1993 Citroen AX Debut review from UK and Ireland

The original alternator, radiator and water pump (and radio!) all packed up after an amazing 103,000 miles of slightly leaky service (the radiator wasn't actually broken, but more sludged up than any the guy who fixed it had seen in a long while and beyond repair).

The brakes appeared to have been thrashed and maltreated in the past as they failed the MOT for heavily warped disks, seized calipers and worn pads - this would explain the appalling noise and startling lack of braking ability.

The engine is still going strong at this mileage, but is sounding less than healthy now - it is noisier than previously and makes all sorts of knocking whistling noises which I hope don't mean anything too dire.

The engine hesitates on and off regularly when cold which is annoying, but also not worth the expense of a new ECU part to fix - apparently the fuel sensors are breaking up with age.

This is an update on the original review for the same car ("A decent, frugal and likeable small car")

I still love it to bits, BUT! A word of warning to any AX owner/buyer!

These cars (particularly injection models) do not appreciate neglect and the last 6 months have shown up a dire lack of attention on mine by the previous owner - get some service history!

Still, it's a joy to run, isn't rusting very much (I've seen Novas and Fiestas with holes in them for this age) and has only broken down twice in 10 months.

Despite the drama list its had a hard time with me - lots of bombing up and down high speed roads, lots of country lanes and lots of sitting in heavy traffic - so I'm not complaining.

If you see one you like & it has some service history, don't even stop to ask how much - just buy it! Great little car!