2001 Citroen Xsara LX review from UK and Ireland
"Various issues both with the car and the dealer that make me wish I'd never bought it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
From new - fuel gage intermittently giving obviously incorrect readings (ie. full when nearly empty, etc), dealer explains this is a known fault and is 'by design' although I am waiting for them to confirm this in writing so I can take this up with Citroen UK. Has been back to dealer a number of times to reset the fuel sensor. This was explained to me by the dealer as being down to an issue with the logic in how the sensor operates.
From new - rough idling and engine prone to cutting out first few minutes after starting from cold. On 2 occasions rough idling problem worsened until engine management warning light came on dashboard, had to be towed home on the first occasion, second occasion managed to limp home. Problem eventually 'fixed' (touch wood!) by dealer approx. 11 months after repeated visits and the dealer continually telling me 'we can't replicate the problem'. I believe the ignition coil was replaced to 'fix' this problem. I say 'fix' as the problem still occurs sometimes, but nowhere near as often as it did.
From new - steering tracking problems. Again dealer could not replicate what I believed to be an obvious problem however it was finally fixed after a number of visits back to dealer.
Right hand indicator not working intermittently approx. 8 months after purchase, fault with indicator dashboard electronics, replaced.
Radio steering remote control stopped working intermittently for a period of days approx 6 months after purchase, problem went away on own accord (?).
Power steering fault 3 months after purchase, steering pump replaced.
Heating/air conditioning system is laughable, seems to allow either mad hot or freezing cold, nothing in between. Automatic heating (climate control??) seems to use inappropriate fan/heat settings, doesn't work very well. De-misters don't clear the front windscreen very well (on any heat setting).
General comments?
Sluggish performance compared to my previous 1.1i Saxo.
Interior comfortable enough.
Fuel consumption not that much more than my Saxo.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Year of manufacture | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.4i petrol Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 15000 miles |
| Previous car | Citroen Saxo |
| Date of Entry | 21st April, 2003 |