Hi all, I'm looking at an XM here in the states. As you might be aware they are EXCEEDINGLY rare out here as they were never officially sold by PSA here. The example I'm looking at is conveniently as far across the country as possible--close to a 3000 mile drive home.
To that end, what should I look out for on these? What parts should I bring with me in case of a breakdown in the middle of nowhere? What tools are a must-have?
Also, is it possible / easy to retrofit cruise control? I don't think this one has it and it would be incredibly helpful for those long desert slogs.
Thank you
Shopping for an old XM, what to look out for?
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bump_draft
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xantia_v6
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Re: Shopping for an old XM, what to look out for?
Are you thinking of driving it home? That should be no problem for an XM that is in regular use and well maintained, but if it has been sitting for a long time, then your chances of getting home easily are slim.
The XMs originally imported into the states were all early V6 12 valve, but there have been private imports of a few other variants.
I would not attempt to drive it any significant distance without knowing that the suspension is working correctly and the spheres are not more than about 5 years old.
XMs (especially early ones) have a weakness in the front strut tops that can cause the strut to attempt an exit through the bonnet. Driving with flat spheres exascebates that risk. Strut tops are also at increased risk if the car has lived in a hot climate or driven on salted roads.
The most likely failure on a car which has not been in regular use is perishing of the rubber return lines on the suspension, braking and steering systems. Thes will quickly dump a thankful of LHM on the road, leaving you with no brakes and not much steering. Roadside repairs are seldom easy.
If you tell us a bit more about the car, we may have some more specific advice. I have had my XM for 10 years, and before I drove it 200 miles home, the engine had not even been turned over for more than 3 years.
Cruise control retrofit is possible, but need to know the build specification of the car.
The XMs originally imported into the states were all early V6 12 valve, but there have been private imports of a few other variants.
I would not attempt to drive it any significant distance without knowing that the suspension is working correctly and the spheres are not more than about 5 years old.
XMs (especially early ones) have a weakness in the front strut tops that can cause the strut to attempt an exit through the bonnet. Driving with flat spheres exascebates that risk. Strut tops are also at increased risk if the car has lived in a hot climate or driven on salted roads.
The most likely failure on a car which has not been in regular use is perishing of the rubber return lines on the suspension, braking and steering systems. Thes will quickly dump a thankful of LHM on the road, leaving you with no brakes and not much steering. Roadside repairs are seldom easy.
If you tell us a bit more about the car, we may have some more specific advice. I have had my XM for 10 years, and before I drove it 200 miles home, the engine had not even been turned over for more than 3 years.
Cruise control retrofit is possible, but need to know the build specification of the car.
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xantia_v6
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Re: Shopping for an old XM, what to look out for?
The best English language support site for the XM is https://club-xm.co.uk but be warned that their web server is a bit cranky.