1988 Citroen BX 17 RD 1.7 diesel

Faults:

Both rear suspension arm bearings failed between 100k and 110k.

Various hydraulic leaks.

Radiator & thermostat failed.

Rust - inner wings (MOT failure), outer wings, front of sills (behind mud flaps).

Corrosion on hydraulic pipes.

All suspension spheres failed.

Front struts suspect.

General Comments:

Poor build quality, and ride comfort really isn't very good cosidering the complexity of the system.

And yes, they DO rust, but you have to look for it - by the time it's noticeable it's too late.

The only good things I can say about the car is the diesel is economical and seems reliable.

They are also horrid cars cars to work on yourself.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 4th April, 1999

1988 Citroen BX Evolution 2.0 turbo 16 valve petrol

Faults:

Waste gate.

Some niggling hydraulic faults.

Driveshafts x 10 !!

General Comments:

This is the only BX Evolution I know of - I paid 15 000 for it, and it is fantastically quick. It pushes out nearly 400 horsepower, so you can imagine the performance (0-60 is supposed to take about 3.5 seconds).

It drinks 4-star - regular is about 8mpg!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th January, 1999

1988 Citroen BX 19 GTi 8v 1.9 petrol

Faults:

Mine's a high miler at about 165K miles but the engine and gearbox is original. I've replaced:

2 * alternator (100K and 165K).

2 * all spheres (90K).

2 * handbrake cable (there's one each side) (80K and 165K).

1 * ABS sensor (120K).

1 * ignition coil (160K).

1 * clutch actuator lever (85K).

1 * hydraulic pipe (85K).

1 * speedo (125K).

2 * anti roll bar links (155K).

1 * electric window motor (80K).

1 * clutch, and more brake.

1 * front brake disks (120K).

1 * alternator pulley (165K).

and more brake pads, tyres and exhausts than I can remember.

General Comments:

Bought 6 years ago with 56K on the clock, it still looks fresh, no rust and no dents. It needs the spheres doing again now but to be honest a lot of other niggly things have failed like the heater fan and dash lights - these aren't expensive but are a REAL pain to fix. It's also started to break down reasonably frequently now (the alternator and coil packed up within a week of each other) so I guess it's time to look for a new one.

It'll probably be a 3/4 year old Xantia.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st December, 1998

1988 Citroen BX GTi 16v 1.9 16v 160 bhp petrol

Faults:

12 rotor arms (£3.50), 4 safety suspension valves (£56), 2 thottle sensors (£45), 2 sets of valve stem seals (£120 fitted), in 137,000 miles.

General Comments:

A very powerful and fast performer, 0-60 in 7.2 seconds 136 mph.

Can now be picked up for £500+.

Engines drink oil, brakes put you through the screen and scare the life out of anyone behind you! Corners on rails, if you can keep it going you won't get anything faster under £5000.

Sold it in 97.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd December, 1998

19th Jun 2001, 15:47

The 1905CC 16V unit shouldn't really drink oil if its all okay. My 1990 Phase 2 16V uses about 1/2 litre between changes (every 5K miles)

15th Dec 2001, 12:23

Overviewing all the costs in comparison to the mileage, besides regular maintenance you're out cheap! I don't see your problem.

Replacing the valve stem seals two times in 137000 miles is too much. Mine are now 110000 miles old and are scheduled for replacement next year. Warming up the engine after starting might help...

26th Oct 2004, 17:21

I fail to see how you could stop the car warming up after starting it, what a silly comment. If the car was using oil it had a problem.

1988 Citroen BX RE 1.4 petrol

Faults:

I only had my BX for a year because of an accident. Nothing went wrong with the car apart from a bit of starting trouble in the winter. However, other Citroens I have owned have been a little more tempremental with sunroofs failing, quite a few electrical problems, and curious stalling - but hey, they are interesting cars, suffering now and again is all part of the deal!

General Comments:

I've had two BXs and they are dirt cheap, extremely comfortable and unlike public opinion, are not badly screwed together. Sure, they rattle, but I've seen diesels with 250k on the clock and apart from rattles are fine. And they hardly ever suffer from rust, and apart from the XM I have yet to go into a car with such a great ride. Give the BX a try - they are great to drive, truly individual and not as unreliable as made out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th April, 1998