Save up and buy something reliable, comfortable, AND safe instead!! (Citroën AX)

Member Name: Chris Stables

Product:	Citroën AX
Date:	25/07/08 (227 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Dead cheap to buy.

Disadvantages: Racket, security, quality, and above all, safety.

Bought an AX diesel with 67,000 miles on the clock two years ago. Great fuel economy when creeping (I got over 80mpg on a journey from Kendal to Croydon, not exceeding 55mph), but the din when extended is frightful.
Terrifyingly fragile a la 2CV. For goodness sake don't carry valuable cargo, or anyone you love in it! Panels can be popped with the little finger and the quality of the interior can only be described as 'dismal'.
Tendency to rot on front leading edge of bonnet and more seriously, in the structural area of the inner wheel arches behind the headlights.
Head gaskets are a MAJOR problem and will set you back between £500 and £1,000. Cam belts MUST be changed on the button as per the service schedule and remember to change the water pump at the same time. False economy not to.
A car for pottering round town. Dump it when the head gasket goes as a proper fix (ie - one that will last more than 1,000 miles) will require the head machining, and depending on the extent of the warping, this may not be achievable without the valves hitting the pistons, so another head may be required which may be as bad as the one you have taken off!

Summary: Economical when working, but a swft and certain transport to the next world in a collision

Processing/Quality:
Reliability:
Driving comfort: