Rather than hijack another thread that was getting a bit off topic, I thought it might be interesting to see why most people own and drive a BX and in some instances, have owned and driven, found they needed a few bob spending on them, sold or scrapped them, bought something else and now regret that they didn't keep the old BX because they haven't had as good a car since nor can they now find one to rep0lace it with.[:(][:o)]
My case:
Had a CX that was being constantly driven by #1 son so not only did I have limited access to it but he always brought it back with an empty tank![V] Suggested he buy that and I get something lighter on fuel and decided a BX was the way to go. Found a 16Trs with 200K klms on the clock owned by an old Cit mechanic as he'd bought it for his wife who preferred to keep driving their old D (which was used mainly in a heavy traffic hard to find a parking spot type of environment; strange)[:p]
Had it for 22 months and 40K klms pretty much troublefree. Decided I'd love to own one with less miles on it so went looking. Came under pressure to look at cars other than Cits so as to not become so narrow minded which I did. Drove a Mazda 929...crap. Tested a Toyota Crown Royale that was nice but had such a blind spot on the drivers side that I almost got hit on the test drive and just afterwards almost ran over a pedestrian. Found a low mileage one owner Merc 280SE ahh ha this had to be the one, but like the others was akin to driving a landing barge; big, heavy, cumbersome rough riding and not pleasant al all to drive, so as I was leaving the old guy who owned the Merc just said "it wasn't what you expected was it? Nowhere near as comfortable as your Citroen are they?" and he was right. After doing measurements, we found as much room and in some case more room in teh BX than the Merc; it was astounding and my wife's statement as we arrived home? "The best part of that test drive was the trip to and from it; what a nightmare in between!"
I went on to sell the Trs (for $250 less tha I paid for it; cheap 40K klms of motoring) bought a 16V as a toy and a Xantia high miler as an everyday car.
Son who bought the CX subsequently had it written off in a tailender and also bought a BX (16V series one) then subsequently bought a Nissan R-32 Gt-R but guess which car he always uses to go for trips in? (Couldn't use the Nissan, it'd break your back) and another son has a nice low mileage TZi and wouldn't swap it for the world.
Like over there, they are becoming rarer by the day, but it's been a revelation how so many old stagers who wouldn't even consider a "modern" Cit but preferred to drive the older types (CXs and Ds) are now discovering the fun and reliability of a BX and comment once they do at what they've been missing.
I know that one will come on here telling us all about "real cars" being CXs Ds and tractions, but even he has to eventually admit that his BX (that sat outside in a dealers yard for about 4 years and hence has very dodgy plastics) is still the most reliable car he's owned in his life.
My bet is there's many more strange a complicated BX stories out there just waiting to be told.
Alan S[8D]
The great BX debate.
Moderator: RichardW
-
dillosk8ter
- Posts: 217
- Joined: 28 Nov 2004, 23:17
- Location: United Kingdom
- My Cars:
Well I've wanted a Citroen ever since I was old enough to be aware of cars {from age of 5?}, actually my first toy car was a Matchbox Citroen CX, I wasn't really aware of BX's till I was about 9 or 10 when my uncle got a brand new BX Turbo Diesel Estate in silver {H or J reg I think?}. I remember seeing my first DS when I was about 7/8, walking down local high street only to be confronted by this amazing, other worldly looking car. It was black and post '67 facelift, left hand drive with a big 'F' sticker on the bootlid, it had red leather sofa's for seats and when the owners came back {young, cool looking couple} it rose up making strange 'Hiss' 'Click' sounds.
