Citroen Xsara Review (1997 to 2000)

Quick Summary

In the final analysis, Citrophiles might be a little Xsad that the days of engine-inflatable suspension, rotating-barrel speedometers and non-self-cancelling indicators have gone forever from the brand. Many others however, will be impressed with the thought that went into the Xsara. Buying a Citroen makes a very different statement these days.

Overall:

Models Covered:Xsara – November 1997-October 2000:1.4 [5- door –X, LX]&/ [Est – X, LX] / 1.6 [5-door – X, LX, SX] & [Est – LX] / 1.8 [Coupe – VTR] & [5-door – SX, Exclusive] & [Est – Exclusive] / 2.0 [Coupe – VTS] / 1.9D [5-door – X, LX, SX] & [Est – X, LX] / 1.9TD & HDi [5-door – X, LX, SX, Exclusive] & [Est X, LX, SX, Exclusive]

FRENCH SENSE

'Sensible' is the word that most readily springs to mind when considering Citroen's Xsara. Under the skin, there's nothing much to differentiate this family hatchback from the PSA Group's equally sensible Peugeot 306. Look a little closer, however, and there are distinct character traits.Certainly there's none of the quirkiness of small Citroens of the past - but then if you're buying a car like this, you probably don't want that anyway. The Xsara handles better than the equivalent Ford Escort that was a key rival when the Citroen was first launched, is more up to date and probably will have more equipment. If that's enough, check one out.
Used Citroen Xsara for sale

History of the Xsara

The Xsara was launched to a lukewarm reception in November 1997, initially as a five-door hatchback. There were 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol engines, plus normally aspirated and turbo charged 1.9-litre diesel units, all lifted straight from the rival Peugeot 306. Trim levels were X, LX, SX and Exclusive.A Coupe model was added in March 1998, using not only the 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol engines but the even faster 2.0-litre unit from the Peugeot 306 GTi-6 hot hatch. A month later, an estate body style joined the line-up, it's engine and specification range exactly duplicating that of the five-door hatch. ABS was standardised across the line-up in early 1999. A 90bhp HDi diesel engined version replaced the turbo diesel models in August 1999.You might also consider some of the numerous special editions that were good value for money – for example, the 1999 West Coast five-door hatch had a 1.4-litre petrol engine, air conditioning and four airbags as standard. The 2000 Forte was similarly equipped and subsequently became a permanent part of the range with 1.8 petrol and two-litre HDi diesel power and a choice of five-door hatch and estate body styles.
Used Citroen Xsara for sale

Citroen Xsara Road Test

Nearly all the Xsara's hardware is either carried over from the ZX it replaced or borrowed from Peugeot's 306 – so it's proven in terms of ride and handling, both were amongst the best you could find in the late 90s family hatchback sector.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.Coupes come with 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 or 2.0HDi power. Most buyers, however, opt for the 1.8-litre unit also used by five-door and estate models, so it's just as well that it's no slouch. Rest to sixty occupies less than ten seconds on the way to over 120mph. Fuel consumption – around 34mpg - is about average by class standards.
Used Citroen Xsara for sale

Buying a Citroen Xsara

Build quality is good however and few faults have emerged so far. Check for over-enthusiastic use on Coupe models.
Used Citroen Xsara for sale

Citroen Xsara Typical Pricing

The earliest R-reg five-door models start at around £1,200 for the 1.4 X, around £1,250 for the 1.6 X or about £1,400 for the 1.8 SX. Diesels start from around £1,500 for a D X or around £1,300 for a TD X. Allow respective premiums of around £100 and £200 for the plusher LX and SX trim levels. Estate models enjoy a premium of around £300 over equivalent five-door hatches. Coupes start at about £1,400 for a 1.6, about £1,500 for a 1.8 or about £1,800 for a 2.0 VTS.
Used Citroen Xsara for sale

Citroen Xsara Parts

(approx.based on 1996 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