Saxo 1.0 or 1.1 - which is best?

tonedepear · Post by **tonedepear** » 07 Feb 2010, 19:12

I've had a trawl through but I can't find much on this so I'm hoping it's OK to start a new thread.

I'm after something frugal and little to replace my ZX TD. I had a new 1.1 saxo in 1998, and remember it being pretty willing, but fuel was cheap then, so I don't remember whether it was particularly economical.

If I'm looking at sax/106's with 1.0 and 1.1 engines - is there much difference in economy? Are the 1.0's that much slower?

I'd be doing a fair bit of motorway work as the ex and daughter are moving 120 miles up the road.

If anyone has any experience of both I'd really appreciate anyone's thoughts.

spider · Post by **spider** » 07 Feb 2010, 19:30

I was not aware they still made a 1.0, I'd assumed they ditched that unit around the same time Peugeot did with the 1.0 106's. (late 96 from memory)

Personally I'd go for the 1.1 over the 1.0 or the 1.4.

The 1.4's seem more likely to have running problems in my experience (which is not much) and the 1.1 just seems to be more reliable.

1.1 parts are also likely to be more readily available than 1.0 ones if there is any difference too.

Just my thoughts as I have not owned either.

tonedepear · Post by **tonedepear** » 07 Feb 2010, 19:36

1.0 lived on til 2001 I *THINK* but I'm often wrong. Good call RE spares. Much obliged.

spider · Post by **spider** » 07 Feb 2010, 19:40

You're welcome.

I'm sure a few other people will soon post a few replies etc regarding their preferences etc.

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 07 Feb 2010, 20:00

1.0 Saxos are nearing rare really, very few models had a 1.0 engine, and none of the facelifts did, if i remember right. 1.0s are marked out by having only 3 stud wheels.

If i was you, id be wanting a 1.1 Facelift - these are multi point injection, they are nippier and more effiecient than the older 1.1s in the pre-facelift Saxos. I think 0-60 in about 14 seconds, it never felt too slow and coped well with a car full of people and luggage.

For a good spec try and get a 1.1 Desire. These had 14" wheels, electric windows, remote central locking, power steering (this is a must and a lot of Saxos do without), CD player, front fogs and a sunroof. Quite a nice spec really.

We bought a 1.1 desire 5 door new in 2001, it was a great car and proved extremely reliable. We had it for over 6 years and it had done a large mileage when it was traded in. Brilliant cars, handle well, the later 1.1 pulls well and fuel is good, about 45 mpg on average.

If you dont get a desire, then id strongly recommend the 1.1 over the 1.0. Fuel economy will probably be better as its not having to work as hard. I think 1.0s are 50bhp and the 1.1s are 60?

tonedepear · Post by **tonedepear** » 07 Feb 2010, 20:13

Brilliant stuff CitroenMad. Thanks very much.

Is the facelift 2001 on?

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 07 Feb 2010, 20:17

No problem

2000 onwards, you will notice the difference in the front styling, large headlights.

What about a 1.5D? Even cheaper to run, but harder to find.

tonedepear · Post by **tonedepear** » 07 Feb 2010, 20:21

Citroenmad wrote:No problem

2000 onwards, you will notice the difference in the front styling, large headlights.

What about a 1.5D? Even cheaper to run, but harder to find.

Been looking for a 1.5d, but they seem pretty elusive, and in my price range I'm only really in the market for the rubbish/tired ones.

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 07 Feb 2010, 20:29

No, the 1.5Ds were never easy to find. A family friend wanted to buy a new one, there was such a wait that they ended up with a 1.1 too. Though that now has well over 100K.

Hmm, a quick search shows 1.1 desires are actually more than i had thought. Prices for small cars are increasing i think!

Plenty of Saxos around though, im sure you will find one. Higher spec the better though, as basics are sparse. VSX, Desire and Exclusive are the only specs to have power steering i think (apart from the sporty ones of course). Saying that i used to like the East Costs, with the yellow bits inside and multi-coloured seatbelts.

Not sure where you are or how much your wanting to spend, but this looks a tidy example of an East coast:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... &logcode=p

1.0s are ok, i put a 1.0 Saxo engine in my AX - same egine anyway - and it was fine. Keep an eye out for headgaskets on these though.

Dommo · Post by **Dommo** » 07 Feb 2010, 20:57

What about an AX diesel?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1992-J-CITROEN-AX ... 414ccadfae

spider · Post by **spider** » 07 Feb 2010, 20:58

Citroenmad wrote: Keep an eye out for headgaskets on these though.

At least the headgasket is dead easy to spot on these if its going (assuming its not got to the "mayo" stage) by the "shelf" on the left being covered in oil.

The "shelf" the block casing that's wider than the head so you get to see any h/gasket oil leaks there easily.

Liner'ed engine too (apart from 1.6) , oh well not a bad job to do anyway really.

1.5'D are a good unit, (I hate the early 1.4D units though) although still pricey to get a nice one as you say

and you really "need" power steering with the diesel unit.

The bad ones are not worth having afaik. Only annoying problem I used to see with the 1.5D's were the quickly cracked downpipes unless you used a geniune (and expensive!) one.

tonedepear · Post by **tonedepear** » 07 Feb 2010, 20:59

Aye, expecting (hoping?) to pay around £600. There's plenty about so fingers crossed.

I had an East Coast as a courtesy car once when my 1.1 sx was in for a service many moons ago. (It would have been about 6 months old, I imagine).

Those yellow door lock pins were just bulbous covers that pull off. Allegedly.

I was ever so naughty in my yoof!

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 07 Feb 2010, 20:59

Thats low milage! Though you'd really have to love AXs and want a diesel for that money!

I prefer Saxos to AXs, more substantial.

tonedepear · Post by **tonedepear** » 07 Feb 2010, 21:01

Dommo wrote:What about an AX diesel?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1992-J-CITROEN-AX ... 414ccadfae

Used to love the AX, but with my 4 year old daughter in the car I'd just be a little bit too scared in the event of an accident. That's probably not a valid concern, but I can imagine the ex would feel the same way and anything that'd make my life a little bit easier...

Edit: And £1k for an AX!

Mercy. Mint and low mileage though it is. (Although that kind of mileage you'd worry it's not been run in yet!)

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 07 Feb 2010, 21:03

Citroenmad wrote:Thats low milage! Though you'd really have to love AXs and want a diesel for that money!

I prefer Saxos to AXs, more substantial.

84mpg from it though

I have to say the dealer is having a laugh at that price though.