Advantages: Great engine for power and economy, massive boot, bargain 2nd-hand. Disadvantages: Dull interior, dull image.
Well, it has done over 90,000 miles now, but the engine remains powerful, the seats supportive and the trim in good condition. Contrary to Citroen's reputation this car has been extremely reliable over the last 5+ years I have owned it, and the dealer's been fair too. Generally underrated, I have driven far newer cars that don't appear to have progressed much at all. Dirt cheap 2nd hand.
The best bits are:
The strong and economical engine. It shows a clean pair of heels to plenty of surprised Audi/Merc/BMW drivers and I get 40mpg around town, and over 60mpg on motorways.
The nice smooth ride, far better than more modern hard-riding cars. It handles well despite the softer ride and the steering has some feel to it.
The boot is big for a car of this size, and gigantic with the rear seats folded down.
Tyre wear - on average they are ...
Advantages: very economical, good performance, comfortable ride Disadvantages: depreciation, fuel gauge, unnecessary rattles, build quality
I've always driven diesel cars, and more to the point French diesel predominantly from Citroen and Peugeot [ntably the same company, PSA Group].
Having traded in my 1.9D Citroen ZX Avantage with 150, 000 miles on the clock, I was really looking forward to my first ever brand new car.
My main requirements were safety and economy, two qualities the CitroenXsara SX 110HDi has plenty of.
The engine is great, really responsive and lacks the 'tractor sound and vibration' earlier incarnations of the common rail diesel had. Put your foot down, and it goes some, and more.
Road handling/suspension is fine, ride 'comfortable', but what irritated me the most were annoying rattles and problems from the day it was driven out of the showroom.
The worst was a widely inccurate fuel gauge [a common problem amoung CitroenXsara owners ...
Advantages: A spacious comfortable car easy to get in and out of. Disadvantages: Being of average height I cannot reach the aerial to remove it to go through car wash!
I have a Citoren Xsara Picasso Desire which is a 2.0HDi. It is an extremely comfortable vehicle this was paramount in my choice as I am disabled and have mobility problems. I find it very easy to get in and out of and to drive. The view is fantastic, and being a little higher up makes for a safer feeling, and the generous seats provide great suppot.
I also have two children and there is always plenty of room for us all even when the whole family of four go on holiday we can still fit everything in!
We tow a Bailey caravan and again the car handles wonderfully and copes easily with the towing.
The CD player and air conditioning are both invaluable to me and help keep things cool! ...
