The Citroen Saxo 1.0 is the car currently sitting on my driveway and is my first ever car. I have been driving for just over a year now and I have no burning desire to upgrade yet. Why? Because the Saxo is incredibly efficient in many ways and is perfect for someone watching their bank balance in these tough economic times. First of all, my car is unmodified and will stay that way whilst I am the owner. This brings me on to the issue of reputation. Many cars of this model are hammered around with bits of plastic stuck on them and can be seen as an undesirable car. Don't let this put you off. If you look after it, it is a great little runner. I have never had any problems with my car. I get the Saxo serviced at my local garage which is down a tiny street where parking is an issue. Not for me though. The Saxo is a small car and can fit into tighter spaces. It does not have power steering which is not a problem as you get a feel for the car, it handles very well and is responsive. As a young driver I have been pleased with the fuel efficiency of this car. It costs me approx. £35 to fill the tank with unleaded petrol (depending on fuel prices obviously) and this goes a long way. My partner lives 60 miles away and I can pick him up and take him home, I can go to work every day and home for a week, I can drive to the supermarket and to my friends houses and I can take us on a trip at weekend. All of this before filling my car back up with petrol. The Saxo is in the lowest tax band and the insurance is very reasonable. It doesn't take me long to clean the car both inside and out as it is small, and the seat covers I recently bought with the tagline 'universal fit' do fit this car, whereas those with bigger cars have had problems. This car is not particularly pretty to look at but its functionality outweighs this aspect and those looking for design and appearance would perhaps prefer to look elsewhere. This model does not have central locking or electric windows. Primarily when I first got the car I was unhappy about this, now it does not bother me and I am used to it. For the cost to buy and run the car, the issue of central locking is not significant. This is a very reliable car and has had less problems than many more expensive newer cars that my friends own. This is as much to do with looking after it well as the car being quite simply, a good car.
Personally I sometimes have had a sore back after driving long distances. Whether this is the car or my back is unresolved, but the seats are not particularly comfortable. This car is designed for running around and completing a daily routine, not for driving very long distances. I have read a review stating that this model cannot go over 50mph, which is not true at all. This model can go to 110mph although I have only ever taken it to 90mph. At a steady motorway speed of 70mph you will have no problems. This model came with a tape-player which I replaced with a CD player. There is an airbag on the driver side and a deep glovebox. I can fit more than 8 shopping bags in the boot, or a large suitcase. If you wanted to fit lots of luggage in the car, removing the parcel shelf or dropping the back seat down is an option. Fuel emissions are nothing to worry about when it comes to MOT with a Saxo as I have found out, and being quite small, I find this car a perfect fit. The pedals are small and the seat can be brought right forward towards the steering wheel. This car can be difficult to drive if you are a large man due to fitting feet on the pedals and having enough leg room underneath the steering wheel. I would recommend this car to anyone, particularly those looking for a first car or those who want a cheap and cheerful routine car that is easy to maintain.
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