2000 Citroen Xantia Exclusive 2.0 16v

Summary:

A Modern Classic - what a beauty

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong - beautifully built and maintained.

General Comments:

The best car I've ever had (and I've had some beauties inc a Peugeot 205 GTI).

Hydractive suspension is just awesome.

Floats on air at high speed - nothing can match it.

Beautiful soft leather interior.

Adaptive gearbox sometimes gets confused (changes too late).

2.0 engine can be noisy with revs.

Will never own another conventionally suspended car.

Beautiful to look at and to own. A true Citroen.

Servicing has been done every 10k kms, which is essential for this car - no penny pinching!

But the rewards this car brings are worth it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th June, 2006

15th Feb 2011, 14:23

Having owned over 20 Citroens since 1959 I have had nearly a lifetime of floating on oil. With the exception of the DS, my 1998 Xantia 2 litre 16 valve would be the nicest car of them all.

18th Mar 2011, 01:26

Still got the car, and still love it.

Do most of the servicing myself now, leaving larger jobs to a trusted local mechanic with 30 years experience working on Citroens. Still enjoying using it everyday, with no plans to sell.

In reply to 15th Feb 2011, 14:23

3rd Jul 2011, 05:09

I am a mirror image owner of about 28 Citroens over 50 years. The Xantia is a dream car, but not as good as the late model DS.

In reply to 18th Mar 2011, 01:26

12th Sep 2017, 07:15

In 2012 the car was rear-ended by a P Plater in evening traffic - more interested in his phone than cars ahead.

Unfortunately it was a write-off.

Very sad way for a beautiful car to end :-(

1997 Citroen Xantia SX 2.0i petrol

Summary:

Small car handling with big car ride

Faults:

Electrics crashed in first two months.

Excessive brake disk wear fist three years (since fixed).

Head gasket needed replacement after 70,000k.

General Comments:

This car is the best to drive I have experienced. Don't look to it for sporty handling and, with the standard 2 litre engine, performance is sluggish, but the handling is totally dependable and the ride on Citroen's oleo-pneumatic suspension is out of this world. Because of age I have now traded the car in and have not found anything on the market today of a similar size with a better ride.

Xantias have a bad reputation for reliability and I believe it is essential to have it serviced by a specialist in Citroens because of the touchy proprietary technology. I can only say that, while the assembly quality wasn't high by Japanese standards, I have had nine years of mostly trouble free, and very enjoyable motoring from it.

Subjective, I know, but I also think it is still one of the most attractive body shapes on the road.

If you can find a good one and have access to an experienced Citroen service agent I would have no hesitation in recommending.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2006

1998 Citroen Xantia activa turbo

Summary:

Fantastic to drive, needs support

Faults:

Rear suspension never worked from new.

Loses rear pressure as soon as car is turned off.

Rattles.

Radiator cap (took 3 goes to find the fault)

Recirculation switch.

General Comments:

Great car to drive, completely spoiled by the inability of the Australian importer to rectify the rear suspension faults... five years of trying.

Love Citroens, but without the support of the importer, how can I recommend purchase here?

Compared, say, to the service offered by Honda some years ago...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd December, 2003

3rd Jul 2011, 04:55

Having owned every model except the SM and XM, from Traction Avant to and including C5 over 50 years, I am amazed at the dissatisfaction many owners experience with their cars.

I have always stayed with Citroen, because although I have always done high mileage, my maintenance costs have been low.

Only once have I had to wait for a part, and that was for a windscreen for my Xantia. The CX though was a high cost in tyres and suspension.

Some DS, I have done 3 to 400000 miles before major cost.

My 1998 Xantia 2 litre 16v has done 195000 km, and still the same exhaust & battery. Lucky we do not have any salt on our roads in New Zealand.

It's essential to have servicing up to date and good service technicians.

I purchased a C5 diesel, but sold it after 1000km, and prefer my Xantia. Highly recommended.