V6 Exclusive points of view

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 11 Aug 2009, 19:57

I've been asked to check out a local Xantia for sale and would like some pointers on what to check for specifically with the V6. I'm aware of the suspension and strut, matrix issues etc so no need to cover those but it's an Auto and an Exclusive of which I know nothing.

The owner says the passenger seat back collapses backwards and has been quoted silly money to fix it.

citrov6 · Post by **citrov6** » 11 Aug 2009, 20:01

it will be much like your Xantia, not much special mechanically

check all gears engage, that it fires well, take it for a drive make sure the hydractive is kicking in as it should. good luck i hope you get it

handyman · Post by **handyman** » 11 Aug 2009, 20:33

Hullo Mike, this would not be the silver one on Ebay with the busted drivers seat? It has bounced about on Ebay a few times and was supposedly sold for £950 back in June. The seller has been rather quiet on why the deal did not go through.

If you do go to check it out look at the steering rack for leaks, any signs of overheating, general condition of the radiator, etc. I would be interested to know what you thought of it.

Although Citroen spares are not cheap, some parts for these can be breath-taking.

By the way, I have already made him an offer for the car.

Handyman

Post by **CitroJim** » 11 Aug 2009, 22:38

Mike,

On a V6 that may be going for serious money, you need to be assured that the cambelt/waterpump has been done and that the transmission has had its fluid changed. Assured with proof positive not just a verbal.

Any service history is good as even spark plugs are not easy to do.

If no record of either, be prepared to fork out, even on a DIY basis, for a fair expense and hard work.

If the mileage is in excess of 150K and no gearbox fluid change records, then the gearbox, in my opinion, is on borrowed time. Listen foe whines from the gearbox when cold/just started up. If it whines, make an excuse and run away unless you fancy following what I did in my blog

Check the HP pump and regulator for leaks. The pump is V6 unique and eyewateringly expensive. Ditto alternator and starter motor.

Check the exhaust system. Again, painfully expensive.

Most things on a V6 are expensive but by golly, they're worth every penny

Otherwise, as for any Xantia.

EDIT: Hi Handyman

Good to see you back! How goes it?

Stempy · Post by **Stempy** » 11 Aug 2009, 23:49

Coolant header tanks split, and any overheating will wreck the thermostat so check it from cold, if the rad gets warm straight away then the stat will need replacing which is about as easy as changing the cam belt!

Heated seats fail, as can the pnuematic lumbar support system.

Cruise control can have problems with split vacuum pipes and brake pedal switch.

Check the aircon works too, look for bubbles in the sight glass, which is a bad thing.

Rear windows on Exclusives are electric so worth checking them out.

Post by **xantia_v6** » 12 Aug 2009, 07:07

Between my 2 V6 Xantia, I have had most of the faults listed above

At idle the engine should be quiet, with just a soft ticking from injectors and tappets, any loud tapping is a sign for worry. The hydraulic tappets are allowed to be very noisy for about 5 seconds after an overnight stop.

Also check that the passenger mirror dips when reverse is selected.
Check that the correct quota of warning lights come on with the ignition, and go off after starting the engine.

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 12 Aug 2009, 09:47

Thanks everyone, all duly noted. Off to see it this morning but I don't have high hopes going by the description and initial talk on the phone.

handyman wrote:Hullo Mike, this would not be the silver one on Ebay with the busted drivers seat?.....By the way, I have already made him an offer for the car.

Yes, you got it. When I asked the seller (on the phone) how long he'd had it I was told 3 weeks and he went on to explain the wife was driving it for a while and said all was well then when he got in the passenger seat he fell backwards

and was quoted too much to repair so is selling.

I suspect this is a walk away job but as it's nearby it's worth a look, his asking price is £500. He complained to me about one viewer that went through checking everything (isn't that what you're meant to do?) and offered him £200 - was that you Handyman?

DickieG · Post by **DickieG** » 12 Aug 2009, 11:36

xantia_v6 wrote:Also check that the passenger mirror dips when reverse is selected.

That will only occur if it's been set up in the first place and quite a few haven't in my experience.

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 12 Aug 2009, 11:47

Nice people, lovely home and they're Citroen lovers! Their son is a keen fanatic so some of you may have already met him as I saw CCC handbooks and literature. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't read this forum!

Anyway, without a test drive I had to say no. I couldn't find any major problem except the drivers seat won't stay up, the HP might be leaking and the exhaust slightly blowing mid to rear. A/C was ice cold, engine started straight away with no unsual noises though the fumes smelt overly rich to me, even for a cold start. No coolant pressurising and could taste antifreeze ok. Front tyres evenly worn, suspension went up quickly and smoothly, steering rack/pinion area bone dry, A/C ice cold etc. Service book stamps including cambelt at 68K though no receipts I could see showing service detail.

Shame about the seat as a test drive is the deal-clincher IMO.

Sid_the_Squid · Post by **Sid_the_Squid** » 12 Aug 2009, 12:01

The owner says the passenger seat back collapses backwards and has been quoted silly money to fix it.

Could you not get an exclusive seat set from ebay to fit, quite a few here have done this?

Post by **CitroJim** » 12 Aug 2009, 12:20

A shame Mike, a seat should never have been a deal-breaker. I'm sure it'll be repairable with not too much difficulty and I'm sure something could be done pro-tem to keep the back up. In extremis, you could transplant the seat from your TD Mike.

Otherwise, it seems a good, honest buy. I searched out the eBay ad.

They do smell a bit rich on starting, quite normal. Don't forget it's a big six cyliner petrol

Exhaust leak most likely just the clamp between middle and back sections.

Interestingly, there's another V6 in Exeter on offer with LPG that does not work. eBay Link.

One for you Kev, perhaps? If it goes cheaply enough, as it has no reserve, it might be worth it for the LPG system. Sid?

Sid_the_Squid · Post by **Sid_the_Squid** » 12 Aug 2009, 13:17

Whilst I'd love to fill up my parking spaces with spare part & project cars, the missus would kill me...
As for weather its worth it for the LPG kit alone would depend on what type of LPG system it is, and how well its fitted, i.e. with care of just bungled in. For a single point I'd not be interested, their quite cheap, but more than that its not something I would fit to a V6.. a decent setup multi-point would be worth it probably up to £500, as not all parts are 100% reusable, a DIY multipoint 6 cylinder kit can be had for about £800.

Repair wise I can't imagine their being much that cant be fixed on a LPG system, should all be fairly easy, all parts are available, even the tuning software and cables.

LPG in a V6 would be nice indeed, with a decent multi-point there should be almost no power drop off either.

red_dwarfers · Post by **red_dwarfers** » 12 Aug 2009, 14:10

CitroJim wrote: Interestingly, there's another V6 in Exeter on offer with LPG that does not work. eBay Link.

One for you Kev, perhaps? If it goes cheaply enough, as it has no reserve, it might be worth it for the LPG system. Sid?

I've trained myself not to look at autotrader or ebay motors just incase I did accidently buy another car

I was nearly a 2 Xantia owner just before last christmas

After looking at that link im getting that temptation again

Quackers · Post by **Quackers** » 12 Aug 2009, 19:06

CitroJim wrote:A shame Mike, a seat should never have been a deal-breaker. I'm sure it'll be repairable with not too much difficulty and I'm sure something could be done pro-tem to keep the back up. In extremis, you could transplant the seat from your TD Mike.

Otherwise, it seems a good, honest buy. I searched out the eBay ad.

They do smell a bit rich on starting, quite normal. Don't forget it's a big six cyliner petrol

Exhaust leak most likely just the clamp between middle and back sections.

Interestingly, there's another V6 in Exeter on offer with LPG that does not work. eBay Link.

One for you Kev, perhaps? If it goes cheaply enough, as it has no reserve, it might be worth it for the LPG system. Sid?

Something very fishy with that Xantia. Its down as a 99, V reg, BUT has

- Phase I Citroen Badge
- Phase I rear brake and revease lights
- Phase I Interiour

So i'm very confused.

red_dwarfers · Post by **red_dwarfers** » 12 Aug 2009, 19:26

Quackers wrote:
Something very fishy with that Xantia. Its down as a 99, V reg, BUT has

- Phase I Citroen Badge
- Phase I rear brake and revease lights
- Phase I Interiour

So i'm very confused.

Probably a very late registered car, i didn't notice that