Faults:

Hydro-pneumatic suspension has a habit of leaking expensive liquid hydraulic mineral fluid.

Clutch seized at 160,000 miles.

Dash has discoloured due to harsh Australian Sun.

Interior trim plastic very flimsy.

Clutch cable snapped.

Worn synchromesh on second gear.

Worn wheel bearing on right hand side.

Flat battery.

General Comments:

This car was personally imported from Britain by the original owner. This model being a diesel is extremely rare in this country and to my knowledge, is the only one in Australia.

It has absolutely no rust as it zinc coated and galvanized in crucial areas.

Parts are fairly easy to obtain.

Citroens are considered quite a rarity on Australian roads, and always spark up a conversation with curious onlookers.

Ride and comfort are unbelievable for a car of this vintage. The seats are a model of excellence, being sculpted to fit the human body. The choice of wool-blend cloth which adorns them was not quite as logical.

The car Rides and Handles extremely well, and can rival many modern luxury cars. However, as the car has aged the hydro-pneumatic suspension system has often proved to be a burden. Perished hoses create leaks and must be checked constantly, or the ever important (and expensive) fluid utilised by the power steering, suspension and brakes which be lost.

The car is fairly reliable and the engine is as strong as an ox. acceleration is good for a diesel car. Remarkable fuel efficiency is a major plus.

Idiosyncratic nature may prove to be too much for some.

I am pleased with this car, but it is strictly for the enthusiast as it will test both your patience and bank balance.

Faults:

Alternator output cable charred.

Battery cable connectors charred.

Front struts creaking.

Front strut rubber return line.

Apart from general maintenance items eg. brake pads (front) at 110,000 and replacement front discs shortly, no major faults.

General Comments:

Having had 2 Tractions and 3 D's the BX is the better car.

Build quality is very good.

Plastic trim is fading in the Aussie sun.

Goes very well for a 1.9 Litre, no doubt the 120HP and 1,100KG make the difference.

Handles precisely.

Faults:

Intermittent tachometer.

Clutch cable.

Accelerator cable.

Flow distribution valve oil leak.

Water pump leak.

Nothing out of the ordinary, really. Normal service stuff like spheres, cam belt, tyres etc etc.

General Comments:

Sensational performance and a real head-turner in a country where Citroens are "funny french cars". Also very frugal on unleaded on long trips. About 800-900km to a tank - but the trick is not to play at being Mr Lead-foot, because then it drinks like a fish.

Bit of a question mark over the interior plastics durability this close to the hole in the ozone layer, but time will tell.

Some parts in Australia are expensive, others ludicrously cheap. Citroen expertise at dealers and garages is minimal. It pays to get yourself a manual and learn the beasty.

Faults:

Ignition lock wore out at 100K miles.

Suspension spheres replaced 103K.

Stalling on cold starts until carburettor adjusted.

High oil consumption.

Rattles & squeaks!

General Comments:

A well loved car, owned from new.

Exported to New Zealand with us...it's now an exotic foreign car!

Fun, comfortable family transport. No major problems, all is well at 110K miles.

Recently we considered getting a new car...but couldn't bear to part with it.