Faults:

External boot button has broken.

Occasionally the info display flashes up coolant temperature too high - even though I've just started the car up from cold.

Anti pollution fault comes on sometimes, and the car feels like someone has chucked an anchor out of the back of it, then in seconds the fault clears. Disconnect battery for 30 seconds each time and the engine management light goes off.

Sometime the immobiliser won't switch off - fiddle with the steering wheel adjustment and suddenly works.

Went into main dealers for a cam belt change, and ended up with a leaking radiator and new water pump needed.

Goes through dipped beam bulbs like no tomorrow.

Side bolster on drivers seat is worn out.

Handbrake is at its highest setting, despite being adjusted.

Spare wheel carrier rusted solidly when I needed to get the spare out.

Oil filler cap keeps on coming loose.

General Comments:

Despite the above, I actually don't mind the car.

It accelerates well, although it could do with a 6th gear.

Apart from oil changes, brake pads and the cambelt + other repairs, which I'm sure was caused by the dealership, I haven't spent anything on it major.

Faults:

Front wheel bearings, disks and pads replaced at 44000 miles.

Wiper motor and gearing replaced at 62000 miles after tooth on gear sheered off causing wipers to stop during wiping arc.

Front passenger electric window motor and runners replaced at 78000 miles because of a broken plastic clip.

General Comments:

Other than the mentioned faults the car has been very reliable, never failing to start and covers 500 miles a week with ease, the engine and running gear appear bullet proof.

The car is used mainly for motorway driving, power during acceleration is very rapid, making overtaking almost effortless. Driven sensibly 60mpg is achievable and 48mpg is lowest I have had, but this was during constant 90mph+ driving and fully laden on a French holiday.

The interior shows no signs of wear, with comfortable seats, no rattles and good sound insulation.

Faults:

The only problem I have encountered so far, was the fact that the electric passenger door mirror adjuster came off in my hand when I touched it.

As I was still on the forecourt this was replaced with a new switch direct from the stores office.

Other than that nothing major as yet.

General Comments:

From the moment I sat behind the wheel of this car I loved it. Even though it is a lowly LX it doesn't have black door handles or black bumpers (which is important I'm told). Instead it has air conditioning, front electric windows, very comfortable seats, wonderful driving position, cavernous boot and most other things you wouldn't expect to find on an LX model car. It also has a very responsive 1600cc engine, which is very very quiet at speed.

I must point out though that the previous owner of the car was a gentleman of many years who loved and cared for the car and this reflects that fact in the service history. e.g. Havoline fuel system treatment every six months.

So this review may not apply to all examples of new/used Citroen Xsara's out there.

In summary: If you need a lot of car for little money I would recommend a Citroen Xsara to anybody and at a snap of £3495 which I payed, I am more than pleased with my new toy.