2001 Citroen Xsara LX review from UK and Ireland

Fuel gauge repeatedly faulty from new, dealer fixed it on 4th or 5th attempt, eventually fixed by replacement of fuel sender (twice) and computer upgrade. Kept telling me the tank was full when I knew it wasn't.

Few trips back to the dealer to complain about the fact it likes to cut out on cold mornings when it's only been running a few minutes. Did that from new. Dealer never fixed, said couldn't replicate. I got sick of the waste of time complaining about it and just put up with it.

Engine management light and stop light within first 2 years, loss of acceleration coming on twice on motorway, fixed by computer upgrade (apparently)

Power steering pump failed within a couple of months from new. Causing an interesting near death experience coming off the motorway when I least expected it.

LED/light behind central radio/clock display failed within 3 years.

Indicator stalk on steering wheel failed twice within 2 years.

Cassette player failed twice within 2 years.

Passenger side electric wing mirror motor failed within 2 years.

Front part of exhaust fell off (the long bit that goes from the box at the back into the engine) just before 3 year warranty was up.

Rear exhaust fell off shortly after the above (the box and the bit at the back) (3rd year)

Driver's side ball joint worn, knocking, and needed replacing (3rd year)

1st-stage thermostat failed, causing cooling fan not to come on, engine to overheat/stop light come on, replaced.

Radiator sprung a leak (not related to above), needed replacing (4th year)

Broken/worn fuel sender wire in fuel tank causing car to grind to a halt on motorway (was fixed by re-soldering the broken wire - 4th year). Another near death experience.

Throughout the last 12 months I've been getting a lovely curry/cat pee smell from the heater. Dealer tells me it might be a bust heater core and will cost hundreds of pounds for them just to investigate, never mind fix it.

I'm sure there are others I've forgotten, I've had so many problems with this heap.

One word- nightmare. The only reason I've still got it is because I was stupid enough to buy the car from new with a loan and am still paying it off.

Why oh why oh why didn't I spend that 10 grand on something else. Was suckered into an 'upgrade' to this Xsara after having 2 years happy trouble free motoring with the smaller and miles more reliable Citroen Saxo.

It's underpowered, ugly, and I recently discovered you can't replace the radio cassette for a generic (ie. decent) CD player.

Also recently discovered when the drivers side side light bulb went..it's impossible to get at it to change it.. another trip to the garage just to change a 50p bulb.

To anyone thinking of buying a Xsara - DON'T!. I go to work each day wondering what's going to happen next.

All that aside, it's got comfy seats.