Anyway back to the BX. Was really interested in BX when I realised that these floated up when started too, loved being sat in the back with cousin when car was started and feel that weird levitating sensation, then there were the seats which were strange to look at {like they were nicked of Star Trek set} and sooo comfy. Same thing went for the ride and also loved the futuristic style both inside and out {we had Renault 18 followed by Volvo 340/60 so definatly futuristic in comparison}. Loved the car but sadly it had an electrical fault from the factory and caught fire and burnt itself out on their drive at only a few months old. Ever since then I've wanted one and tested quite a few when I past my test in 2000, all of which were overpriced sh*t, so bought a nice, sensible 1993 Peugeot 309 style 1.9d 5dr in white {style, Peugeot have sense of irony} kept it for 6/7 weeks then sold it to my dad as our final Volvo 360 had bitten the dust and went straight out and bought my ZX with extensive full hist., 38,000 miles in smart Ice blue met for £2000, bargain. Still kept looking for BX till Aug '04 when had spare cash floating around and did search on the net and it through up 2 possibilities; white TD estate with hist and new spheres but no mileage mentioned and 14 TGE in v.smart Met dark green, full hist, recent service, immac cond and only 63,000 miles!! Drove all the way from South Wales to Kiddeminster to have a look, bought it and drove it home, not without mishap however....filled up with fuel only for it to mostly leak out on station forcourt...got about 30 miles from home and rear exhaust fell off!! Since then its been hydraflushed, re-sphered all round, new accumulator and is about to have a very extensive 72,000 mile service!!
I like the BX because its a highly distinctive car with pretty unique driving experience and nowadays you don't see then coming the other way that often either which in some ways is nice also.
However I bitterly regret passing up a GSA that was for sale locally about 2/3 years ago, rust free (waxoiled I think), full history, yellow Pallas with only 35,000 miles since new, £800!!!!!!!
Anyway back to the BX. Was really interested in BX when I realised that these floated up when started too, loved being sat in the back with cousin when car was started and feel that weird levitating sensation, then there were the seats which were strange to look at {like they were nicked of Star Trek set} and sooo comfy. Same thing went for the ride and also loved the futuristic style both inside and out {we had Renault 18 followed by Volvo 340/60 so definatly futuristic in comparison}. Loved the car but sadly it had an electrical fault from the factory and caught fire and burnt itself out on their drive at only a few months old. Ever since then I've wanted one and tested quite a few when I past my test in 2000, all of which were overpriced sh*t, so bought a nice, sensible 1993 Peugeot 309 style 1.9d 5dr in white {style, Peugeot have sense of irony} kept it for 6/7 weeks then sold it to my dad as our final Volvo 360 had bitten the dust and went straight out and bought my ZX with extensive full hist., 38,000 miles in smart Ice blue met for £2000, bargain. Still kept looking for BX till Aug '04 when had spare cash floating around and did search on the net and it through up 2 possibilities; white TD estate with hist and new spheres but no mileage mentioned and 14 TGE in v.smart Met dark green, full hist, recent service, immac cond and only 63,000 miles!! Drove all the way from South Wales to Kiddeminster to have a look, bought it and drove it home, not without mishap however....filled up with fuel only for it to mostly leak out on station forcourt...got about 30 miles from home and rear exhaust fell off!! Since then its been hydraflushed, re-sphered all round, new accumulator and is about to have a very extensive 72,000 mile service!!
I like the BX because its a highly distinctive car with pretty unique driving experience and nowadays you don't see then coming the other way that often either which in some ways is nice also.
However I bitterly regret passing up a GSA that was for sale locally about 2/3 years ago, rust free (waxoiled I think), full history, yellow Pallas with only 35,000 miles since new, £800!!!!!!!
I bought mine by accident-the car I had before was written off by a pulling out without looking Discovery owner, and I needed a car to get to work the next day!!
It was £400 with 148000 miles on the clock, anda years test: I thought if it lasts the year, it's earned its keep!! I used to have a lot of BL Hydragas sprung cars, I missed the ride comfort and it was good to have something again that approximatred to it- I will now commit heresy and say I think Hydragas rides better, due to the lack of friction from pistons and rams, it all being done with rolling rubber diaphragms instead, but the BX came a close second.
The year was up, I took it in for a test, it failed on corrosion in the hydraulic pipes- trouble was, by that time I liked it too much so I did the pipes and 3 years on its still going, now with 220000 on the clock.
I will be keeping it for a while longer yet, but the day will no doubt come when parts get hard to find, and thats when it will have to go. My cars have to work for a living, and I can't have it sitting around for weeks waiting for bits, and its not quite interesting enough to keep as a hobby classic car, and its too ugly to customise as a Sunday afternoon hotrod. Hopefully, it won't be for a couple of years yet, though!!
It was £400 with 148000 miles on the clock, anda years test: I thought if it lasts the year, it's earned its keep!! I used to have a lot of BL Hydragas sprung cars, I missed the ride comfort and it was good to have something again that approximatred to it- I will now commit heresy and say I think Hydragas rides better, due to the lack of friction from pistons and rams, it all being done with rolling rubber diaphragms instead, but the BX came a close second.
The year was up, I took it in for a test, it failed on corrosion in the hydraulic pipes- trouble was, by that time I liked it too much so I did the pipes and 3 years on its still going, now with 220000 on the clock.
I will be keeping it for a while longer yet, but the day will no doubt come when parts get hard to find, and thats when it will have to go. My cars have to work for a living, and I can't have it sitting around for weeks waiting for bits, and its not quite interesting enough to keep as a hobby classic car, and its too ugly to customise as a Sunday afternoon hotrod. Hopefully, it won't be for a couple of years yet, though!!
-
DoubleChevron
- Posts: 622
- Joined: 22 Sep 2003, 18:06
- Location: Australia
- My Cars:
- Contact:
[quote- I will now commit heresy and say I think Hydragas rides better, due to the lack of friction from pistons and rams, it all being done with rolling rubber diaphragms instead, but the BX came a close second.
[/quote]
Nah, it's not the friction of pistons or anything. I have an old road test here that's a comparison between the hydragas, GS and Austin ? ...
Anyway I was quite suprised when they said the hydragas rode nearly as well as the GS. From the BX onwards Citroens lost the nice floaty feeling to there suspension. The BX rides quite poorly compared to the previous Cit's. Then again could you imagine Citroen trying to market a car with the bodyroll of a *real* Citroen ie: CX/GS/DS on the modern market with the relativly excellent roads now ....... They'd be laughed out of the market.
Me I'll stick with my CX thanks. I find BX's a bit of a yawn. Certainly the don't get me all 'hot' like a CX (like yesterday when I was towing a trailer load of CX parts up the Pentlands mountains behind the CX turbo. Now THAT is hot, especially on a 34degree day).
seeya,
Shane L.
[/quote]
Nah, it's not the friction of pistons or anything. I have an old road test here that's a comparison between the hydragas, GS and Austin ? ...
Anyway I was quite suprised when they said the hydragas rode nearly as well as the GS. From the BX onwards Citroens lost the nice floaty feeling to there suspension. The BX rides quite poorly compared to the previous Cit's. Then again could you imagine Citroen trying to market a car with the bodyroll of a *real* Citroen ie: CX/GS/DS on the modern market with the relativly excellent roads now ....... They'd be laughed out of the market.
Me I'll stick with my CX thanks. I find BX's a bit of a yawn. Certainly the don't get me all 'hot' like a CX (like yesterday when I was towing a trailer load of CX parts up the Pentlands mountains behind the CX turbo. Now THAT is hot, especially on a 34degree day).
seeya,
Shane L.
I like my BX 19TRi because it's sporty. I hated the front seats ; pulled them out and stuck in a pair of real Citroen seats from a GS. Fitted relays and uprated headlight globes (65/100 Watt), a set of Kuhmo tyres, and a leaky muffler. More go and agility than the Lancia Beta I used to drive, but it rides very nicely on the lumpy backroads we have in Oz. And as with all good cars, the faster you go the better she rides.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">with the bodyroll of a *real* Citroen ie: CX/GS/DS on the modern market with the relativly excellent roads now ....... They'd be laughed out of the market.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
Especially having spent all that time and money trying to get rid of it by developing the Activa system.....................[:0]
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
Especially having spent all that time and money trying to get rid of it by developing the Activa system.....................[:0]
Hmmm.....I sometimes wonder where I fit in here....
I first bought a 16RS as a family hack, after I'd driven and been very impressed by a better-trimmed 16. A CX-owning work colleague had persuaded the financial director of that company to buy one as a rep's car. The rep, with a French property to visit, used to love it, the serial-Ford-owning FD hated it. I just loved the comfort, the eccentricity/"character" and the "rightness" of the BX in terms of design. Oh, yes, and I loved the ride too, not realising this was only a compromised version of the original Citroen suspension until much later.
I'm not a great petrol or derv-head, though the DS and CX have always appealed to me, and I don't have much else to compare the BX to. But they've been good to me, and I've tried to be good to them. I'm on number 6 at the moment, and I realised the other day that the only engine version sold in the UK that I haven't driven at some time is the 16v.
The fact that they're undervalued, underappreciated and misunderstood in the UK helps to endear the BX to me, as does the cheapness of acquiring and running them. I like the fact that they're logical cars to diagnose and repair, once you get used to their particular kind of logic. I also like the fact that you can easily swap parts around from different model variants, and that they are much more DIYable than most cars are nowadays.
So, have they become a habit with me, or a way of life?
I first bought a 16RS as a family hack, after I'd driven and been very impressed by a better-trimmed 16. A CX-owning work colleague had persuaded the financial director of that company to buy one as a rep's car. The rep, with a French property to visit, used to love it, the serial-Ford-owning FD hated it. I just loved the comfort, the eccentricity/"character" and the "rightness" of the BX in terms of design. Oh, yes, and I loved the ride too, not realising this was only a compromised version of the original Citroen suspension until much later.
I'm not a great petrol or derv-head, though the DS and CX have always appealed to me, and I don't have much else to compare the BX to. But they've been good to me, and I've tried to be good to them. I'm on number 6 at the moment, and I realised the other day that the only engine version sold in the UK that I haven't driven at some time is the 16v.
The fact that they're undervalued, underappreciated and misunderstood in the UK helps to endear the BX to me, as does the cheapness of acquiring and running them. I like the fact that they're logical cars to diagnose and repair, once you get used to their particular kind of logic. I also like the fact that you can easily swap parts around from different model variants, and that they are much more DIYable than most cars are nowadays.
So, have they become a habit with me, or a way of life?
-
Thunderbird
If this a debate there must be some crossing of opinions.
I owned a BX16TRS and I personally think this was the worst Citroen I've ever driven:
- DS had more style, was more solid (not 90% made of plastic), and a unique magic carpet ride provided by the suspension, wheels, seats, carpets, etc. Only the hot body-roll and some lack of power disturbed me...
- CX was faster, more ergonomic, more distinct, and still more comfortable.
- Xantia mk2 (never owned mk1) constuction quality just can't be compared to the BX. Where there was plastic there is metal. Silence. interiors quality. Advanced and economical engines. Superb handling, even without the SC.CAR. A Xantia mk2 with non-HA suspension is also far more reliable than any BX.
So, what's left for the BX? Not the image, not the style, not the performance, not the best citroen suspension, not good materials, not the silence, not not not... ahhh! [:0] I get it! it is so cheap and it rides better than most non-hydropneumatic common cars!
I agree with that, but let's face it - if money no object, the BX is mediocre! [xx(]
I owned a BX16TRS and I personally think this was the worst Citroen I've ever driven:
- DS had more style, was more solid (not 90% made of plastic), and a unique magic carpet ride provided by the suspension, wheels, seats, carpets, etc. Only the hot body-roll and some lack of power disturbed me...
- CX was faster, more ergonomic, more distinct, and still more comfortable.
- Xantia mk2 (never owned mk1) constuction quality just can't be compared to the BX. Where there was plastic there is metal. Silence. interiors quality. Advanced and economical engines. Superb handling, even without the SC.CAR. A Xantia mk2 with non-HA suspension is also far more reliable than any BX.
So, what's left for the BX? Not the image, not the style, not the performance, not the best citroen suspension, not good materials, not the silence, not not not... ahhh! [:0] I get it! it is so cheap and it rides better than most non-hydropneumatic common cars!
I agree with that, but let's face it - if money no object, the BX is mediocre! [xx(]
-
Stinkwheel
- Posts: 562
- Joined: 28 May 2004, 01:02
- Location:
- My Cars:
- x 1
Thunderbird you are almost right, Its cheap, Its easy to work on for a DIY type, Its better than most other non - hrdraulic cars out there for similar money/performance, therefore I feel its a compramise but a very agreeable one.
Let me give you some background.
I started my citroen ownership at 16 with a Dyane, i had always been a citroen lover up to that point due to parents cars when i was small.I learnt to drive in a mixture of BX 16TRS and Nova 1.2
I drove the dyane for a year and decided i wanted a CX, I looked, i asked and brought a 1989 22TRS with all the toys that tjose late models had, I did some DIY work on it and had it re-piped and cambelt done at a mates garage, I loved it. 6 months later It got killed by a dozy road user not looking. I drove the dyane again in the meantime but when insurance settled i got a S2 Gti Turbo 1 CX, i was 19. It was the ultimate car, after this i had a BX Gti 16V phase1, Good car, very fast and very good handling, still preferred the CX. At this point In time I've had 9 CX's now and 3 BX's. In and amongst all these i have also had 2CV's GSA's and GS and a S1 Xantia. I still have the original Dyane.
I prefer the CX, Good ones are now expensive, I do not have the money to buy a good one and not the time to be constantly on top of a poor one. Therefore I now have a BX again. It rides and handles as near as damn it as i want, its not as complex or expensive to run/maintain as a CX and the XUD7 engine will give me excellent fuel economy.
As an everyday hydraulic citroen the BX is the best bet at this point in time for a lot of people. The GS and GSA was so nearly a hydraulic cit for the masses but a BX really was. Just my point of view you all understand
Let me give you some background.
I started my citroen ownership at 16 with a Dyane, i had always been a citroen lover up to that point due to parents cars when i was small.I learnt to drive in a mixture of BX 16TRS and Nova 1.2
I drove the dyane for a year and decided i wanted a CX, I looked, i asked and brought a 1989 22TRS with all the toys that tjose late models had, I did some DIY work on it and had it re-piped and cambelt done at a mates garage, I loved it. 6 months later It got killed by a dozy road user not looking. I drove the dyane again in the meantime but when insurance settled i got a S2 Gti Turbo 1 CX, i was 19. It was the ultimate car, after this i had a BX Gti 16V phase1, Good car, very fast and very good handling, still preferred the CX. At this point In time I've had 9 CX's now and 3 BX's. In and amongst all these i have also had 2CV's GSA's and GS and a S1 Xantia. I still have the original Dyane.
I prefer the CX, Good ones are now expensive, I do not have the money to buy a good one and not the time to be constantly on top of a poor one. Therefore I now have a BX again. It rides and handles as near as damn it as i want, its not as complex or expensive to run/maintain as a CX and the XUD7 engine will give me excellent fuel economy.
As an everyday hydraulic citroen the BX is the best bet at this point in time for a lot of people. The GS and GSA was so nearly a hydraulic cit for the masses but a BX really was. Just my point of view you all understand
-
Jon
Ah, the Citroen BX.
I speak as someone who has owned a 16TRS (1984), 85 GT, 1990 GTi, 87 16 valve, 1991 Turbo D and now the 1993 Turbo D( of more, later).
We have to ask, what is it about the BX, why do the Admin and all the moderators on this Forum still own and drive them? Could we feel the same sort of devotion for the non-hydraulic Pug 405? Probably not. From a simplistic view, the BX’s abilities are quite clear, the ability to mile munch at a decent pace, to tow things, economy, with some driving pleasure and economy thrown in for good measure cannot be denied. Even a BX 14 with narrow tyres on a twisty road is something a bit different from the humdrum, and something that will raise a smile on the driver’s face. Or is it the suspension, perhaps compromised on economy grounds, it is still most fine regardless of road conditions. One often wonders what a BX with double wishbone front suspension (like a GS) would be like……
Is it the way that the BX was designed that makes it feels so right, and still at home on modern roads? I would think yes. The lightweight construction makes for decent performance and economy, the aerodynamics are good, and the resistance to corrosion is far superior to “rivals” of the day such as the Sierra and Cavalier, the majority of which have been scrapped due to perforation. The wide choice of engines genuinely offered something for all pockets when the BX was current. I am personally biased towards (in no particular order) the 19GTi, the 16 Valve and the Turbo D, all of which I regard as the best cars to cover ground in quickly. Having said that, the 19D (the choice of mini cabbers in the UK for many years) has a simplistic “rightness” about it, superior reliability and great economy. They are still the choice of many budget motorists, and can take incredible mileages under their belts if looked after correctly.
