Economy with reliability. (Citroën BX)

Member Name: SuffolkPunch

Product:	Citroën BX
Date:	27/07/01 (870 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great suspension, Economical, Reliable

Disadvantages: Can be costly to repair suspension., Poor acceleration.

Although the Citroen BX19 Diesel cannot be bought new I must stress that I haven't owned a car in its class that is more economic and reliable.
Even being 10 year old and 187,000 miles on the clock it is considered only just 'run in'. I have kept to the routine maintenance schedule such as oil and filter changes and took it to the garage whenever there seem to be problem.

The only rust I can find is a 10mm hole in the bottom of one door, if this had been an Escort or Montego rust would have been a problem.

The suspension is second to none, but can be costly when needing repair.
To date in the last 4 years I have had the following repairs:
1. One return pipe came adrift. Cost £0.00 DIY
2. The height adjuster needed replacing. Cost £70
3. Radius arm bearings changed. Cost £130
4. Three spheres changed. £32 each.

Economy.

The fuel consumption is rated at 58mpg at 56mph, I manage to get 50mpg over all conditions.

The top speed is rated at 100mph but I would not recommend going above 82mph. (Economic running speed).

The acceleration is poor but can go forever at 82mph (French speed limit on a motorway). I have driven to Spain twice pulling a half ton trailer at the speed limit without any problems.

Its not a stylist looking car but there again I'm not looking for a status symbol like most. It has the best suspension, power assisted steering and brakes, electric windows, central locking, fitted radio/cassette, reliability, economy, half of the car is plastic which doesn't rot and the wheel trims don't fall off.

The points I don't like about the car.

1. No air conditioning.
2. No where to stand drinks container on the dashboard.
3. Cannot see the ashtray at night.

I have now disposed of the BX 19 TGD having completed 250,000 miles. The engine was in very good condition and could have completed 400,000 miles.
I replaced this car with a BX TSR Turbo hatchback having only paid £300 for which has only 112,000 miles on the clock.

The old BX could have been repaired at a cost of £150 and the clutch was soon due for repair. It was just a matter of economy to buy another car with less mileage than pay the repair bills on the old one.

Summary: