2000 Citroen Xantia V6 Exclusive 3.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A brilliant car ruined by poor spares availability

Faults:

Shortly after I bought the car I noticed that the coolant level was falling slowly. Several pipes and the expansion chamber were replaced and all was well for several months, when a fast leak appeared in the hose between the engine and automatic gearbox.

The car has now been off the road for 6 weeks, and will remain so indefinitely because this part is unavailable, and Citroen cannot say if it will ever become available.

General Comments:

The car is superb when it runs, with brilliant performance, handling and comfort.

Fuel consumption is on the high side at around 20mpg, but the brilliant ride makes this worthwhile.

I intend to sell the car if I ever get it going, however, because the atrocious back up from Citroen means that any future fault could lead to a long period off the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd January, 2003

7th Jan 2003, 16:53

Can nobody produce/improvise a one-off coolant hose for you?

Surely there are manufacturers in Britain who can instantly produce hoses for special purposes?

31st Mar 2003, 06:24

My V6 Xantia has covered 113,000 miles (bought at 9,000 miles). I have had very good, next day spares support for all parts including V6 engine parts (temperature transmitter, thermostat, timing belt, various small "O" rings and gaskets, etc.).

Engine has been superb, but have had a number of other problems (not V6 related) including spheres, door lock failure, three ABS sensors (!), radiator and cabin temperature sensor).

27th Oct 2004, 14:09

Surely the part can be sourced from a scrapyard at very low cost?

24th Dec 2004, 16:57

I wrote the original review, and eventually got the hose.

I still love the car when it goes, but it's off the road again (6 weeks so far this time) awaiting an unavailable thermostat.

5th Mar 2005, 00:52

I suggest that you change your Garage - a Thermostat for these cars is readily available at Halfords or any good parts supplier - 6 weeks - you must be mad!!