The number of websites catering for BX enthusiasts is steadily increasing both in the UK and in Europe, and at last we have reached the point where people are actually prepared to spend time and money on an “old BX” rather than just buying a newer car. Two years ago, if I were told that I was one of several people that I knew that has spent 4 figures repairing a BX, I would have laughed out loud. Now it has become a reality. The BX has turned full circle, starting with desirable transport for a family or Company owner with economy and driving pleasure in mind, moving on to a cheap second-hand car (that was often sold or scrapped when repairs became expensive), then on to the last chance saloon, the Ebay purchased dog used for those final Car Boot runs. Finally, turning full circle, we have some people that are actually buying BX’s to restore and run as sensible everyday transport, that want the uniqueness that only the BX can offer. The BX 16V club were certainly instrumental in trying to preserve BX 16v’s (that were being sold then scrapped so that someone could shoehorn the engine into his 205GTi) and now the bxclub.co.uk is actively trying to preserve any BX, be it 14, 19D or TD.
If, like me, you were bought up with Citroens, I mean “proper ones” like 2cv, Ami, DS, CX, GS/GSA, then a well sorted BX is probably your link with “the past” and your ticket to present day motoring with some of the old Citroen style thrown in for good measure. I’d love to run a CX or a GSA, I love them, but they tend to dissolve away, and parts are now impossible in many cases. The BX sort of captures the spirit, has much of the involvement, and is much cheaper to buy and run.
All of this goes out of ths goes out of the window when applied to my 1993 BX TD, its certainly cost a fortune, although some of the costs like the tyres could have probably been halved. Its “almost there” once I just change that bloody metal water pipe, the glowplugs, and cure the rattly exhaust downpipe! But I ask you this, I paid £165 for the BX, did all the work myself to get it MOT’d and running correctly, and since October its added nearly 15,000 miles. Anyone fancy that in a 1993 Escort bought for the same money. I thought not. And, I’ve had the pleasure, yes, pleasure of driving it.[;)]
I speak as someone who has owned a 16TRS (1984), 85 GT, 1990 GTi, 87 16 valve, 1991 Turbo D and now the 1993 Turbo D( of more, later).
We have to ask, what is it about the BX, why do the Admin and all the moderators on this Forum still own and drive them? Could we feel the same sort of devotion for the non-hydraulic Pug 405? Probably not. From a simplistic view, the BX’s abilities are quite clear, the ability to mile munch at a decent pace, to tow things, economy, with some driving pleasure and economy thrown in for good measure cannot be denied. Even a BX 14 with narrow tyres on a twisty road is something a bit different from the humdrum, and something that will raise a smile on the driver’s face. Or is it the suspension, perhaps compromised on economy grounds, it is still most fine regardless of road conditions. One often wonders what a BX with double wishbone front suspension (like a GS) would be like……
Is it the way that the BX was designed that makes it feels so right, and still at home on modern roads? I would think yes. The lightweight construction makes for decent performance and economy, the aerodynamics are good, and the resistance to corrosion is far superior to “rivals” of the day such as the Sierra and Cavalier, the majority of which have been scrapped due to perforation. The wide choice of engines genuinely offered something for all pockets when the BX was current. I am personally biased towards (in no particular order) the 19GTi, the 16 Valve and the Turbo D, all of which I regard as the best cars to cover ground in quickly. Having said that, the 19D (the choice of mini cabbers in the UK for many years) has a simplistic “rightness” about it, superior reliability and great economy. They are still the choice of many budget motorists, and can take incredible mileages under their belts if looked after correctly.
