RazMan
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 posted on 12/1/08 at 08:21 AM |
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Quickie Advice on Tin Top Please
I need a runabout for the commuting run and I've been offered a 1997 Citroen Xantia which is quite tidy and looks as if it might do the job.
Are there any particular weak points of this car apart from being French ? 
Cheers,
Raz
When thinking outside the box doesn't work any more, it's time to build a new box
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NeilP
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| posted on 12/1/08 at 08:54 AM |
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Panels are a bit thin - I believe they are moulded in paint and then have metal sprayed on the inside
My sister had a citroen (can't remember which flavour) - Seem to recall suspension mountings being an issue at one point in it's life but
apart from that she had no complaints...
EDIT: From WhatCar: "The Xantia doesn't have the best reputation for reliability, but there are plenty of cars that run smoothly thanks to
their caring, attentive owners. These are the ones to sniff out, so insist on a full service history.
The gas/fluid Hydractive suspension requires a pricey overhaul every five years, so check for evidence of this in the service records. Also ensure
that the car sits level, irrespective of load, and rides smoothly over poor surafces. If not, suspect suspension trouble, the biggest cause of claims
made by Xantia owners to Warranty Direct.
We've also heard of clutch problems on the HDi turbodiesels and faulty fuel injectors that can make diesels smoky. The anti-lock braking system
can give trouble on all models. Coolant leaks and clogged radiators aren't unheard of either, while electrics can be iffy.
Finally, check that the spare wheel is still there - it should be in a cradle under the car. Some of them get nicked."
p.s. Did you get the email re: shift?...
[Edited on 12/1/2008 by NeilP]
If you pay peanuts...
Mentale, yar? Yar, mentale!
Drive it like you stole it!
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rusty nuts
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| posted on 12/1/08 at 08:58 AM |
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Suspension hieght adjustors can sieze breaking a small part of the linkage, easy to free off and part a couple of quid., Slow to react suspension is
normally down to the filters for the LHM fluid( USE ONLY LHM) need cleaning and fluid changing although it may help to use Hydraflush for about a
thousand miles (about £15.00 from GSF, Euro cart parts no longer sell it) If suspension is hard and flushing doesn't cure it then the suspension
spheres need changing, about £20.00 each from ECP. Clutch cable can be an arse .If checking brake pads remove the rears as they often wear on the
piss. Parking brake cables can suffer , not too bad to do although a bit fiddly. Get a diesel if you are doing a lot of miles. Dont brake hard the
first time you drive one! HTH , Mel
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speedyxjs
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| posted on 12/1/08 at 09:18 AM |
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My dad had a 2.0 hdi as a company car for a few months and the head gasket went before it was 3 years old 
What engine is yours?
How long can i resist the temptation to drop a V8 in?
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Johnmor
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| posted on 12/1/08 at 09:52 AM |
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Citroen Xantia
I have owned 2 Citroen Xantias and did all the maintenance myself.
I found them a very reliable car, one of the most comfortable and relaxing cars to drive.
If the suspension system has been neglected then it can be a problem but later mods included plastic coatings on pipework and better protection for
suspension parts.
Watch out for the rear height adjustment , as said it can sieze.
Bodywork is solid, not prone to rust , all pannel are galvinsied pror to painting.
If its all working, go over the whole underside with wax-oil thinned with parfin and that will keep it all working for long enough
Last one I had was a 96"N" 2.0L 16v
I paid £700 in 2002 and did 110,000 in three years, and it hardly coughed.
Sold it for £350 .
So I think it was a pretty good car to me.
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Humbug
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| posted on 12/1/08 at 10:36 AM |
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I had a 2 litre petrol 97 Xantia for 3-4 years from 3 years old. Nice car to drive, comfortable, fairly roomy. The only problem was electrical, where
the engine would lose power. It was with the garage on and off for several weeks before it was fixed... sort of.
I think the suspension was refilled/repumped once during my ownership.
If you get one without leccy issues you should be OK.
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RazMan
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| posted on 12/1/08 at 10:41 AM |
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Excellent advise guys! The collective is working well this morning.
Looks like I need to pick up the phone and organise a 'look see'
p.s. Its a 1997 1700cc petrol with 100k on the clock but with a good service history.
Cheers,
Raz
When thinking outside the box doesn't work any more, it's time to build a new box
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UncleFista
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| posted on 12/1/08 at 11:04 AM |
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Put the heater on fully hot once warm, check for any bitter burnt coolant smell, heater matrixs are a weak point, massive job to replace too, any
funny smells, run away 
Tony Bond / UncleFista
Love is like a snowmobile, speeding across the frozen tundra.
Which suddenly flips, pinning you underneath.
At night the ice-weasels come...
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