Citroen Xsara reviews

Does what it says on the tin. Cheap and reliable motoring. After years of driving older diesel cars this performs more like a petrol model. Not being a fan of manual gearboxes in traffic care is needed in changing up the box to avoid a jerky performance if you are a bit heavy footed on the gas. Different to most other vehicles on the road with a far lower asking price than similar sized astras and the focus if you want to be a little different on the road. Doubt you,ll see another even on a long journey.

This is my first car and after owning it for nearly 2 years now, I can comfortably say this is a great car. It has never let me down, starting first time every time. Extremely good on fuel, very practical and nice heavy steering make this car ideal for most people. Nearly 20 years old now but still drives like its new. Very comfortable ride so a pleasure on long journeys. Biggest negative is the lack of rear headroom if you have the optional sunroof, but should be fine for small people. I think it's a bit different and not many left on UK roads, it also looks quite handsome in my opinion.

We bought this car in Jan 2007 when it was 3 years old. After driving it for 13 years and at 150,000 miles we can say with absolute certainty. THIS IS A VERY GOOD CAR. We have had the transmission serviced every 4 years by a transmission specialist as the oil degrades and the transmission begins to slip when hot. An oil change for 150.00 sorts this. We've had to have 3 springs replaced , the catalyst, some discs and pads and one suspension arm and the cam belt at 110,000 miles. And 1 battery. Once a year I've changed the oil , oil filter and air filter myself. That's it!!!!! We have no intention of replacing this car as it has been so reliable and never left us stranded. The engine still uses no oil between changes.

Lovely car and hope to drive it for a few more years and will get another Citroen automatic when time comes to change.

For the year of the vehicle it has been a pretty reliable motor. had a few things go wrong but generally ok

My beloved car is coming up to her fourteenth year. I know in automotive terms that is old but cannot bear to part with her. She has proved to be so reliable over the time I have had her. We do a lot of miles together. My youngest daughter and her family live 100 miles away, my sister and family live 178 miles away and my parents live 217 miles away on the south coast. They have suffered bad health this last year and I have constantly had to make the round trip of over 400 miles plus trips backwards and forward to various hospitals etc. So A***** for reliability. We are fast approaching 120,000 miles - perhaps we'll just grow old together until we both fade into the sunset!!!!

A nice car to drive if functionality is required. Clutch went after 50000 miles, radio became problematic and a flat battery knocked out the central locking. The current Citroen equivalent model would be a good car to purchase,to drive for 5 or so years.

I purchased this car new in February 2004. At 65.000 miles she is running beautifully and the bodywork is in as new condition. Regularly serviced, the car has caused no problems at all. I am looking to buy a new vehicle and, after 10 years of excellent service from the Xsara, I will probably choose another new Citroen. I should add that my reason for buying a new car is purely for an update in motoring technology. My Xsara will probably run on for another 10 years. I will miss her. I am 74 four years of age and have driven since age 17 [57 years]. The Xsara is the best, most reliable and economical car that I have owned to date.

Its lasted 20 years and gives good overall reliability and performance. Its quite roomy and comfortable (Hydrostatic Suspension System). When I come to replace it I hope to find another Xantia, but a slightly newer year. By the way, its not a Xsara (yuk) its a Xantia. The drop down list for model type did not include this classic and the review would not let me continue unless I filled in the box marked model. I am surprised seeing that registration year went right back to 1950 but for my registration year (1993) it did nor even have Xantia in the list. Hopeless!!!!

I have had my car since 2003 and find it very comfortable on both long and short journeys, I have had no rust problems whatsoever, parts are very reasonable and I have no intention of changing it in the near future. It has good acceleration if needed.I would have no hestition in recommending Citroen cars, definitely the best I've had in my lifetime.

Bought new in 2004. Excellent car, still in good condition at 65,000 miles. Very happy with my choice.

The Xsara scores highly on comfort and space/practicality for: gently curved driver's seat with adjustable height; split rear seat 2/1 to extend the boot; good leg room in rear. The engine is powerful, acceleration is good, it corners well and is a reassuring weight to drive. Diesel consumption is good with about 450 miles per tank. However at 12 years old its age is showing hence the low score on reliability. I should have bought something newer years ago, but the Xsara is a very satisfying car to drive.

happy with car, meets my needs, i dont do many miles a week now, but need a car

The only car I know that ALWAYS starts on the first turn of the key!! Very comfortable ride due to hydraulic system. Expensive to fill with petrol £70 but what car isn't these days.

Good reliable car suitable to my needs

Boring

This is a 2nd hand car but runs very well and is very economical. I do 10,000 plus miles a year in it.

Vastly underrated car! I may have just been lucky and got a 'good one' but over the last 6 yrs it has cost me very little in maintenance other than the usual 'consumables', it's quick, comfy, spacious, has great equipment as standard including a good sound system and in my opinion, looks great! Sporty without being flashy!

My car is extremely comfortable for my needs,I have two very large dogs which fit in the luggage area with ease,my car performs excellent on motorways but not very well round urban areas as you have to change down to third gear at 30mph or under but overall I am very pleased with this vehicle.

In short. bullet proof engine (diesel dw8 ) current mileage 188000 miles.Cambelt changed once in that distance, driving style sedately. underbody protection, no perforations, paintwork nothing significant. economy is fair, 50+ mpg urban or motorway. serviceable parts very cheap, ie (filters tyres wipers) ride quality a bit dated, but reasonable at time of manufacture. overall 8/10 marks.