1999 Citroen Saxo VTS 1.6 16v petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Real pocket rocket

Faults:

For the first 5000 miles the engine squeaked loudly when cold, suddenly stopping after about 10 minutes. Fixed after 2 trips to the dealer.

Accelerator pedal 'vibrates' at around 3200rpm. This doesn't seem as bad now though after nearly 30,000 miles.

Airbag warning light starts flashing for no reason. I think this must be VERY common because everyone I know with a Citroen/Peugeot car has this problem!

Brakes went very spongy at around 25,000 miles. I got the dealer to have a look but they didn't put the wheels back on properly. I had driven another 1000 miles before noticing 3 of the 4 bolts on the front left wheel had fallen out! I was very lucky!

Anyway, I fitted hi-spec discs and pads and now the brakes are great (once warm).

General Comments:

The cars performance still impresses after nearly 30,000 miles.

Take my advice, treat the engine with respect and it'll be OK. Wait for the oil temperature to rise before putting your foot down, and don't take it above 6000rpm, there's no point, just drop a gear.

The only disappointment is the attitude of the dealers. They don't seem to give a damn once the car has been sold.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th February, 2001

4th Oct 2003, 20:01

Max power of the engine is achieved at 6600 with the plain unmodded 16v, so yes, there is a point in pushing the gear to 7250 (limitator)

Max torque is achieved only at 5200, so if you want to drive fast, you should drive between 5000 and 7000 not below.

Below 4500, lack of power and torque is evident, while everything is coming in with a kick in th butt between 4500 and 5000...

1999 Citroen Saxo VTS 1.6 16v from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An awesome little car. Fragile, but capable of scaring you long before you reach its limits

Faults:

Catalyst internals fell off their mountings at new.

Paint fault on the tailgate when new.

Dealer didn't replace the radiator cap to second notch after a service (prove that one if you can!). Engine cooked all gaskets above the head. 12,000 miles.

Suspension noisy. Bushings to the anti-roll bar drop links and the wishbones are wearing, but the dealer won't replace until failed. From 10,000 miles.

Gearbox stiff, especially coming down the box to 3rd. Linkage wear or synchro?

Sun roof rubber seal popped out of its mount. Replaced, but if not opened in a while still can stick and pull out again. 18,000 miles.

Intermittent hesitation on acceleration, then would not hold idle. Faults showing a knock sensor fault. Replaced. Same problem plus other sensors reporting faults (mixture, oxygen etc.) 30,000 miles. ECU Dying?

Excessive steam from the exhaust until at normal operating temperature. Always noticeable in cold conditions.

General Comments:

Well done Citroen for introducing a 3 year 60,000 warranty. Too late for me, but enough to make me consider a new one.

Cracking car. Shame about the dealer network and the warranty at the time.

Feed it Mobil 1 and it'll never use any oil between services.

Standard radio cassette (now has CD as standard) only good to put back in as you sell the car on again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th February, 2001

11th Feb 2001, 19:16

Ouch I really feel sorry for you mate, I have VTS as well, it's only done 600 miles and needs a new part on the exhaust system. This car does not fill me with confidence at all I must say.

Although the performance and road handling are incredible.

Good luck!!!!!

7th Mar 2001, 01:54

I like the thing about the CD player, I was thinking the same way, I'll put it back when I sell it.

20th Jun 2002, 06:37

I have a 106 GTI, which suffered from the same problem with the sunroof seal. The dealer wasnt really interested so I solved the problem myself. Get a tube of silicon (not the sealant kind) and spread it around the top of the seal. You can get it from most DIY shops, just ask for Plumbers Silicon. I've had no problems since. Its worth having a look under the panel where the sunroof handle is, as water tends to collect there if the seal has lifted.