Citroen Xsara Review (2000 to 2004)

Quick Summary

It may not be the most innovative car that Citroen have ever produced, but the Xsara is one that did wonders for the company's bottom line. If you want a well-equipped car at a bargain price that's going to be reliable and fun to drive, it's difficult to put a foot wrong with a Citroen Xsara.

Overall:

Models Covered:Xsara – October 2000 – to date:1.4 [5- door – Forte, LX] / 1.6 16v [5-door – LX, SX] & [Est – LX] & [Coupe – VTR] / 2.016v [5-door – SX] / 2.0 16v 163bhp [Coupe – VTS] / 2.0HDi [5-door –LX, SX] / [Est - LX, SX] / [Coupe - VTR]

XSAR XSAR GALORE

Through a combination of keen pricing, shrewd niche marketing and access to some of the best engines the PSA Group has to offer, the Citroen Xsara has become an unlikely success story. Although few would know it, it's based on the Peugeot 306 platform, a chassis that's a bit of a museum piece in today's high-tech world. Despite this many will attest to the fact that whatever Xsara you opt for, it's a rattling good drive. Used examples reflect Citroen's ruthless price slashing tactics and low mileage cars can be yours for prices that read like a misprint. You win every way up.
Used Citroen Xsara for sale

History of the Xsara

There wasn't a great deal of fanfare when Citroen first launched the Xsara way back in November 1997. To be truthful, the Citroen range was looking a little second hand at this point and the Xsara seemed an underwhelming range. The engines were lifted from the Peugeot 306 range and few customers were tempted to switch brands. Citroen needed to do something to differentiate the Xsara. The Coupe and Picasso models that followed started the ball rolling, but it wasn't until the model was facelifted in October 2000 that the Xsara really began to rack up serious sales. The old 1.8-litre engine was dropped and a new 2.0-litre 16-valve engine added in its place. The 1.6-litre unit was replaced by a higher-tech 16v unit. Minor improvements in handling were introduced and prices reduced with specs increased. In summer 2002 the HDi 100 diesel engine was fitted to the Coupe VTR making this an attractively priced and cheap to run coupe in a market of one. Early 2003 saw a few more revisions to the Xsara range with subtly updated styling. There was a redesigned front bumper that included inbuilt fog lights and a chromed grille. The cabin was brightened up to the tune of lighter materials on the dashboard and, depending on which trim level you opted for, some splashes of aluminium and chrome on the sills, vents and dials. The quality of the interior trims and materials was also markedly better than before. A 75bhp 1.4-litre HDi engine was made available in SX trim to those who couldn't stretch to the 2.0-litre versions and a high value 75bhp 1.4-litre Forte was also unveiled. The Citroen C4 replaced the Xsara towards the latter stages of 2004.
Used Citroen Xsara for sale

Citroen Xsara Road Test

Being based on the Peugeot 306 is a good start if you want an entertaining drive and the Xsara doesn't disappoint. Try it over speed humps or a poorly surfaced road and you can't help but be impressed with the way that the springs absorb all that the elements can throw at them. The flip side is that such a soft ride does, inevitably, mean an extra dose of roll in the corners when you're pressing on hard. In giving, the engineers have also taken away. If you want something stiffer however, the more tautly sprung Coupe models should provide it.As well as the 90bhp and 110bhp versions of the 2.0-litre HDi engine, there's a 70bhp 1.4-litre HDi unit to seek out in five-door LX trim. This version brings a modern diesel engine within the budgets of more buyers. A CO2 figure of just 120g/km and an average fuel figure of 63mpg combine with a top speed of 102mph to make this a very attractive budget option. The rather weak entry-level 1.4-litre petrol unit is best avoided. Much better, if funds allow, to trade up to the 110 bhp 1.6-litre 16-valve engine that will rev happily from rest to sixty in 11.0 seconds on the way to 121mph. Xsara customers who want a little meat under their right foot can have the punchy 137bhp 2.0-litre engine. That goes in top-spec hatches and estates, thought the sparkiest VTS Coupe gets the full 167bhp complement. Focus apart, few rivals are better to drive.
Used Citroen Xsara for sale

Buying a Citroen Xsara

Although cabin trim quality isn't the best in class, the Xsara comes from tried and tested stock and most of the faults have been well ironed out. The engines in particular are supremely reliable and few issues have emerged so far. Check for over-enthusiastic use on Coupe models, as these can eat front tyres. Aside from that, make sure the car has been regularly serviced, is free from parking knocks and scrapes and check the interior for signs of destruction by kids.
Used Citroen Xsara for sale

Citroen Xsara Typical Pricing

Prices for the 'big lamp' Xsara start at £2,300 for a 2000X registered 1.4i LX hatch, although budgeting another £200 for the 1.6i engine is a good idea. An SX trim with this engine will retail from £2,800 and a VTR Coupe will be around £2,700, again on the 2000 X plate. A newer VTR, on a 2002 52-plate will be £3,500. See what we mean about bargains?The 2.0-litre VTS is well worth tracking down from £3,300 on a 2000X plate but the stars of this particular show must be the diesel models. Pay £3,300 for a 2.0-litre HDi LX hatch on a 2002 51 plate or £3,500 for a similar vintage estate.
Used Citroen Xsara for sale

Citroen Xsara Parts

(approx.based on 2000 1.4 excl VAT) A clutch assembly is around £90 and an exhaust system about £385 including a catalytic converter. Front and rear brake pads will be in the vicinity of £40-45 each.A radiator is about £150, an alternator about £250, a starter motor £220, and a replacement headlamp can be up to £75-80.
Used Citroen Xsara for sale