Faults:
Internal alarm sensors were faulty when I got the car, meaning the alarm would go off of its own accord (mainly during the night!). As the alarm is standard manufacturers security equipment, they had to be replaced at a Citroën dealer… cost £59.84 inc VAT and labour. Not bad!
Even though the car had a 12-month MOT when I bought it, the front braking callipers, pads and discs were completely shot. These were also replaced at a Citroën dealer, who advised that the vehicle should not have passed an MOT with the brakes in this state of dis-repair. Cost £286.44 inc VAT and labour.
At the same time as the brakes, I decided to get the timing-belt changed at 50 000 miles. After being strongly advised to have this work done at a dealer, due to the timing adjustment equipment Citroën/Peugeot use, it cost me £109.79 inc VAT and labour. Total cost £396.23 inc VAT and labour.
The car seemed to be quite heavy on fuel at around 24 mpg. The engine was tuned, costing £68.00 inc VAT and labour (by a mobile tuner) and the plugs and leads changed myself for £33.12 inc VAT (no labour)
Thermostat was faulty as it was running open all the time, therefore not allowing the engine to reach operating temperature properly and running on the choke for longer than necessary. I replaced this myself with a pattern part for £7.49 inc VAT.
After this, just one front windscreen wiper blade at £7.99 inc VAT.
£572.67 has been spent on the car since I got it.
General Comments:
The interior is fantastically comfortable! Peugeot/Citroën seem to have it down to an art. The seats are ‘squashy’ but supportive and offer an excellent overall position for all. Many passengers have commented on how comfortable my car is… and I have to agree!
The dash/instruments are, although a little bland in design, practical, simple and well laid-out, making things very easy to find and read.
The specification on this car is excellent. The SX version is apparently 2 down form top of the range, the ‘Provence’ edition being top, ‘Aura’ version next and ‘SX’ after that. My car has electric windows, electric tilt/slide sunroof, central locking, alarm, velour seats, body coded bumpers and trim, electric mirrors, power steering, airbags, rear headrests and a sports exhaust trim. This leaves only ABS, heated seats, electric seats, Air-Con and headlight washers for the top spec version!!
After having the engine tuned, the engine is now very economical, turning out approximately 54 mpg (mixture of extra-urban and urban) which, for a 1.4i, is not bad at all.
The performance of this car is brilliant. Acceleration in 2nd gear leaves something to be desired, but I believe this was built as a ‘cruiser’ as she will sail along at 75mph all day, without a murmur. She does, however, get fussy when pushed above 85mph.
The ‘feel’ through the steering is better than I had expected from a car with power steering.
Handling lives up to expectations! The nose points into corners, unlike some cars I have driven, and she will glide through tighter bends without a fight, gripping the road as long as you push her on… the back end does go a bit slippery if you lift off.
The clutch pedal is a rather ‘wooden’ instrument… not much feedback. This leads to frequent wheel spins in wet conditions, which can be fun!!
Internal space is excellent. Plenty of legroom for all occupants… something I never had in the Clio!
The single windscreen wiper takes some getting used to though!
Many, many miles have been covered in this car… most at long distances, and she has never disappointed! We are making a trip to France this summer, so lets see how she gets on. I will keep you posted…
