Xantias - a dying breed...

Stunned Monkey · Unread post by **Stunned Monkey** » 23 Jul 2010, 00:05

Well even then I've only had the occasional part fail due to wear, like the front suspension P bushes and the roll bar drop links. Even my clutch has over 175,000 on it.

I've done the rear height corrector and it badly needs a rear electrovalve and some pipework is getting decidedly crusty, but it just soldiers on and only fails when I'm a muppet and ignore symptoms! It's only needed to go on a computer to clear the error caused by the MAF sensor and vac pump blockage.

I reckon I spend between 10% and 25% on repairs/parts than what I do on fuel. I'd call that pretty respectable.

the_weaver · Unread post by **the_weaver** » 23 Jul 2010, 21:31

It looks like the HDi's might be an option for me some time in the future then. I'm always ten years behind everybody else anyway, so maybe I'll get a year 2000 HDi. What I want to know is - what is it that makes computerised cars difficult to work on at home? Surely all you have to do is get a computer, run some software and connect to the car's computer. It should be easy enough, so what is it that makes it difficult? My guess is that Citroen might be making it difficult on purpose. Is the software expensive? Is it available from unofficial sources? Can you use your own laptop? Are Citroen withholding vital information that you need?

I watched an episode of "The Garage" on Sky, with Jock trying to connect his computer to a car without success. It was hilarious and I can understand why mechanics might not like using computers as they can be a pain sometimes. However, I'm an Electronics Engineer, so I should be able to manage it. What is the basic setup that you need for dealing with computerised Citroens and how much does it cost?

Paul

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 23 Jul 2010, 22:21

Getting it is the problem, I was an electronics enginneer all my working life - but I don't understand this digital stuff.

John Plum · Unread post by **John Plum** » 24 Jul 2010, 14:50

MikeT wrote:Since moving here, I've come to notice more and more classic cars being kept in roadworthy condition which I suspect also has a lot to do with Road Fund License expense. It's great to see what appear as mint condition Ford, Singer, Triumph, Austin, Wolseley, VW, Citroen's, etc etc.

I'm reminded of visions of Cuba where it's a necessity to keep their old cars going due to the spiteful foreign policies of our so-called first world leaders. My neighbours recently holidayed there and it sounds too idillic to be true making me think this capitlistic world just isn't right for me.

Yeah I heard the same, thought the same.

rmunns · Unread post by **rmunns** » 24 Jul 2010, 14:56

Of course it's also a shame to hear of so many good-condition cars being put into the government's scrappage scheme. While I'm not a big fan of 2CV's, I know of one that was taken in against a new citroen; this 2CV was mint, less than 25000miles and surely deserved a better fate.
Can the dealers get round having to have such trade-ins physically scrapped?

John Plum · Unread post by **John Plum** » 24 Jul 2010, 14:57

Tell the truth, I'd rather never change my car... maybe just get it re-upholstered or painted. If I wanted, put different pistons and rings in, flow the head. I had a mini can onece, but some hoodlums set it on fire whilst I was abroad, as a joke.

I like the xantia a lot. The lexia seems straightforward. But the The ecu., to my mind does nothing , but give signals to the MOT man, garage repair artiste, and can't be done away with and keep the car running, unless you just use the block in a custom car.

Not necessary for me. In, in the future I'll have to get a more mechanical xantia, or something. Probabaly best if I had that now.

If I get quite rich I would like a 2CV I think. I enjoy 60 miles an hour more these days anyway. But I love the the old Austins too. I like to see the steel inside the cabin.

All the piston sleeves, heads, anything can be upgraded.

vince · Unread post by **vince** » 24 Jul 2010, 15:29

Well with Xantias becoming rarer it gives me more motivation to keep mine in good order....

its so rare to see any Xantias up here anymore, especially pre facelift ones. I do enjoy seeing them though when i do...and if i ever see a real life XM on the road its a treat.