Faults:

I own a 2001 Xsara 2.0 HDI 90 hp, and have had intermittent starting problems since I got it in October 2005.

It's been back at the Peugeot dealer I bought it from about 7 or 8 times. They have on 2 occasions replaced two broken wires, replaced the little brown relay etc. It has conked out on the motorway, but are now at a loss of what to do...

Lately, about once or twice a week, it will not start, and only when the wires are jiggled about will it do so. The fuel pump (at the tank) is priming as I can hear it going. The engine is turning, but does not seem to get the fuel!

I wouldn't say I am my whit's end, but it is very inconvenient to say the least.

Most people tell me to replace the car, but as it has only 70,000 miles on it and it going well (when it does start), it seems a shame to give up on it. If possible, I'd rather get it repaired, but no-one seems to be able to do it. Any tips on how to proceed?

General Comments:

It's great when it starts, purrs like kitten etc.

If it doesn't start, well you can guess...

Faults:

New clutch at 97000 - Started getting worse - it's an old car and probably running on its first clutch?

Exhaust, 94000 - Again wear and tear of an old car.

Air bag light, 94000 - Common issue on this car judging from previous posts.

Battery, 95000 - Wear and tear on old car.

Head gasket, 10200 - Bad luck may be, noticed it was caused by a small leak that was constant when I bought the car.

Engine management light - High fuel consumption, misfiring and idling issues since I have had head gasket repaired, possibly new coil pack or lambada sensor required.

General Comments:

The car looks good for its age. I think that's Citroens full stop. Even the engine has no leaks or large signs of age. I believe it's poorly put together and very high wearing.

In the little time I have had this car, which doesn't look like a banger, it actually is very unreliable. I drive like a 90 year old man around 14 miles a day, and when I first got the car, I was doing high mileage and put the wear and tear down to that. Although remembering when I was younger and drove bangers, they did a lot better than this car.

I have owned it around 9 months and have changed almost 30% of the vehicle. Dealer was a joke, a hose needed for the heater matrix is still on order, that was almost 4 months ago!!! If you have a budget 500-1200, avoid Citroens or just get finance for a new car. These Xsara's are not reliable at the mo, on a full tank due to the misfiring I am getting 200 miles out of 40 pounds worth of fuel, never mind, let's hope they keep this scrappage scheme open for me next year October :-)

Faults:

At 110,000 miles the alternator went. I changed it myself for a reconditioned one. Total cost €60.

Front link rod knocking at 140,000 miles. Changed it myself. Total cost €24.

Other than that the car has been very reliable for the last 120,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car gives great fuel economy and has worn very well. I reckon it's good for another 50,000 miles at least.

Faults:

Whole exhaust system replaced inclusive of catalytic converter. Cost around £145.

Timing belt replaced at 67000 miles.

Both front drive-shafts are currently in need of replacement.

Air-con doesn't work and hasn't during my ownership of the car. The condenser is leaking.

Power steering groans and occasionaly cuts out the car when parking or driving slowly.

Front brake pads caught fire during a particularly intensive drive.

Usual wear and tear items apart from the above.

General Comments:

All in all, a thoroughly decent car and one which I would recommend. It never fails to start, is fairly comfortable and refined and returns 40 miles per gallon.

Find the right road and, despite it's sluggish performance and slightly vague steering, and the car will entertain. The steering and suspension setup though, is not a patch on the Peugeot 306 on which it is based or even the Xsara's predecessor the ZX. Gear-change is horrible too.

It's quite a decent car for long journeys and performs actually quite well on the motorway.

Boot is huge and will easily carry three of four cases! My only gripe with it is that the rear seat does not split and fold - it can only be folded in one piece, and even then is not exactly flat.

Not too much room in the back for tall passengers if, especially behind the driver's seat if the driver is tall.

Cabin is trimmed quite gloomily and the dashboard especially is made from incredibly cheap and shiny plastic. It is well equipped however, with electric front windows, remote central locking, analogue climate control and four airbags. No CD player though.

The exterior of the car is not only dull to look at, but dents and scratches very easily. However, there is not a speck of rust and you can't see the outside of the car when you're travelling anyway.

Despite the rather hefty-looking list of faults above in just 18 months of ownership, this for me at least, is a very reliable car and one which I'd trust to take me anywhere. Other people seem to paint a different picture though...