Contemplating a Xantia

robert_e_smart · Unread post by **robert_e_smart** » 06 Jun 2011, 22:57

2.5 TD XMs are really nice Phil. I think you would like it, certainly after having the TCT manual XM.

Loads of power, super smooth and refined as well. But you need to be sure you're buying a real good one.

Chris' old 2.0 16V XM would be a good car for you also. Raggerminder Rob is selling it at the moment.

citroenesque · Unread post by **citroenesque** » 07 Jun 2011, 01:33

Interesting posts, thanks chaps.

Ragger's XM doesn't have air con though - does it?

I will check out the local 2.5. It's high miles at over 200k but FSH and reasonable condition by the look of it. And I could be able to get it for £300 I think.

However, I'm still tempted in the Xantia direction; not least because my wife would drive it - whereas the XM... well that foot brake and a manual on hills?.................. no.

As I have said, no rush. I'll wait for the right car.

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 07 Jun 2011, 07:55

No, no air con on our old white XM, Rob currently has it on ebay

Sounds as though a Xantia would be a more sensible choice

citroenesque · Unread post by **citroenesque** » 07 Jun 2011, 10:39

A well-cared for hi spec petrol hatch (auto even) would be my choice, although a Turbo D or 90HDi could tempt me too.

checked out the local XM 2.5 TD this morning. It's a 1994/5 S2 VSX with nearly 230k miles on it. Needs sprucing up and probably some TLC mechanically/electronically. No air con though - and well, just too tired for my liking.

red_dwarfers · Unread post by **red_dwarfers** » 07 Jun 2011, 12:12

Been talking about driving tests recently and just had a thought. It's not actually possible to pass a driving test with flying colours in a XM. I'm sure it would only be a minor fault but on the test you need to apply the handbrake before sticking it into neutral, which just ain't going to happen in an XM

rmunns · Unread post by **rmunns** » 07 Jun 2011, 15:57

My 90Hdi seems as good as you would want from a 11 year old car. The very newest Xantia will be 10 years old (2001)

Averaged 51mpg over the 24000 miles I've driven it. Perfectly adequate with 4 up + luggage (to Corsica and return, to Birmingham return 6 times in 2 years). Never a sign of overheating, aircon on or not. Aircon still ice-cold despite never having been recharged (touch wood). Temperature here has been over 30 deg practically every day since mid April. Sometimes nearly 40deg. C.

And it doesn't have the DMF which seems to me another thing to go wrong.

The estate would be nice. I do understand the 110Hdi gives better performance and is even more frugal.

I got mine from a small dealer (not literally!) who takes unwanted trade-ins from Citroen main dealer. It was very low miles 38000 in mid 2009 and cost £1650.

colski · Unread post by **colski** » 07 Jun 2011, 19:38

An SX or Exclusive would be nice, but as Xantia's are ageing, i'd much rather have one that's in tip top condition instead of having a higher spec.

LX or Forte (S2) may not have leather seats or auto wipers but still have the basics......elec front windows, remote locking, air con etc...

However I do agree with the hdi 110. I've owned both a 90 and 110, and the difference is more than you think.

110's are 110% better, being much quicker than a 90 plus they have a smoother gearbox and ultra light hydraulic clutch (no clutch clip to worry about!!!)

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 07 Jun 2011, 22:42

red_dwarfers wrote:Been talking about driving tests recently and just had a thought. It's not actually possible to pass a driving test with flying colours in a XM. I'm sure it would only be a minor fault but on the test you need to apply the handbrake before sticking it into neutral, which just ain't going to happen in an XM

True!

Also true of some Renaults etc with auto handbrakes, as far as Im aware they can not be used for driving tests as their handbrakes releases automatically.

citroenesque · Unread post by **citroenesque** » 08 Jun 2011, 16:16

OK here's one from slightly left-field...

A 2001-2003 well-cared for C5 petrol 2.0 (or even 3.0)... what could possibly go wrong

bxzx16v · Unread post by **bxzx16v** » 08 Jun 2011, 16:33

Had 4x Xantias in the past 3x1.9td's and a 2.1td , the 2.1 was a cracking car if you can find a nice well maintained one , as for the C5 I would definetly go for a Hdi over the petrol , previously had 2 , one a 2.0hdi 110bhp and a 2.2hdi 136bhp , would go for the 2.2 everytime as it was a nice spec vtr+ with cruise & climate plus the 6 speed box , my choice between a C5 & Xantia would be the Xantia but the C5's are good value though

Mark

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 08 Jun 2011, 16:41

My C5 v Xantia theory differs and I would choose the C5 over the Xantia for a good few reasons. However both are good cars, I just prefer the C5s advantages as a daily driver, its bigger size and so is roomier, its driving position is about perfect, not like the Xantias.

