1993 Citroen XM SE Estate review from UK and Ireland

Uses a lot of LHM fluid due to system leaks, just keep topping it up!

Engine a little rattly, oil and filter change helped, no loss of compression or blue smoke even at this mileage!

Turbo noisy, but still gives a lot of urge for such a big car.

A few blown bulbs, but other than that everything works!

Cavernous load lugger that is surprisingly quick and economical, with 40+ mpg regularly achieved; 650 miles from a tankfull.

Sport setting gives impressive handling; B roads as much fun as Motorways. Self levelling suspension still good after all these years, drive one and see! Citroen solved more problems than they created with Hydractive suspension.

A lot of car for your money if you buy wisely. Cheap now and unloved by the trade so most are private sales. Don't pay more than a grand for a pristine full service history sub 100000 mile late model. Most though, under £500!

Underserved bad reputation, mostly for electrical problems, which depending on how much you pay can be mostly ignored or fixed relatively easily. Computer often blamed but not the main culprit; bad connections and corrosion in electrical joints main things to check!

Diesel Estate is the car to have for work and play. Double bed sized load area. 2.1td good, 2.5td better. Petrols good but not first choice at 98p a litre!

Excells as a tow car.

Body galvanised, but can rust badly in floor near jacking points and in chassis rails near mounting points for rear suspension; difficult and expensive to repair!

Armchair like seats both supportive and comfy. Easy to get a good driving position in.

Regular servicing of hydractive system will pay dividends. Engines and manual gearboxes tough and reliable if not abused too much. Avoid automatic unless it is reconditioned with bills. V6 not exceptional enough to consider though not to uneconomical, it is a bit complex. If you have too, get the manual version!