Citroenmads Citroen blog.

[daviemck2006]

Your mind works like mine. I'm thinking I'm sorted for fun now, and because it's only 51k on it that when all the other stuff gets sorted and if I get working again then the VTS will kind of be for fun days and something else for a daily. Time will tell, happy enough with the fun just now.

[chopper602]

You haven't had a ride in the GT86 yet have you . . .

Would like one if your offering

Well if you ever make it to another 2CVGB local group meeting, I may be in it!

[CitroJim]

the HDi Xantia is ideal for my daily duties, it does everything. And the Activa is a great toy to get out on nice days. Sorted!

That's almost how I am Chris. V6 Xantia for daily duties (not nearly so many miles as you), Activa for fun and XM for long trips where utter comfort and waftability is a must...

My daily driver must be an automatic.

I'm not currently thinking of what might come next... I'm quite content at the moment.

[Citroenmad]

You haven't had a ride in the GT86 yet have you . . .

Would like one if your offering

Well if you ever make it to another 2CVGB local group meeting, I may be in it!

Errr, yeah

the HDi Xantia is ideal for my daily duties, it does everything. And the Activa is a great toy to get out on nice days. Sorted!

That's almost how I am Chris. V6 Xantia for daily duties (not nearly so many miles as you), Activa for fun and XM for long trips where utter comfort and waftability is a must...

My daily driver must be an automatic.

I'm not currently thinking of what might come next... I'm quite content at the moment.

I do really fancy another XM, I keep thinking about that. Thankfully none of the ones for sale at the moment tempt me enough but if I had to pick I quite like the Platinum S1 TCT SEi. Its on Autotrader, a one owner from new and only 33K miles, that does sound very interesting. WHM has some decent looking ones, the W reg 2.1TD Auto but for £3500? Not for me. The 2.1 SED manual on Autotrader looks quite tidy, though the front bumper being an S2 would need changing for an S1.

I wonder if their prices are on the turn, even pretty ropy looking ones are being asked a reasonable amount for.

[CitroJim]

There’s still bargains to be had Chris but I sense that generally, for good ones, prices are definitely on the way up...

Which is good.

Have a looks at what's for sale on Club-XM as there's always lively discussions going concerning XMs for sale..

[daviemck2006]

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm I'll maybe have to have a try in one of these XM thingies. I loved the C5 I used to have and presumably the XM could be considered the C5's predecessor. I could see me wafting along in total comfort, big comfy seats, laid back 3.0 V6 auto mile muncher. Just the total opposite of the C4!!!!!!!!

[CitroJim]

The XM is in fact the successor to the CX Davie and was replaced partly by the C5 but moreso by the C6...

The C5 was seen more as the Xantia replacement...

Your description of an XM is pretty much as it is but you don't need a 3.0 V6 fo enjoy one. A 2.0 TCT will do just as well

[daviemck2006]

I'd be willing to bet I would like one, petrol or diesel, but although I want to try one, couldn't see me owning one, due to my back I'm not really fit to be mending, or even playing with old cars now. I do really need something I can just jump in and drive, with minimal servicing and repairs.

[CitroJim]

I can say Davie that for bad backs the XM is brilliant... The seats are like comfy armchairs and very adjustable.

Plus the steering wheel is adjustable for rake and reach.

It's the only car I can drive all day and not end up full of aches and suffering from numb bum... Not even a Xantia can do that...

[daviemck2006]

It probably would be the best for travelling in. It's the taking to bits and putting together again when it breaks, or even to prevent it from breaking, that would be the problem. I know that could be the case with the c4 as well, but being newer I'm hoping it doesn't break. It wouldn't have been a problem if I weren't broken!!!!!

[Citroenmad]

It's the only car I can drive all day and not end up full of aches and suffering from numb bum... Not even a Xantia can do that...

I've not had that joy in an XM as the seats dont support under my legs enough, so I end up with a numb bum, eventually. However, the Xantia Exclusive seats do tilt upwards at the front and they provide the best comfort for me from any car I've driven long distance. More cars should have seats which adjust in the same way.

[ragger]

you don't need a 3.0 V6 fo enjoy one

I have an arthritic back and the XM is definitely my car of choice! I have had most versions of XMs now and while I certainly don't claim any expert knowledge, I have found them all very comfortable and a pleasure to be in. Fortunately, my back isn't so bad that I can't do a bit of fiddling and fettling, I'm rather more hampered by a lack of knowledge and talent, but the depth of knowledge and experience that is available here and on the XM Forum certainly helps.

I'm also looking to perhaps buy a C4 (or maybe a Pluriel) as a modern "get in and go" (short distances!) car because I support three young drivers on my insurance, but if I have to go any distance it is always the XM with 160k under its belt that takes me there.

Rob

[daviemck2006]

I've also a lack of talent for fixing things. Normal servicing is no problem, but I have limits. I do have a problem now, the garage that I trust, have used ever since I owned a car, small local Independent has closed and has left me now looking for somewhere to do the bigger jobs that I wont tackle. The bigger jobs are getting smaller now. Last time I serviced the little 107 it didn't take long to do and I was laid up for 2 days afterwards. Not good. The c4vts, for it being the sporty version, has seats and driving position that suits me totally. 4 hours behind wheel taking it home with no bad effects. It was different taking the 107 down the day before.

[Citroenmad]

Well my car numbers are dwindling! I had 4 cars a few weeks back before I sold my C5, then down to 2 with the Rover being sold at the weekend and now I have one useable car

I've been driving my HDi Xantia today which has been fine, however, when I got back this evening I found a small green pool in the garage where it was sat last night. I put it up the ramps to have a look, the underside is quite well covered in LHM and the undertray is soaking. With that removed its very difficult to tell where the leak is coming from. It seems to be quite high up, but from the top its hardly visible. I spent ages looking, trying to pin point the leak but can't see anything. Ill have a better look in the light, I think with the LHM tank out I should find the cause of the leak easier. Its on the return side as its not spraying out under pressure. In fact I couldn't get it to leak while working the suspension, steering and brakes - or not from somewhere I could see. The fluid level has gone from normal to almost empty on the scale. However, I'm not sure when the leak started, as its not a fast leak it could have been a few days or yesterday.

I can't see me having time until next Wednesday/Thursday to look at it again as I have uni and work commitments until then. I'll try and make some time as I need it on the road.

So, I've just got my Activa which is useable now Not that I want to use that in this weather, every other vehicle is a gritter around here! I should have use of the C1 until next week, which is handy.

[daviemck2006]

That's why I could not see myself having a xantia or xm. Even good ones are going to be more likely to break due to age and I wouldn't have the skills, or the ability to try to learn them now, which would leave me having to find someone I trust, and then paying for them to find and fix these issues. It just wouldn't be good. I hope you trace the leak and get it fixed without too much bother. Leave the activa resting while the gritters are out and enjoy the bug while you can.