why change it? (Citroën ZX)

Member Name: gryphon

Product:	Citroën ZX
Date:	29/03/01 (798 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Extremely reliable

Disadvantages: heavy handling at low speed

we have owned our present Citroen ZX 1.9D for six years from 'new' [couple of hundred demonstrator miles on the clock-- I actually prefer that rather than brand new, as the dealer spots any little noises or niggles and fixes them: after all it has to make a good impression if the dealer wants to sell it!]

I have nothing but praise for the way it has served us over this period: the only fault, apart from routine replacements [tyres, wiper blades] has been a corroded handbrake cable replacement, and broken wiring loom to front brake pad sensors, which is unimportant as long as you service regularly.

The fuel economy is great, with at least 10 miles to the litre at all times; better on long journeys [sorry about the mixed figure, but there is a mileometer, and garages sell fuel in litres ]. I appreciate the power of the engine, and flexibility of the diesel which forgives those attempts at stalling by pulling away in third.

By installing roof bars, it easily copes with a big top box for excess luggage, or strapping bikes on; I have used a rear carrier, now that they come mount higher and don't obscure number plate or lights, but that's not an option for carrying a tandem, unless you want to be left with two unicycles.

The interior is big with the rear seat folded down, and I can fit all the tools/equipment/ladders etc etc that I need for work in or on with out a problem, and the finish has resisted the scuffs and abuses of two kids and being used as a work van very well- I installed mats and doorsill antiscuff strips when it was new- a good investment.

Both of us are impressed with the car's handling: it always stays in control, and reacts predictably_ I've only managed skids/spins, on purpose, in wet or snowy car parks, and even then, they were easy to control.

Although we don't habitually cover enormous mileages, I have been very happy with the comfort of the seating and the headr
oom, even during an 11 hour each way trip to the south of France, yet it's still happy with all the short 2 - 5 mile journeys that fill our lives.

The only caveat I can muster is that the good grip/ wide tyres can make the steering heavy around town, and I'd be tempted to go for power steering, and all the toys if I were buying a second hand one now.

Summary: