Citroën Xantia Hatchback 1.9 TD VSX 5d (1995/N) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
I paid £1500 for an eight year old top-spec car with a galvanised body styled by Bertone, the best ride money can buy, the highest dynamic safety due to its clever steering geometry, 110mph cruising and 55 mpg if I go easy… So that'll be pretty damn good.
Costs
Depreciation is almost finished. It does 45mpg average, uses no oil and has needed about £30 worth of bits…
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On the road
Driving
Driving the Xantia VSX is a treat. I bought the car because of the suspension, and given the choice between a base model one year newer, with air conditioning, and the VSX with it's Hydractive suspension, I went for the older model.
Performance
The Xantia is a heavy car compared to previous medium-sized Citroens, so the Turbo Diesel doesn't have quite the pep of the earlier cars, even with a 200cc hike to 1.9 litre.
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Living with it
Reliability
I expect a high maintenance regime. I have a good Citroen chap and this car had 110,000 miles on it when I got it. Since then, the keypad immobiliser has failed… I disconnected it, one ABS brake sensor has become intermittent.
Image
What can you say? Like a Rover P6, you have to look again with a clear mind. Take a look at a silver Xantia. Look at it side on… it is a truly elegant car. Penned by Bertone and following faithfully from the original design sketches.
Comfort
What can one say about comfort in a 'wet' Citroen! The ride is exemplary. Rolls Royce uses the same system, licensed from Citroen, in their cars. The Hydractive suspension, unique to the VSX derivatives in the Xantia range gives a ride so soft.
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Security and Service
Security
It's got a keypad immobiliser, deadlocks and a dual-circuit alarm, sensitive to electrical change, air pressure change and movement. It is also not a very popular choice of car for joy riders as its talents are well hidden under the galvanised skin.
Service
I use independant garages.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
None. It's a Peugeot turbo Diesel.
Other
Electrics are getting a bit tired now.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes