Don't let the Hydractive 2 scare you, (I've seen you post before saying you prefer the simplicity of the standard set up) the improvement in both ride quality and handling is worth the extra two spheres and the slight potential of more things to go wrong IMHO.Old-Guy wrote:For us, that's one of the attractions of Hydractive. Travelling down through France with two up plus quite a lot of luggage and a full tank (of cheap Gazoil) confirmed my view that the Sx's (GSF Amtex) spheres were getting a bit tired after 5½ years and some 46,000 miles. My problem is that now having only one Xantia in the family, I've nothing to compare ours with, and any gradual deterioration is highly subjective.Xac wrote:When it's all working, the soft ride is softer than the SX.
Most of the Hydractive system is very reliable, the main failure point is the diodes in the electrovalves which can go open circuit so retrofitting the external diodes is a common modification that can be done either to fix already faulty diodes or as a preventative measure. The Hydractive ECU is no less reliable than an engine ECU, and even if it were to break down you would just be stuck in the hard springing/damping mode which is firm but still safe and perfectly drivable, it's not something that is going to strand you away from home like a blown big end bearing...
Both my Xantia's have been Hydractive 2 and I wouldn't have it any other way. My parents both had non-Hydractive Xantia's so I'm intimately familiar with their characteristics as well, and they just don't compare. The ride in the soft mode is far better than the SX, but naturally only if the suspension is mechanically well sorted - eg spheres, drop-links, bushes, rear arm bearings etc. At the same time the handling is greatly improved, much more tight and stable when you push it hard around corners etc, and it responds much better to emergency manoeuvres like swerving to avoid something on the road, the system kicks in instantly and firms the suspension keeping the car stable and under control.
There's plenty of knowledge on the forum on the Hydractive 2 system so I'd say go for it!
Does look slightly odd. Problems with the welds of the drivers door hinges on Estates is a well known issue, its possible that they have already been welded or may need welding. I wouldn't have thought it would be a show stopper if the rest of the car is in good nick though. Just allow for the possibility that the hinges may need welding when bargaining with the buyer...Even my wife noticed, I wondered about re-welding too.Xac wrote:The hinge area looks a tad strange with that lighting, it could be they re-welded it at somepoint.