When an aftermarket air conditioning system was installed, the ignition computer failed. It proved to be a faulty unit and was duly replaced free of charge, covered by the guarantee.
Had to replace the catalyst twice during the car's life with us. As the unit became worn, the noise was becoming unbearable above 140 km/h (around 87.5 mph) and performance dropped significantly.
The "balls" of the hydropneumatic suspension had to be replaced three times, in order to maintain the car's excellent ride. We have found that they live for about 70,000 km or so. After that time, the comfort simply goes away and the rear jerks and jumps all over the place.
The compartment above the glove box sometimes would open in extremely bad roads. This is because of a design fault, though, and, if you stay away from places where only die-hard off-road vehicles belong, you shouldn't have a problem.
The starter motor died at around 100,000 km.
A few problems with the power windows and central locking were quickly fixed by removing the accumulated dust from the switches and circuitry and checking the wiring.
Radiator had to be replaced at 160,000 km, as the car tended to overheat in the summer, when the air conditioning was in use.
A few rattles from the rear shelf, but this sort of thing is a very common problem with hatchbacks.
Crappy loudspeakers.
Headlights gathered some condensation, especially some holes were broken into them by pebbles that had fallen off from trucks on the highway.
Rather cheap to get, underestimated in other countries car, with excellent handling and grip. Its worst reaction would be to understeer some, but you always were in total control.
All-round disc brakes a great bonus too. Powerful and responsive (albeit one had to get used to the fact that the brake pedal is NOT sensitive to foot travel, but to foot pressure), always stopped the car immediately. They were so powerful that you absolutely had to wear your seatbelt at all times.
1.4 lt, 80 HP all-aluminium engine was a real gem. Torquey, revvy and extremely responsive throughout the rev spectrum.
In-gear acceleration gave other contenders and pretenders (the Alfa Romeo 33 1.4 and the Rover 214, respectively) a huge run for their money. Top speed an average 168 km/h, though.
The clutch has always been criticizes as being heavy, but even though I'm far from being the strongest man around, I've never had a problem with it. Its feel was excellent.
Gearshift was very accurate, light, responsive and the 'box was geared for acceleration, not cruising at 100 km/h with the engine running just above tick-over.
Cabin criticized for having cheap plastics and materials, but I never thought it was worse than a Toyota Corolla of that age. In fact, it was quite inviting and the pure virgin wool tweed upholstery on the seats and doors proved to be extremely durable, easy to clean and cozy. Wasn't much of a problem during the summer either.
Handling and grip, as I said earlier, were top-notch, as long as you maintained the suspension properly.
Suspension bits were always the most expensive spares.
Fuel consumption, as long as the catalyst was functioning properly, was very good, even with a very heavy right foot.
Very roomy, comfortable and pleasant interior. Padded, soft-touch door cappints and dashboard a great touch, too.
The interior was also very practical, with many places where you could stash your belongings.
Driving position an acquired taste. Neither good nor bad, but needed a little getting used to.
Standard equipment was a bit weird: No tachometer or water temperature meter, but power windows, central locking and rear curtains were included. We ended up buying the car with some factory extras from the more expensive versions: the tacho replacing the analog clock on the instrument panel, water and oil temperature gauges, digital clock, fog lamps, rear headrests, rear spoiler and, later, an aftermarket air conditioning.
No rust problems whatsoever.
No leaks in the engine, suspension or transmission.
No water leakage, even in the worst rainstorms.
The problems mentioned above are natural for a car that has been driven hard for 9 years and has covered almost 287,000 km.
We sold it to a Citroen dealership for almost 70% of what we paid to get it as part exchange with a 1800 cc Xantia.
Nowadays, though, they practically go for peanuts. If you find a good one, just buy it. You won't regret it, even though it's an improved 1982 design.
My father had bought a car of the same type and model year as the one the reviewer is talking about. At first, I wasn't too keen on this purchase, because, as the reviewer said, it was basically a rehashed 1982 design. However, its excellent ride, grip, handling (even with the bog-standard 165/70R14 Micheline MXLs), quick and precise gearshift action, responsive engine and impeccable stopping power of the brakes impressed me from the very first trip and it simply is a car that eventually grows on you. Unlike the reviewer, we bought the extra instrumentation at a later date.
I have found that installing an air conditioning system might tax the engine somewhat during the summer and I'll agree that the suspension will need very meticulous maintenance in order to keep this little gem driving as gracefully as it does.
I haven't had the starter motor and radiator problems. However, I must say that the headlights might eventually need replacing.
Fuel consumption is average to good.
Roadholding is excellent and the car handles very, very well and forgives a lot of nonsense on the driver's behalf. No wonder - combined with the very good in-gear acceleration - why so few BXs have bought farms or been involved in major crashes.
In all, nowadays, it's a great, inexpensive, comfortable ride. Basically, it's a budget mile-eater that, if serviced properly, will feel like a much costlier car.
If you're looking for a good, solid used car, look for this little wonder. Never mind BMWs, Audis, VWs, Rovers etc, this one will pamper and cosset you like a tender, loving mother does her child.
Hello there,
Having the same car (or almost, I have the low entry Dutch "Deauville" imported 'back' into France so to speak) and the same experience, it's great fun reading your comments. Especially since here in France most of my friends laugh about the BX design. But I do know it's an excellent car, doing it's work reliably since more than 200.000 kilometers - and with this unique Citroen comfort! Greetings from Grenoble, France.
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