1999 Citroen Saxo VTS 1.6 16v

Summary:

An awesome little car. Fragile, but capable of scaring you long before you reach its limits

Faults:

Catalyst internals fell off their mountings at new.

Paint fault on the tailgate when new.

Dealer didn't replace the radiator cap to second notch after a service (prove that one if you can!). Engine cooked all gaskets above the head. 12,000 miles.

Suspension noisy. Bushings to the anti-roll bar drop links and the wishbones are wearing, but the dealer won't replace until failed. From 10,000 miles.

Gearbox stiff, especially coming down the box to 3rd. Linkage wear or synchro?

Sun roof rubber seal popped out of its mount. Replaced, but if not opened in a while still can stick and pull out again. 18,000 miles.

Intermittent hesitation on acceleration, then would not hold idle. Faults showing a knock sensor fault. Replaced. Same problem plus other sensors reporting faults (mixture, oxygen etc.) 30,000 miles. ECU Dying?

Excessive steam from the exhaust until at normal operating temperature. Always noticeable in cold conditions.

General Comments:

Well done Citroen for introducing a 3 year 60,000 warranty. Too late for me, but enough to make me consider a new one.

Cracking car. Shame about the dealer network and the warranty at the time.

Feed it Mobil 1 and it'll never use any oil between services.

Standard radio cassette (now has CD as standard) only good to put back in as you sell the car on again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2001

11th Feb 2001, 19:16

Ouch I really feel sorry for you mate, I have VTS as well, it's only done 600 miles and needs a new part on the exhaust system. This car does not fill me with confidence at all I must say.

Although the performance and road handling are incredible.

Good luck!!!!!

7th Mar 2001, 01:54

I like the thing about the CD player, I was thinking the same way, I'll put it back when I sell it.

20th Jun 2002, 06:37

I have a 106 GTI, which suffered from the same problem with the sunroof seal. The dealer wasnt really interested so I solved the problem myself. Get a tube of silicon (not the sealant kind) and spread it around the top of the seal. You can get it from most DIY shops, just ask for Plumbers Silicon. I've had no problems since. Its worth having a look under the panel where the sunroof handle is, as water tends to collect there if the seal has lifted.

1999 Citroen Saxo Furio 1.4i

Summary:

Speedy, cheap and reliable

Faults:

Even though it has a VTR bodykit, it looks a tad naked without a set of alloys.

Interior design of the seats only comes in a slightly garish colour.

General Comments:

Quick off the lights and fun to drive.

A set of alloys would make the world of difference. Also it appears 2001 buys have "VTR" on the bodykit rather than "Saxo" and it doesn't actually say "Furio" on the vehicle unlike earlier models.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th January, 2001

6th Mar 2001, 12:15

My Furio has the same badges as a VTR. OK, so I have a set of VTR alloys so it could pass for a VTR, but it#s not. And coz it says VTR, more people try and race you in faster cars than a Furio, which is annoying, especially if you're not a boy racer.

25th Mar 2001, 09:34

Just bought 2001 furio, stuck set of alloys on. looks pretty sexy and shifts pretty quick as well, so couldn`t agree more, nice car!!!

1999 Citroen Saxo VTS 1.6 16v petrol

Summary:

Great performer, great looks

Faults:

Petrol gauge has never worked.

Spare tyre stolen 3 times (cut through the cage). Now I don't carry one!!

General Comments:

Great car, lots of pace.

Stupid design for the spare wheel storage.

The car looks great, in fact the best looking hot hatch by far.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th January, 2001

26th Jan 2001, 12:30

Citroen should store the spares again like in the old days. Citroen DS, GS/GSA, CX etc.. had them in the engine bay.

9th Jul 2001, 12:31

A) I've had the same problems with the petrol gauge. Thankfully I moaned to the dealer enough to get it sorted.

B) There is a fierce wobble under braking.

C) The interior freeze up in the winter.

Other than that (sarcasm), nothing wrong with a 9 month old car.

Ewan.

30th Jul 2001, 15:04

My ABS warning light keeps coming on, has anyone else experienced this fault and if so was it serious??