The number of websites catering for BX enthusiasts is steadily increasing both in the UK and in Europe, and at last we have reached the point where people are actually prepared to spend time and money on an “old BX” rather than just buying a newer car. Two years ago, if I were told that I was one of several people that I knew that has spent 4 figures repairing a BX, I would have laughed out loud. Now it has become a reality. The BX has turned full circle, starting with desirable transport for a family or Company owner with economy and driving pleasure in mind, moving on to a cheap second-hand car (that was often sold or scrapped when repairs became expensive), then on to the last chance saloon, the Ebay purchased dog used for those final Car Boot runs. Finally, turning full circle, we have some people that are actually buying BX’s to restore and run as sensible everyday transport, that want the uniqueness that only the BX can offer. The BX 16V club were certainly instrumental in trying to preserve BX 16v’s (that were being sold then scrapped so that someone could shoehorn the engine into his 205GTi) and now the bxclub.co.uk is actively trying to preserve any BX, be it 14, 19D or TD.
If, like me, you were bought up with Citroens, I mean “proper ones” like 2cv, Ami, DS, CX, GS/GSA, then a well sorted BX is probably your link with “the past” and your ticket to present day motoring with some of the old Citroen style thrown in for good measure. I’d love to run a CX or a GSA, I love them, but they tend to dissolve away, and parts are now impossible in many cases. The BX sort of captures the spirit, has much of the involvement, and is much cheaper to buy and run.
All of this goes out of ths goes out of the window when applied to my 1993 BX TD, its certainly cost a fortune, although some of the costs like the tyres could have probably been halved. Its “almost there” once I just change that bloody metal water pipe, the glowplugs, and cure the rattly exhaust downpipe! But I ask you this, I paid £165 for the BX, did all the work myself to get it MOT’d and running correctly, and since October its added nearly 15,000 miles. Anyone fancy that in a 1993 Escort bought for the same money. I thought not. And, I’ve had the pleasure, yes, pleasure of driving it.[;)]
-
Dave Bamber
- Posts: 627
- Joined: 25 Feb 2001, 02:17
- Location: United Kingdom
- My Cars:
- x 2
I've only ever driven a BX for about 20 miles, as a loan car from my local indie.
It was filthy in the "wipe you feet as you get out" style, well-matured in every respect, and a pathetic victim of pool-car neglect.
Yes, I could not help loving it. There is something very basic, honest but charmingly funky about the BX. Maybe it's <i>character</i>.
If, God forbid, something happens to my XM 2.5 Estate, then I'll certainly go hunting for a BX diesel estate. There are a number of tidy ones running around Teesside driven by mature "marine engineer-looking" types.
This seems to be the last "window of opportunity" for a potential BX owner - finding one that's been owned and loved by a gentleman or lady of mature years in the "mummified motor" style which seems to keep cars of ten-plus years as good as new.
rg
It was filthy in the "wipe you feet as you get out" style, well-matured in every respect, and a pathetic victim of pool-car neglect.
Yes, I could not help loving it. There is something very basic, honest but charmingly funky about the BX. Maybe it's <i>character</i>.
If, God forbid, something happens to my XM 2.5 Estate, then I'll certainly go hunting for a BX diesel estate. There are a number of tidy ones running around Teesside driven by mature "marine engineer-looking" types.
This seems to be the last "window of opportunity" for a potential BX owner - finding one that's been owned and loved by a gentleman or lady of mature years in the "mummified motor" style which seems to keep cars of ten-plus years as good as new.
rg
i first found the citroen when i was a wee yung lad!! my club leader had one, it was well cool, it had seven seats and the speedo was a kinda floating ball that span round to show the speed(as far as i can remember) it was well cool.
For myself i love the BXTD, its very cheap to run and the performance is out standing for a diesel of that era, its light and easy to fix, i wish there a another car 8-12 years old thats as light and speedy and economical as the BX. I personaly bought an xantia in the beleif that it was also made of plastic nd as light as the BX with 1.9TD to boot, but am well gutted by my dissapointment. I think that Citroen did themselves a missive misjustice by not following on with BX with another car to match.
