1997 Citroen ZX Wagon from Malaysia - Comments

The cooling system is bad. The fan motor died at 13000 Km, had it replaced - blew again about 19000Km. Constant problems about over heating. Glad Citroen decided to terminate it once and for all!

I certainly don't recommend the car for anyone in Malaysia. The distributor is close to hopeless. The service center got me to buy an original spots for the Wagon, but could not find a way to fix it. They took back the spots and refunded, but they didn't refund the original switch which costs me approx US$10. I hate the service of the Malaysian franchise operations.

Where did you acquire your wagon from and where did you send car for servicing?

I fully agree that the Malaysian Principal for Citroen is wrecking the image of the marque.

They are charging exorbitant prices for spare parts and actually are hopeless when it comes to diagnosing the problems.

However, I beg to differ on the view that it is unreliable.

I drive a second-hand wagon, purchased 4 years ago when it had already clocked 85,000kms and now it is at 145,000kms and I don't seem to face any mechanical problems.

The normal problems associated to wear and tear does take place, but that is to be expected.

I would certainly opt for another Citroen, but definitely will not use the service of the local franchise.

The ZX stationwagon or as a matter of fact all the citroen cars in Malaysia are handicapped by the after sales service. Expensive parts, lack of mechanics who are able to do any decent repairs etc. Good car, but killed by the support. I always wonder why the manufacturer in France allows this to happen. For information if you go to certain parts of China you will find ZX running as taxis, just like our Proton in Malaysia. Who says it is not a reliable car! It is not the car it is the after sales service.

Hi everybody,

sad to hear about the sad state of affairs at the citroen service centres. Personally, I agree with the comments so far. I stopped sending my car to them after the warranty period and am glad to say I have found a reliable and knowledgable mechanic on my own.

My experience with the ZX thus far have been fairly pleasant. Mine is a 2.0 1999 model. (One of the last sold) An excellent car to drive, with great road holding and plenty of juice.

I did change my cooling fan motors after 3 years of service, but I consider it fair as any machine needs renewal of parts. Truly a fun car to own and drive if you ask me.

Hope the service improves as it would be a real loss to consumers in malaysia if the citroen marque is allowed to fade away...

My ZX stationwagon operates at a high temperature during city driving. It seems that the high speed fans cut in very late. Outstation is alright. Anybody has any solutions? How about adding in another fan (opposite side of the orignal fans) to draw out air from the radiator? Change the relays so that the high speed fans cut in at a lower temperature? Know any mechanics who understnad Citreons to do these if they are workable? When do you change timing belt" 50,000 km?

Simply by-pass the temp sensors so the fans run all the time.

Control with a dash-mounted switch if you feel the need.