1998 Citroen ZX Temptation from UK and Ireland - Comments

I replaced the brake pads within a year of owning it and I'm just about to replace them again after approx another 32000 miles, I'm also replacing the discs for the first time at 77000.

A rear brake cylinder leaked fairly early on and had to be replaced, though I suspect this is because I didn't bleed the brakes regularly enough.

I had real trouble diagnosing a front suspension problem which turned out to be the nearside front lower ball joint. This was originally misdiagnosed as worn uv joints on the n/s driveshaft (had the whole n/s driveshaft replaced) - and I suspect the o/s driveshaft will need attention before too long as I do get some knocking on this side too.

Front headlamp bulbs tend to blow quite regularly and the beam adjustment had to be raised for the last MoT.

The passenger side electric window motor is a bit slow and getting slower.

The central locking signal from the keyfob is quite weak, even if you're standing next to the car.

The driver's seat leaks it's foam padding from underneath, but only gradually (wear and tear I guess).

The parcel shelf chords always get caught when you close the hatch - my own irritating pet-hate.

Generally speaking though on a day to day basis this car is very reliable and the engine itself is faultless. I personally change the oil and oil filter every 6000 miles and the air filter regularly too.

I also replaced the cambelt at 52000 just to be on the safe side.

In return it idles very crisply and cleanly and delivers a good deal of power and torque - particularly in the midrange.

Handling is very good and it grips corners especially well, though I suspect the downside is that the whole of the front suspension and front tyres wear a little quicker than most for this privilege.

Fuel consumption is low, I have achieved 750 miles on one tank before, 600 is achievable not infrequently, and 550 is about the average for me.

The interior trim on my model is of good quality and the soundproofing is very reasonable.

My only grip about the seats is the poor design of the folding back seats which pop out of their pivots and are a pig to get back in unless you stradle the whole back seat pushing down with all your might to engage both pins back into their retaining holes.

Bodywork is showing no trace of rust after 6 years - very impressive as it stands out in all weather. Though the panels do seem to dent easily.

All in all I expect this car, particularly the engine, to run for a very long time yet and am quite happy with it.

I agree with you about the problem when folding the back seats down. I thought it was just me.

I have the diesel temptation and am tempted to say it's a gutless car. In fact I can't resist the temptation; it's gutless. A turbo would do wonders I'm sure. As all cars become dull after a few months of use, one can't direct this criticism at the temptation, excepting that its dullness is apparent on first contact. I like this in a car, it keeps its second hand price down.

I have the petrol 1.4 Temptation, and it has done 90,000 miles. It had a new head gasket 2 yrs ago, about 10,000 miles for me, and it's now leaking oil from the head again, the same place, and needing the head gasket again. Has any one had similar experience or have I just been unlucky?