Following the sale of the C5 my Xantia Exclusive has stepped into daily duties, I'm really enjoying drriving it. It rides a lot better than the C5, the seats are more comfortable (shame the driving position is not as spacious) and its gearchange is also much nicer. There are many more things I like about this HDi and I get to appreciate all every day now.
Today has been a bright and dry day so I took the opportunity to get the Activa out, its been in hibernation for what must be getting for two and a half months now, if not more. I've had the battery off and on charge over the wintery months, so I put that back on, checked the oil and coolant and the engine started instantly on the first turn of the key, as it it had been started earlier that day. Within a few minutes it was in high for me to have a look around underneith, just in case! There was no leaks nor any spots of anything where it had been sat. I didn't think there would be but sitting for a few months in cold weather doesnt do rubber seals etc any favours. I then pumped up the tyres and headed out for a drive to warm it up.
Wow! I always forget how good that car drives!
I don't know if its just because I've not driven it in a while or that the cold air had an effect but it was certainly pulling like a train today. I do love the engine in my Activa, for a TCT it does very well and the power delivery is pretty strong and it even manages to make an ok noise when being 'used'. I did take it easy with the performance as its been sat for a while and needed warming though. I also took it quite easy with the corners but I was still moving, might as well throw the rear view mirror away as no one is ever in it!
I had a grin from ear to ear and I'm still smiling at the thought of how great that car is!
While the Activa was out, I took a few pictures of the current fleet:
Excuse the state of the HDi, we've had a busy week
It'll be washed tomorrow.
However, the Activa is now back in its resting place until some more good weather.
The Rover has now completed 1000 miles and is going very well, I have now settled into the style of the seat and no longer get back ache. In fact, I'm finding it very comfortable as it has quite a laid out driving position, rather than a chair like position of the C5. I've started with machine polishing it, however there was so much road tar built up on the front wings and doors, it took me ages to clay it all off. I have only done the drivers side so far but have since fitted a new genuine Rover pair of front mudflaps, they should help keep it clean and tar free.
What looks like dirt splashes is road tar, extremely difficult to get off, a clay bar is the easiest method.
As well as being a great daily car for my long commute the Xantia is often used for trips to the tip, moving furniture etc. Its a very useful car to have around:
My dads C5 estate has been in the wars again, the tailgate met with the front bumper of a Jeep which has stoved in the panel. So that will need replacing most likely. The eldest C5 is a lot more responsive on its sterring after the fitting of 16" Monza Exclusive SE wheels from its caster like 15" wheels. Im tempted to leave them on.
On much bigger news: The Citroen Car Club National Rally has been chosen to be a marking point for the 20th anniversary of the Xantia. It would be excellent to get as many Xantias to the rally as is possible to mark the occasion. There should be some advertising in the Citroenian about it and I plan on spreading the word on the forums etc (expect a thread in due course). I'm going to try and get both of my Xantias there, if you have a Xantia, please bring it along
I'm shocked..
If one should come along at the right price and condition...
