1997 Citroen Xantia Image review from Australia and New Zealand
"Beware the Lorelie charms of a Citroen"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
At first it was a motoring joy. Nothing went wrong, fuel economy and performance were outstanding and I thought I had a terrific car which would last for years. Then something happened. I felt the hydraulic system was sabotaged because I put it in a workshop for a routine 70000klm service.
When I collected the car it bahaved like a donkey. The suspension was dreasful. I returned it to the dealer who claimed to find water in the lines and charged me more to drain and flush it. It behaved just as badly after this so I took it to anbother dealer. More expenses and other drain faled to correct the problem. The second dealer found the first dealer had incorrectly replaced suspension components.
General comments?
This is not the first time I have ahad a bad experience with Citroen suspension systems. I say beware of this mark.
A high quality car which does not hold value. The dealers exploit the relative uniqueness of the car in Australia because most workshops know nothing about Citroens. Hence the cost of repairing them is expensive.
Overall, it is easy to fall in love with a Citroen (as I did with my Xantia) and just as easy to have the dream shattered.
I will never touch another Citroen.
Recommended reviews
Family car | |
  | If bought at the right price can provide very cheap family transport. |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2 litre 8 V Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 51000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 70000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz 280S |
| Date of Entry | 1st February, 2004 |