My xan is heavier slower and juicer than my BX, but then what can i do, where do i move on to, an old fun car or a slightly newer more disappointing car. A new car i not within my budget so the only option i have is the xantia.... shame, but ho-hum at least its still a citroen.
For myself i love the BXTD, its very cheap to run and the performance is out standing for a diesel of that era, its light and easy to fix, i wish there a another car 8-12 years old thats as light and speedy and economical as the BX. I personaly bought an xantia in the beleif that it was also made of plastic nd as light as the BX with 1.9TD to boot, but am well gutted by my dissapointment. I think that Citroen did themselves a missive misjustice by not following on with BX with another car to match.
My xan is heavier slower and juicer than my BX, but then what can i do, where do i move on to, an old fun car or a slightly newer more disappointing car. A new car i not within my budget so the only option i have is the xantia.... shame, but ho-hum at least its still a citroen.
-
dillosk8ter
- Posts: 217
- Joined: 28 Nov 2004, 23:17
- Location: United Kingdom
- My Cars:
I would definatly describe myself as a BX fan, I think their a great car, but Im not blind to their flaws either: Firstly the construction, while the BX's light weight enhanced performance and fuel effciency I think it had a detrimental effect on the cars stability {sometimes skittish}, refinement and most importantly safety....I would not like to be in a serious accident {in any car} but I feel that the BX would fair particually badly making even what would be 'less serious' incidents in other vehicles more serious in the Citroen. The brakes too {on non abs models} I sometimes feel are too powerful for the weight of the car {mines the lightest however, BX14} and will lock up far to easily, even after driving the car for six months they can still catch me out on occasion. The ride is indeed very smooth, but not as astounding as I'd been lead to believe being, I feel, only just better than my ZX. I haven't had the opertunity to ride in older Citroens such as DS, GS/A, CX so could not compare {but would love the chance to}. I have only driven more recent 'hydro' Cit's: other BX's, Xantia and XM {think the last 2 definatly have the 'magic carpet' quality which the BX just misses out on being just very smooth}.
However take my BX along a motorway at speed and the 'magic carpet' quality appears; you 'hear' but don't 'feel' the imperfections...the ride really does improve the faster it goes....its also brilliant on bumpy unmade tracks. The spongy but supportive seats are perfect for long distance travelling, the performance is impressive...still suprised at how quick my humble 14 is where as before I would have thought them underpowered. The styling is excellent too and has aged remarkably well for a 23 year old {also aerodynamically effcient}. I think that the BX was one of the last 'distinctivly Citroen' cars being unlike any of its rivals to look at, dynamically superior to most of them and must have something going for it to be developing such a loyal fanbase.
I do thing the later Citroens are better in alot of ways such as quality, safety, refinement but think also after XM they became less 'french' to look at {I think the BX has a typically French look to it, offbeat, distinct} and while still very stylish cars have a more 'european' look and disagree when people discribe Xantia, ZX, Xsara as 'could be made anywhere 'bland' etc'.
However take my BX along a motorway at speed and the 'magic carpet' quality appears; you 'hear' but don't 'feel' the imperfections...the ride really does improve the faster it goes....its also brilliant on bumpy unmade tracks. The spongy but supportive seats are perfect for long distance travelling, the performance is impressive...still suprised at how quick my humble 14 is where as before I would have thought them underpowered. The styling is excellent too and has aged remarkably well for a 23 year old {also aerodynamically effcient}. I think that the BX was one of the last 'distinctivly Citroen' cars being unlike any of its rivals to look at, dynamically superior to most of them and must have something going for it to be developing such a loyal fanbase.
I do thing the later Citroens are better in alot of ways such as quality, safety, refinement but think also after XM they became less 'french' to look at {I think the BX has a typically French look to it, offbeat, distinct} and while still very stylish cars have a more 'european' look and disagree when people discribe Xantia, ZX, Xsara as 'could be made anywhere 'bland' etc'.