Decided to try and find a Diesel AX

Unread post by **martyhopkirk** » 03 Oct 2004, 14:47

Dont ask me why,
<i>-(well its mostly financial - tried pricing up the running costs for 2 biggish cars - xantias, or xant and trying to keep current ZX on road and its getting too expensive, especially since i had a total loss this year and wife had one last year)[xx(] </i>
- but i rather fancy a small car again (I like small cars) and strangely im rather taken with Cits now - having said that i am also looking at 106's and saxos too, but rather prefer the shape of the AX.
Anyone got any poiters on which bits to look for going rotten?[:p]

Stuart McB · Unread post by **Stuart McB** » 03 Oct 2004, 16:59

Once ran a Citroen AX diesel when working for the VAT man many years ago [V] (please, please don't hate me [:I])It had been looked after by the dealer since day one and had over 190k on the clock when I got hold of it (1992). 1500CC and it ran sweet as a nut. Only problem was there was an orange light on the dash all the time for the low rad tank warning but it was fine always full to the level. Never had any problem in nearly 12 months of driving from Brimingham to exotic ports and back every other day [:)].

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 03 Oct 2004, 17:00

Later AX diesels have an iron blocked engine as is fitted in later 106 and so on. This change from the earlier alloy engines wasn't made for fun but because the alloy engines kept blowing gaskets etc. So earlier alloy blocked ones are to be avoided. Iron ones are 1500's, alloy 1400.
jeremy

Unread post by **martyhopkirk** » 03 Oct 2004, 22:44

Cheeres for That Jeremy. Budget remains the same (about £1000 - £1200) - see for sale / wanted page - so will be looking for a later plate version.

jonathan_dyane · Unread post by **jonathan_dyane** » 03 Oct 2004, 23:51

Marty, think carefully!
In my experience the diesel ZX is *far* superior to any AX or 106.
The cars are tinny anyway, and the 1.4 is troublesome and the 1.5 too heavy which really spoils the feel of the car.
If you must go smaller, a diesel 205 might be the way forward; a far superior vehicle, but it ain't a citroen!

Simon Canfer · Unread post by **Simon Canfer** » 04 Oct 2004, 00:13

Can only agree with jonathan; I had a ZX TD, AX15D then ZX again (once it had been overahuled). The difference is amazing; an AX makes the ZX feel like a limo and the ZX is far quicker. Interestingly I found only 5mpg advantage to the AX! I also found the ZX easier to work on; more room under the bonnet.
The only AX I'd have would be a 1.4 engined petrol; and I'm a diesel fan.
Simon

Stuart McB · Unread post by **Stuart McB** » 04 Oct 2004, 01:19

Great car the ZX td, Go for Avantage upwards in the model range. Easy to work loads of spares around. Parts new are cheap, and theres soooooo many to chose from. Plus you get a decent intrerior trim. I've seen a realy nice 3 door red Volcane TD on e-bay the other night looked brand new.

mbunting · Unread post by **mbunting** » 04 Oct 2004, 10:59

Ax is quite comfortable, as mentioned above, go for the 1.5, it's iron rather than alloy block.
Usual thins to check for. Iron lump is quite heavy, so check for front tyre / suspension / joint wear.
Other than that, it's pretty solid, with few electrical bits to go wrong.
Oh, and if you accidentally stick some BP Ultima in the tank, it'll go like the 1.9zx, as I've found out, and I've just got about 620 miles before the fuel light came on.
The boot is small, but we've just been on holiday from South Yorkshire to Orkney - driving all the way ( well, apart from the ferry ! ). Car never missed a beat, and held all our camping gear - admittedly we did have to use the back seat for the chairs !

davek-uk · Unread post by **davek-uk** » 04 Oct 2004, 14:28

If you're after saving money the AX is perfect. There aren't many cars running a diesel small enough to be in the low tax bracket - it's basically only the 1.4 and 1.5 PSA units so that gives you the choice of AX, 106 and the Metro I think.
Having put nearly 100k miles on my poor old AX in three years, mine really paid for itself. Other than general servicing, wear and tear (and head gaskets) I never had to replace anything. The 1.4 alloy engine does eat head gaskets but I believe the 1.5 is stronger. I don’t believe a petrol model would have put up with so much use so I’m glad I went diesel. Do look around for a five door model as it makes the rear so much more accessible. For a small car there is a surprising amount of room inside.