Last Chance To Buy: Citroen Xsara

When's it going?

You would be forgiven for thinking that the Xsara had gone a very long time ago. Officially, it is still available but it is due to be replaced by the Citroen C4, which is apparently going to be very good. Meanwhile, you shouldn't have a problem picking up a Xsara hatch, estate or coupé.

When's it going?

You would be forgiven for thinking that the Xsara had gone a very long time ago. Officially, it is still available but it is due to be replaced by the Citroen C4, which is apparently going to be very good. Meanwhile, you shouldn't have a problem picking up a Xsara hatch, estate or coupé.

What's good about it?

It is comfortable, spacious, cheap and, er that's it. The interior space is excellent, especially for rear-seat passengers who are often overlooked. Even the coupé - which is the same size as the five door - is a proper four seater. The real spaceship though is the estate which, with a 53.4cu ft load space, was the best in class when it was launched. Being a Citroen, the ride is also a class part and refuses to be upset by any uneven road surfaces. There is also a lot to be said for the excellent driving position. Clear dials, precise controls and plenty of leg and headroom set the driver at ease. All the better to enjoy the excellent handling and wonderful grip on the performance models.

What's bad about it?

Essentially, the Xsara is a rebodied ZX - and what a dull body it is. With the Xsara, Citroen made very efficient and inoffensive transportation appliances and nothing more. The style-bypassed coupé is probably the biggest offender, looking neither sporty nor sexy. A big revamp in 2000 didn't change the Xsara for the better. Dated, dull and depreciation disaster are the d-words that come to mind.

How much?

The answer is not much. Not widely stocked at car supermarkets. You are better off going through brokers and buying direct from Citroen dealers, who have a £2,300 cashback deal at the moment. With prices starting at £10,500 there are bargains to be had.

Any snags?

Fairly reliable overall. Just the usual French car foibles like the electrics playing up and bits of loose trim. High mileage ones look tatty and may need brakes and suspension overhauls.

FACT FILE

Launched: 1997

Engine: 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 1.9D, 1.9TD, 2.0 Hdi 90, 2.0 Hdi 110, 2.0 16V 137bhp, 2.0 16V 167bhp Performance: 1.6, 0-60 12.7 seconds, 121mph Economy: 1.6 40.9mpg NCAP:

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