1989 Citroen BX 16RS Estate from UK and Ireland - Comments

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.

I've read that the timing belt in a BX14 should be changed every 36,000 miles. Changing this is a fairly easy on the 14, but unless you understand all the pitfalls around this job (I mean really) then leave it to Citroen dealer. It's expensive if you get it wrong (most mechanics shrink in horror from changing the timing belt of BX16 - nasty job). Both the 14 and 16 are great on petrol and this makes up for the extra attention they need. They do not take abuse or neglect.

Classic suspension should be replaced every 50000-70000 miles depending on the car and its use. Spheres in Citroën last about the same mileage. Your complaining that your front spheres were dead after 100000 miles and the rear ones started to have problems after 130000 miles. As the other commentator already said the question is not reliability, but neglect, your own the introduced the problems you mentioned.

OK, the spheres fail after a certain mileage. That is nothing out of the ordinary. Also, regular shock-absorbers will age and need replacement. This, however, is more expensive and also more difficult to do.

Spheres are cheaper than any shock absorbers I've ever priced, and so easy to fit! Unscrew the old ones, screw the new ones in!