoke, but I'd seen north of 100mph out of it... >> Mind you, there was a non-turbo 1.7 (BX/C15/Visa lump) in an XM on >> fleaBay a while back... > Not everyone is in a big hurry :)) True, but... >>> The basic 1.9D isn't exactly a ball of fire even in the ZX - I can >>> only imagine how sluggish it is in a Xant. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > I got one of the 1.9D ZX loaners. It was flat at about 80mph when I picked > it up. It was also VERY smokey... The first time I floored the accelerator on mine (overtaking a string of lorries going up a steep hill on a dual carriageway - I was in 3rd gear) I left a shocking smoke-screen. Almost as bad as some of the lorries. > A thousand miles in a week later, and not only didn't it smoke, but I'd > seen north of 100mph out of it... I haven't had that much out of mine, but I will admit to more than 90 if no-one official is listening; that didn't red-line the rev counter. >>> Mind you, there was a non-turbo 1.7 (BX/C15/Visa lump) in an XM on >>> fleaBay a while back... > >> Not everyone is in a big hurry :)) > > True, but... It's getting hard to find any road in the UK that isn't at least apparently under the watchfull eye of a speed-camera. I have a strong aversion to 'getting a ticket'. Signature-- ^^^^^^^^^^ -- Whiskers -- ~~~~~~~~~~ >>> I have it in a ZX, which is a smaller car than the Xantia, but the >>> 1.9 non-turbo diesel is economical, smooth, and reliable; very easy [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > The basic 1.9D isn't exactly a ball of fire even in the ZX - I can > only imagine how sluggish it is in a Xant. I had a 1.9D BX a few years ago and whilst not brilliantly fast was certainly adequate for my needs and good for 90+. The 1.9 TD Xantia didn't seem to be all that much faster and the economy was definitely worse, not by much 44 instead of 47 overall. > Mind you, there was a non-turbo 1.7 (BX/C15/Visa lump) in an XM on > fleaBay a while back... Eeuw, 0-60 in how many years? SignatureMalc "You cannot do better than go by Dover or Calais" Chairman of the Royal Geographic Society when asked the best route to Bolivia >>>I have it in a ZX, which is a smaller car than the Xantia, but the >>>1.9 non-turbo diesel is economical, smooth, and reliable; very easy [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > The basic 1.9D isn't exactly a ball of fire even in the ZX - I can only > imagine how sluggish it is in a Xant. It was entirely liveable in the ZX, even if it wasn't going to win any races. But OH GOD it was slow in the Xantia. > Mind you, there was a non-turbo 1.7 (BX/C15/Visa lump) in an XM on fleaBay > a while back... Scarily, I saw that. I refuse to believe that it was capable of travelling uphill under its own power. siani Signature\\||// - oo - -|--|- (hedgehog) SteveG (_@_._) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying : > 1. Which is the best engine to opt for taking into account power, > smoothness and economy - I drive about 25000 miles a year mostly on > motorways. I will consider both diesel and petrol engines. Diesel. 1.9TD, 2.1TD or HDi, according to what you can find. 1.9's easiest to maintain, other two are smoother/faster. v6 petrol is *gorgeous*, but thirsty and a maintenance nightmare. > 2. What are the differences between the various models (SX/LX/etc) and > are there any serious omissions from any of them? VSX & Exclusive have Hydractive suspension - lovely, but more hassle to maintain - SX is everywhere, LX is pikey sales rep. Special editions are numerous and vary. Aircon should be damn near ubiquitous except on pikeyspec. Leather electric seats VERY worth going for, because they're a different - and better - shape of seat. > 3. What should I look out for when going to view a car? Are there any > common faults to be aware of? Where to start... Even the newest Xants are getting into late middle age now. > 4. If you were in the market for a used car right now would you buy a > Xantia again? I'd probably look at a C5, to be honest. Actually, no, I'd look at an XM - or even a CX - but I'm wierd like that. > Hi all, I'm new to this group and would appreciate your opinions on the > following. [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > Your thoughts would be much appreciated :-) Thanks for the couple of comments so far - points have been taken on board :-) I'm currently looking at a 1997 diesel VSX estate which has had a Van Aaken smart box fitted. I've looked at their web site (www.vanaaken.com) but it just gives typical marketing/sales bumf. Anyone have an opinion on this modification? SignatureRegards Steve G > So, here come the questions: > 1. Which is the best engine to opt for taking into account power, > smoothness and economy - I drive about 25000 miles a year mostly on > motorways. I will consider both diesel and petrol engines. I have a 90hp Hdi in a '99 Xant - what an excellent car! I'd have probably gone for the 110hp version knowing what I know now but the 90hp is actually fine for all legal speeds and upto 115mph on the autobahn ... ;-) > 2. What are the differences between the various models (SX/LX/etc) and are > there any serious omissions from any of them? dunno - I got a bog std Xant (SX?) it's got aircon and a rear wiper which were top of my list! > 3. What should I look out for when going to view a car? Are there any > common faults to be aware of? dunno - non that i've come across at 140000miles ... oh, the ABS packed up recently but it was just a wheel sensor (as prediceted here and by the chap in the garage ...) > 4. If you were in the market for a used car right now would you buy a > Xantia again? yes - but I'd want a 110hp common rail diesel with the active anti-roll suspension - which was never an option apparently ... so I'd probably go for a diesel V70 as they dont roll as much as the Xant and handle a bit better ... > Your thoughts would be much appreciated :-) best of luck S > 2. What are the differences between the various models (SX/LX/etc) and > are there any serious omissions from any of them? There are a couple of brochures here if it helps http://website.lineone.net/~oystercatcher/ Alan SignatureWarning! - This newsgroup may contain nuts.... None of us have anything better to do, otherwise we'd be doing it.... Mail sent to this address is nuked unread using mail2web.... > Hi all, I'm new to this group and would appreciate your opinions on the > following. [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > Your thoughts would be much appreciated :-) Hi again folks. Firstly, a huge thanks for all the comments and suggestions - much appreciated. I've shelled out some of the hard earned on the estate I mentioned the other day. Very pleased with it so far and will become intimately acquainted with it at the weekend replacing the rear spheres. Perhaps someone can clarify something for me here: just how many spheres are there at the back of a VSX estate with hydractive suspension - is it 3 or 4? This newsgroup may not be as busy as others I frequent but the information is equally as good :-) SignatureRegards Steve G > Perhaps someone can clarify something for me here: just how many spheres > are there at the back of a VSX estate with hydractive suspension - is it > 3 or 4? 4. One for each wheel, one anti-sink and one Hydractive..... Alan SignatureWarning! - This newsgroup may contain nuts.... None of us have anything better to do, otherwise we'd be doing it.... Mail sent to this address is nuked unread using mail2web.... >> Perhaps someone can clarify something for me here: just how many >> spheres are there at the back of a VSX estate with hydractive >> suspension - is it 3 or 4? > 4. One for each wheel, one anti-sink and one Hydractive..... No antisink if it's one of the pre-first facelift cars... >>> Perhaps someone can clarify something for me here: just how many >>> spheres are there at the back of a VSX estate with hydractive [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >No antisink if it's one of the pre-first facelift cars... I have a pre-facelift with antisink, so there are exceptions. Mine was made 23 august 1993. Chevrons on hood and antisink. SignatureEduardo K. | Darwin pone las reglas. http://www.carfun.cl | Murphy, la oportunidad. http://e.nn.cl | | Yo. >>> Perhaps someone can clarify something for me here: just how many >>> spheres are there at the back of a VSX estate with hydractive [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > No antisink if it's one of the pre-first facelift cars... It's post-facelift with anti-sink ... so 4 it is. The previous owner tells me the hydractive sphere was changed last year so I may pass on that one this weekend. Leads me to the next question: how do I tell which one is the anti-sink and which is the hydractive? Are they obviously different? SignatureRegards Steve G >Leads me to the next question: how do I tell which one is the anti-sink >and which is the hydractive? Are they obviously different? Antisink is the one that has a pipe bolted to it. If its in the car, the antisink sphere is right next to the height corrector and faces front-rear. Hydractive is up high, next to an electrical connector, facing left-right. SignatureEduardo K. | Darwin pone las reglas. http://www.carfun.cl | Murphy, la oportunidad. http://e.nn.cl | | Yo. > >Leads me to the next question: how do I tell which one is the anti-sink > >and which is the hydractive? Are they obviously different? [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > http://e.nn.cl | > | Yo. > Leads me to the next question: how do I tell which one is the anti-sink > and which is the hydractive? Are they obviously different? Desperately trying to remember what the back of my '94 VSX looked like..... The anti-sink is mounted on a flat metal bracket adjacent to the rear height corrector. Don't try and unscrew the sphere from the bracket as you would a suspension sphere, you will twist the pipework and probably break it. You have to disconnect the pipe first...... SignatureWarning! - This newsgroup may contain nuts.... None of us have anything better to do, otherwise we'd be doing it.... Mail sent to this address is nuked unread using mail2web.... >>> Perhaps someone can clarify something for me here: just how many >>> spheres are there at the back of a VSX estate with hydractive [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > No antisink if it's one of the pre-first facelift cars... Well the OP said he was looking at 1997-2000 cars, definitely post-first facelift wouldn't you say? and maybe even post-second.... SignatureWarning! - This newsgroup may contain nuts.... None of us have anything better to do, otherwise we'd be doing it.... Mail sent to this address is nuked unread using mail2web.... > Hi all, I'm new to this group and would appreciate your opinions on the > following. [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > Your thoughts would be much appreciated :-) Once again, many thanks for the help you've provided. It's off to the local Euro Car Parts store in the morning to shell out some more of the hard earned stuff. The wife's giving me knowing looks but I've promised her this car will cost less to run and maintain the BMW 7 Series it has replaced ... not that it's difficult to be less expensive to own than that particular beast. I'll be back with more questions I'm sure :-) SignatureRegards Steve G
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