A bit apprehensive....

[rmunns]

I've recently posted, singing the praises of my '98 1.8 16V petrol Saloon Xantia. At the right opportunity I will change for another Xantia and have thought I'd like a spec. something like:

estate version
2000 or 2001
diesel
auto
activa
80000km or so (50k miles)

But now I've been looking through the forum I'm a bit more apprehensive about the diesels and major problems that can come up. I can't remembe the details but one version of the diesels in particular appears to be molre troublesome.

Many people, when they hear that UK people have retired to live in France, think 'they must be rich'. Believe me, what with he pound plumetting against the euro and pensions paid in pounds that aint the case. I need a car that isn't going to cost anything at all except fuel oil and a bit of d-i-y servicing.

Perhaps I've been really lucky with the current Xantia and need to be lucky again when I eventually go for a replacement.

Pleae can people give their opinions about the best Xantia version based on the above?

[XantiaMan]

Keep it simple and get a 1.9TD or HDi Estate. My TD gave me nearly 2 years of very cheap motoring especially on the veg.

[DickieG]

Looking at your list and your desire for low running costs you can rule out Activa's due to poor fuel consumption (mid 20's) and the cost of replacing balancing ram's @ £320+ each, not to mention the issue of the little bush at the bottom of the rear ram @ £160 at regular intervals.

The reliability of auto's can suffer beyond 80,000 miles unless the fluid has been changed regularly and don't expect much beyond mid 20's mpg for fuel consumption on a 2.0 auto estate.

As for unreliable diesels well I'm not too familiar with that personally, my HDi estate has just turned 135,000 miles and run's 100%. Its so economical I'd now feel rather hard done by if it ever returned less than 50 mpg giving a range of beyond 700 miles between fill up's. If I wasn't so pleased with the one I have now I'd be sorely tempted by this one

[Koukku]

Also, if you want an auto estate, you can forget Activa. And vice versa. Activa was never available as an automatic, or as an estate.

[h2ocooler]

I've recently posted, singing the praises of my '98 1.8 16V petrol Saloon Xantia. At the right opportunity I will change for another Xantia and have thought I'd like a spec. something like:

estate version
2000 or 2001
diesel
auto
activa
80000km or so (50k miles)

But now I've been looking through the forum I'm a bit more apprehensive about the diesels and major problems that can come up. I can't remembe the details but one version of the diesels in particular appears to be molre troublesome.

Many people, when they hear that UK people have retired to live in France, think 'they must be rich'. Believe me, what with he pound plumetting against the euro and pensions paid in pounds that aint the case. I need a car that isn't going to cost anything at all except fuel oil and a bit of d-i-y servicing.

Perhaps I've been really lucky with the current Xantia and need to be lucky again when I eventually go for a replacement.

Pleae can people give their opinions about the best Xantia version based on the above?

Diesels are not really unreliable, all but 1 of my citroens have been oil burners, CX's, BX's Xantia's and now a C5. Treated right the pug/citroen diesel enginge will do 200,000 with no major rebuilds.

Try to avoid the "drive by wire" 2.1TD with the Lucas EPIC pump, been told they can be a bit of a pain, the one in my Xantia would sometimes dissconnect and would drive like a slug for a few miles, no fault lights would come up though, just lacked power and then it would clear.

Like all cars if you change the oil & filter's on time and do the cambelt they will last.

As for Auto's, early BX auto boxes were BAD, they couldnt handle the torque of the diesel lump but the later ones seem to be ok, My C5 has over 180,000 on it and the box is as smooth as silk.

I would say the HDi is the way to go, better fuel economy, better starting (glow plugs are only for the coldest weather) better power etc, just look for one with service history (but avoid one with an excess amount of dealer bills for repairs)

Where in France are you, just in the process of moving my father to france, he's been in Oz for the last 10 years, I looked for a Xantia estate for him but ended up getting a pug 406 HDi.

Regards
Rob

[Peter.N.]

I would avoid an auto diesel if you want any performance and economy and don't want to have to scrap the car when the gearbox fails. The diesels are generally very reliable and long lasting if looked after. The 2.1 diesel is the best of the bunch but with the EPIC pump, can, but possibly wont give problems. I have been running XMs with the 2.1 engine and Bosch mechaincal for 12 years or more and they are vitually bomb proof and can last well into 300k miles. The 1.9 diesel is again very reliable and long lasting if not abused, you should be able to run one for well over 200k, the head gaskets tend to fail at around 150k but once repalced should give no further trouble. Overheating is a killer for them though, make sure the cooling system is in good nick (watch the temperature gauge while testing) many problems are caused by not bleeding the system properly after refilling it, the 2.1 doesn't have that problem due to e redesigned cooling system

[KP]

If your in europe then you may find a rare HDi Activa but as aboove they will cost more in parts. The best thing you can do is ge a 1.9td as Gareth has said. they are as strong as anything and parts are very cheap 2nd hand.
HDi's can be reliable, the one i owned had over 232k on the clock when i sold it on and i put 6k of that on in 5 months without too much problem other than the poor fuel cooler underneath. yes it was very economical but a PITA when that fuel cooler came apart and needing putting right.
The 1.9td's i've had i have bought cheap, run them for a year or so and when they fall apart i scrap them as they were never mint to start with. Yes you can spend the money and get good ones but why do that with something that was going to be a workhorse?

Do you have a specific budget in mind at all?

[jgra1]

TD 1905 gets my vote.. Simple and robust..

I am on my ... 10th or something and not one has given me any trouble.. Previous ones were used and sold to get newer ones etc..

present Xantia TD was treated to a rebuilt engine last year by me.. Clutch, cambelt, headgasket, valve lap.. the engine was running fine I hasten to add.. but the sun was out for a couple of weeks and I was bored


Waste Veg Oil (I payed 40pence per L last weekend) keeps the price about as low as it can go

John

[Peter.N.]

The HDi's are fuel efficient but not as inherently reliable as the 1.9, they can do high mileages but a lot don't without considerable expense.

[rmunns]

Thanks to all for helpful comments. I'll bear them all in mind (but as always happens, I'll no doubt see an absolutely fantastic bargain but 'wrong' model.

Rob, I'm in Dordogneshire. Where else?

[Penguin]

Waste Veg Oil (I payed 40pence per L last weekend) keeps the price about as low as it can go

John

Sorry to take this OT, but presumably that is for clean/dry WVO and not straight from the fryer stuff? If its straight from the fryer that seems a hell of a lot to pay.

[Xaccers]

Waste Veg Oil (I payed 40pence per L last weekend) keeps the price about as low as it can go

John

Sorry to take this OT, but presumably that is for clean/dry WVO and not straight from the fryer stuff? If its straight from the fryer that seems a hell of a lot to pay.

Never use untreated waste oil.