Citroën Xsara Estate (2000 - 2004) 2.0 HDi LX 5d (2001/51) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Dont care to be honest! Tight probably.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They reckon its a heap and they'd be right. But I quite like it because its so terrible. "Shabby Chic" so to speak.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Maybe - naff build quality and very slow but its got some character which a lot of cars lack.

What are you likely to buy next?

Ford Focus Estate or Vauxhall Signum.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,500

When did you buy the car?

December 2008

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yeah got it for £1500 cash when the forecourt list price was £2100.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

The old Rover 416i Tourer blew its head gasket. Needed a car for work a.s.a.p and this had a decent size load area and was cheap! The xsara is a stop gap betwwen the Rover and a more expensive car.

What was the dealer like?

Excellent.

What's it like to drive?

Very slow. Its "pedal to the metal" stuff to make decent progress (redlining). Handling is stupendously bad but provides some good laughs for that very reason. Engine sounds distinctly agricultural and like its made from coal. Very economical though - easy to obtain 45mpg if driven hard, over 50 if driven frugally. Overall, its actually quite a fun drive since it's so terrible.

What's it like to park?

Awful. Massive blind spots all over the place. No parking sensors either.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes! Total electronics failure after 5 days of getting it. All covered in the 3 month warranty from the dealer.

What's most practical about your car?

Big load area, fold flat back seats.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Erm...it hasn't really got any to be honest.