1994 Citroen Xantia VSX TD 1.9

Summary:

A fantastic all rounder

Faults:

Had to replace the front spheres, quite common at 100,000. Since then the ride and handling has been faultless. Cost £120 from a local specialist, main dealer wanted triple this without even looking at the car!

General Comments:

For a Turbo Diesel the car is very quiet on the move and also fun to drive with the suspension set to sport mode. Seats are supportive yet comfortable.

Fuel economy is excellent and performance is pleasing, especially when the turbo kicks in. Overall an excellent car. I would but another one but I would get the 2.1 as they fly!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2001

1994 Citroen Xantia SX turbo diesel

Summary:

Unbeatable family motoring

Faults:

ABS sensor failed, £50 to fix (part), at 150k.

Handbrake cable snapped, £20 to fix (part), at 130k.

Fuel pipe cracked next to the turbo (both cars same week!), £25 to fix.

General Comments:

Nothing comes close for any serious long distance work. The only nicer diesel I've driven is a BMW 330D at £30k.

My cars (I have two Xantias) have covered 300k miles between them, I service them myself and they both do 55+ mpg.

The more miles that are piled on the better they seem to run, more power, better economy - figure that one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th July, 2001

1994 Citroen Xantia SX 2.0 petrol

Summary:

Public perception means a great car at a bargain price for me

Faults:

Faulty ABS ECU.

Broken handbrake cable.

Spheres needed replacing at 80K miles.

General Comments:

The ABS unit was faulty when I bought the car and it's price reflected this. It's a very expensive unit on pre '95 cars. Fortunately I know a good supplier of used parts. Fitting was so easy I got it done for free.

The handbrake cable and spheres were easy DIY jobs.

I have owned a number of different makes of car. I do not find Citroens any more expensive to run or more unreliable. It is just a matter of finding your local specialist(s).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th April, 2001

1994 Citroen Xantia VSX 1.9 turbo diesel

Summary:

Brilliant long distance cruiser if a little dull

Faults:

The car would bounce about quite alarmingly if I hit a bump in the road at speed, this was cured by fitting new spheres & new suspension fluid.

General Comments:

Not the most eye catching of cars, but must be one of the most comfortable.

Excellent handling.

Loads of goodies to play with & they all work.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd March, 2001

1994 Citroen Xantia LX 1.9 turbo diesel

Summary:

Avoid the Xantia like the plague, be warned

Faults:

Leaking heater matrix.

5 suspension accumulators required.

Burnt-out heater fan control.

Starter motor changed.

Wiper linkage fell apart.

Front discs worn out (second time).

Clutch assembly changed (expensive).

Diesel flow and return pipes leaking.

Cam cover gasket leak (twice).

Gear-box oil leak.

Worn bearing in gear-box.

General Comments:

Plus points:- good overall fuel consumption and a gutsy engine.

Minus points:- every thing else, the dealer costs are a nightmare and the ride makes the passengers travel sick.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th March, 2001

8th Jan 2003, 08:13

I have a 1994 Xantia automatic which refuses to change gear for the 1st half mile unless it is rev-ed to 6000 revs, but thereafter is perfect. It also takes at least 1 minute for the suspension to rise otherwise it is a dream car with exceptional comfort and luxury of drive.

Any ideas as my Citroen dealer does not have any.

Neville.

28th Aug 2009, 11:50

My 1997 Xantia 1.9 TD has 56000 on the clock and has the ABS light on. I have been told it will cost 368.00 to repair 2 sensors and 335.00 to replace the o/s/f bottom wishbone. Is there anyone out there who can do anything or do I have to scrap it? The vehicle value is only around £600, it is a beautiful condition car, but seems to me it may be fit for scrap due to the garage bills. Neil.

1994 Citroen Xantia VSX 2.0 16v

Summary:

Comfortable car, if you find a good one, get it!

Faults:

Central locking seems to have phases when it works properly and times when it doesn't.

Gear box is extremely notchy.

Rear wash wipe doesn't work.

Gears are too short for the engine.

Drivers seat height adjuster broke almost immediately.

Hints of the engine shutting down when leaving my foot off the accelerator.

Warning light (STOP) comes on for no apparent reason.

General Comments:

Comfortable long distance cruiser which is good on the motorway, only it seems that the gears are a bit short for the engine, but even so, the noise is unobtrusive.

Decent handling for the size of the car.

A bit disappointed by the performance from the 155 HP engine.

Excellent brakes and suspension reassure.

There seem to be a couple of gremlins which I hope do not get worse.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th February, 2001

12th Feb 2001, 13:32

STOP light - maybe because of low hydraulic fluid... Check it, look in the manual for how to do it.

24th Apr 2001, 12:05

I have now covered 52900 miles and since I wrote that I have had to get the exhaust replaced, completely gone. This has highlighted a possible ECU problem which I am looking into. Also suspension seems to be deteriorating so the accumulator sphere and other bits may need doing.

3rd Jun 2001, 14:54

It wasn't an ECU problem, it was the exhaust/manifold gasket that is leaking. Have had much trouble with getting the right one (no thanks to Citroen!) and even with the right one it is very awkward to fit and is still causing a lot of trouble. No one seems able to fit it properly!. As for the suspension, I will have to look into that after I sort out what should have been a very minor problem, but has turned into a nightmare!

31st Jan 2002, 11:38

I too have had problems with my remote central locking on a 1.8 Xantia.

6th Dec 2002, 16:58

The interior heating blower & the rear windscreen demister have failed on my N reg VSX. Initially this could be overcome by switching the engine off whilst in motion, and then 'bump starting' the car, it seems to fail during engagement of the starter motor circuit. Six weeks later and it has failed totally.