1997 Citroen Xantia from UK and Ireland - Comments

Waterpump leaked at 62K, 2nd hand dealer replaced it free of charge.

Cam belt looked worn at 62K when I bought the car,2nd hand dealer replaced it at my request for £95.

Exhaust rear section broke off at 63K

replaced free by dealer (reluctantly at £130)

Electric Driver's window was lowered, but refused to come back up at 75K, (a lever that goes through the bottom of the glass pane came adrift. (£25 by AA Service centre to re-fit a clip)

A small plastic clip that secures the clutch cable to the pedal broke at 73K. (Towed to AA service centre, apparently a common fault, they repair about 4 per week. Cost of part £2, Labour £105)

Remote c/l key failed at 76K, replacement key electronics are £55, plus £35 for main dealer to re-code the locks. For £90 I'll continue to use the key manually.

Since I have had the car small quantities of Diesel (200ml in 18 hours) leak intermittently from below the o/s rear wheel arch, This has happened with a full tank as well as a 1/4 full tank at any time. Took it to a main dealer when it wasn't leaking and was told there is nothing wrong with the car. (The local Citroen dealer has a 2 week waiting list to get a car booked in and with an intermittent fault it is hard to plan 2 weeks ahead. Although the area under the wheel arch was still oil wet I found the citroen dealer to be less than useless and overpriced.

I am 6'2" and find the seat base rather short, quite uncomfortable on long journeys.

You should only ever buy a manufacturer that you have some form of knowledge with, especially one with Hydraulics, I'm only 20 but through research know the common faults and problems.

The clutch clip is a common fault, but apparently yours appeared to have broken a bit early (prob due to violent use).

The cam belt should be changed approx every 40/45/50,000 miles, so it looking worn at 64...seems very reasonable.

Also the water pump should always be replaced with a cam belt change and again this breaking at its mileage would appear to be more than acceptable.

I'm only 20 and have a fair bit of knowledge from owning 2 zx's and now drive a Xantia, before buying some a unique car I would seriously look into reasearch regarding it and you will hopefully be much more aware of faults to expect.