I wouldn't say one is easier to keep than the other, though it does depend on engine/spec choice, many Xantia issues are a little off putting (heater matrix, iffy strut tops, rad changes on an Activa ..!) though none are enough to put you off, they equal or exceed the C5s more common occurrences perhaps. C5s suspension is very maintenance free and is much less complex - this rarely is a problem area with C5s, very rarely.

If your going for a 2.0 C5, DO NOT get the 2.0 'HPi', it may look tempting with its higher bhp than the much much better 2.0 16v and better economy too, but they are trouble, no one wants them and they don't sell well - usually the cheapest C5s to be had due to problematic and expensive fuel pumps - which fail. I was warned off that engine by a few well know Citroen specialists and so I think I should pass that on.

The 2.0 16V is a good and reliable unit which returns good MPG, its certainly not a bad choice.

The 3.0 V6 will obviously be heavier on fuel but all are automatics and they can be had for what seems live very little money for the car you get in return.

There are many good things about C5s, least of which is their availability, spec and prices, all go in its favor so you should end up with a nice car for small money - especially if its with a petrol engine.

It doesn't seem that you want to go HDi, but the best C5s are HDis, in the C5I its the 2.0 HDi 110 which is the one to get if your wanting the least hassle possible, reasonable performance and excellent economy. The 2.2 is fine but is often thought more problematic and its not as economical either.

All C5s but the basic LX have dual zone climate control and a whole host of other goodies. Cruise is a rarer find on the C5I - only standard on the Exclusive, but it can be fitted to most fairly easily. All but the basic LX and Design C5IIs have cruise control, VTR and above are the best buys.

Oh, and get a good one and it shouldn't go wrong!

There are plus and minus point for each car, so either would be a very good choice.

citroenesque · Unread post by **citroenesque** » 08 Jun 2011, 16:55

Thanks for the feedback. The more I think about it the more I am drawn to the C5. It's a big, comfortable cruiser and likely to be easier to locate a good one than an (ageing) XM... The Xantia is not really that different in internal room to a BX and what I'm after is a good continental cruiser with good room for the rear passengers..

You are right about me not being interested in an HDi. I am not ready (in mindset and wallet) to run one of those. I can see the sense, but equally I can see the possible drawbacks in terms of cost and difficulty of maintenance and repair/replacements. If I save £500 on buying a petrol over a diesel in the first place then the fuel economy issue doesn't come into play for nearly a year.

I am curiously, drawn to the V6 as their prices are well down in the dumps.

I liked the look of this one: sadly it's too far a way and too soon too.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0678103212

citroenesque · Unread post by **citroenesque** » 08 Jun 2011, 21:45

C5s appear to be cheap for a reason having trawled through posts on this very site.

Especially early ones. So maybe common sense (and some valuable counsel) reigns. A good, cared-for, late 19TD Xantia estate SX/Desire type thing it is then....

No rush. I'll bide my time until the right one comes along.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 08 Jun 2011, 21:53

citroenesque wrote:So maybe common sense (and some valuable counsel) reigns.

Indeed Phil

That's very wise... I was a little puzzled when you expressed concern at the perceived HDi complexity (actually no worries as the HDi is an incredibly reliable outfit) and than you were contemplating a C5... Ye Gads

The Xantia is perhaps the last generation that's still fully fixable at home. Even some ECUs respond to home repairs! Not BSI or multiplex silliness to worry about...

A good Xantia estate is very roomy indeed. Don't disregard a 2.1TD. Almost as good as an HDi...

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 08 Jun 2011, 21:59

The C5 fits your requirements very nicely, I have not found anything which has put me off them.

We have had one of ours (the eldest) for over 2 and a half years now and its been superb, its now on 131K miles and goes like a dream. Ive had niggly things with them, but nothing costly and nothing demanding to fix either. We have had 5 C5s in total ....

If your going for a 2.0 16v or 3.0 then the only issues you might have are electrical ones, most of those are due to the comms 200 unit which isnt too expensive and then you might never get a problem with it. Suspension is reliable and the car is generally well built I find.

For £1000 you could get a superb 2.0 16v or 3.0 V6 and I cant htink of any problem I know of that would put me off either. Auto box on the V6 perhaps but otherwise.

Yes, the earlier ones are the most prone to issues, try to get from 2002 onwards if you can.

I have recommended C5s to a good few people and all are very impressed with them.

Though the Xantia is another excellent car, I really do enjoy mine.