citroen xm

monico · Post by **monico** » 17 Jun 2006, 21:14

hi everyone
i would like to buy an XM 2.0 ct turbo 1997.
the car didnt move & worked for about a year(a bank auction)
what should i take in acount except battery?
thanks, moni

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 17 Jun 2006, 21:43

Hi moni -

Check engine oil & coolant fluid BEFORE you even attempt starting the engine

Check hydraulic fluid level before driving off - as this is also the brakes fluid ! Use the special Citroen hydraulic stuff LHM - ONLY - or the complete hydraulic system is damaged. Made by most oil manufacturers (Shell, BP, etc etc).
let the engine idle while you check the engine bay to catch any obvious problems before you hit the road.

From then on its the usual careful first driving af a vehicle in unknown condition. First stop is a gas station to check tyre inflation - info found on drivers door pillar.

Please note that the red STOP light is no funny games in a Citroen. Its meant as a serrious and true warning to the driver that something MUST be taken care of before driving on

Ignoring it may cost you a new engine - or a no brakes event

Good luck - hope you win the auction at a fair price

deian · Post by **deian** » 18 Jun 2006, 09:03

Check timing belt too, if your good at your hands try to get a cover off and just quickly check it's condition. If you want to check the whole lot, disconnect the fuel pump fuse/relay so you can turn the engine (to see different parts of the timing belt) on the starter without starting it.

On a car that hasn't been on the road for a while the head gasket may also start to fail, no obvious way to test this except for a compression test.

Personally if i had any doubts i'd put it on a trailer and tow it home to make sure there will be no detremental damage driving it home (i.e timing belt snapping).

Good luck

mpr1956 · Post by **mpr1956** » 18 Jun 2006, 23:20

Hi Moni.. I feel obliged to ask as I can't tell from your profile.. are you diy minded with a fair to good set of tools? these cars are wonderful and rewarding to drive, but can be challenging when trying to fault find and repair. A car that has sat for a year should really cost you very little (ignore the wh smith-bought price guides and don't get carried away with your bidding) I love my 93tdsx xant, but it would not be a practical proposition unless I serviced and repaired it myself... Having said all that, don't let me steal your dream!!! A lot of people still wonder what on earth it is that you're driving. Best wishes, Martin

Allanxantia · Post by **Allanxantia** » 19 Jun 2006, 09:22

Again, I would agree that hydraulic citroens are excellent cars. However they are really only a viable option if you are prepared to keep on top of them, be prepared to spend a little more on maintenance and try to understand how it all works!

Post by **Peter.N.** » 19 Jun 2006, 21:46

I would agree. I am on my 4th XM now, have been running them for 10 + years, but wouldn't be able to afford to if I didnt do my owm maintenance