1989 Citroen BX 16RS Estate review from UK and Ireland

Timing belt broke and damaged valves - this was due to a failing tensioner.

Front spheres failed at 100,000 miles.

Rear suspension problems started at 130,000 miles involving spheres twice, new arms and radius arm bearings.

Automatic choke failed at 160,000 miles.

Electric window switches tempremental.

Clutch cable failed.

Clutch juddery which caused me to have it replaced.

Suspension problems cause early tyre wear.

Air filter frequently clogs with oil emulsion from the breather.

Front seats uncomfortable.

Suspension is both the cars best quality and its worst.

Engines good and long-lived (change belts every 50,000 miles or sooner and not 70,000 miles as Citroen recommend, also check the tensioner).

If the suspension fails it is difficult to push over any sort of rise (e.g. my driveway).

Oil filler cap is a horror.

Quite quiet at speed and will cruise at 90mph OK for long periods. Have travelled happily from the UK to Tuscany and the South of France.

Despite all the faults and dodgy build quality I still quite like the car but just don't want to continue to rely on it as main transport due to increasing uncertainty over reliability. However will probably keep it for local trips and for lugging heavy/bulky loads. Second-hand value is now negligible.