1993 Citroen Xantia VSX review from UK and Ireland

The ABS ECElectronic Control Unit was found to be non-operational just before its last MOT. This could have been expensive to fix, but fortunately I found a second hand unit for £80 delivered to my door.

An ignition coil failed. (On the 16v model there is no single distributor. Each spark plug is energized by a coil that sits directly on top of it) These are much cheaper for the older models. This cost me £45 for the part, which I fitted myself. Some dealers recommend that all 4 are replaced at the same time. Rubbish! Only replace the one that is needed. The car will get you home on 3 cylinders, so don't worry about others failing later.

The key fob has failed - so I've lost the use of the alarm. Not much hassle here as there's a keypad that controls an immobiliser.

There is a key switch near the top right hand of the engine bay that will actually stop the alarm from ever being activated by mistake (for example via a run down battery).

Leak around sunroof, which seems to have disappeared now.

Recently required a flexible brake pipe for the MOT.

Very comfortable ride. The ability to alter the suspension height is very useful.

There are two levels of suspension.

The 2.0L 16v is very quick off the mark. It's the first car I've had that I cannot bring myself to see what it can do in terms of top speed!