Citroen ZX diesel
Discussion
All ZXs eat the passive rear steering bushes I believe, with quite comedic results.
The diesels are great. I haven't had one personally, but I have friends who've owned both the naturally aspirated one and the turbo.
The n/a variant is unburstable and very economical. It is a bit of a slouch by modern standards and not the most civilised engine, but it is cheap and dependable. The turbo is really quite a respectable performer for an old school diesel and can be modified easily for extra power if that's your thing (although these days you'd probably just buy something quicker).
The diesels are great. I haven't had one personally, but I have friends who've owned both the naturally aspirated one and the turbo.
The n/a variant is unburstable and very economical. It is a bit of a slouch by modern standards and not the most civilised engine, but it is cheap and dependable. The turbo is really quite a respectable performer for an old school diesel and can be modified easily for extra power if that's your thing (although these days you'd probably just buy something quicker).
i have had my zx td for 7 months now and it is now on 260k miles. i thought if it lasted me a month or 2 i would have had my moneys worth out of it, but it just keeps going with just a bush knocking a little underneath. i think i get about 40-45mpg so it has saved me loads of money over having a petrol car in all that time.
even all the electric windows and sunroof work perfectly.
even all the electric windows and sunroof work perfectly.
Good motors. Not particularly likeable as the build, fell and finish are all shocks. But if you get a normal model, the ride is brilliant, they flow round corners without fuss and the 1.9D is epically reliable.
Personally I'd get a 1.9D, a later one like an SX. You get Volcane bumpers, and bit of kit inside and later 90's paint jobs, rather than early faded reds with black bumpers!
Volcanes are nice cars, but of every XUD I've ever owned (I've owned most variations) the TD's have always been not quite as good on the fuel economy. To be honest, they've usually got a bit too much lag for my liking too, although it's only Xantia's I've owned that are TD's and they're a fair bit more lardy than the ZX. The BX TD's were the best TD to drive IMO, as they used the 1.8 unit, which was always better on fuel and less laggy. I sort-of own a 1989 BX 1.9D, which has rolled over to 205k on the original clutch...best car I've ever owned. 45mpg everytime (even when towing!) and it's never failed to start, apart from when we tried to start it up for the first time having left it 2.5 years. Took two attempts then, cos we had to re-bleed the fuel system. BX is the one I've look at, suspension is far more reliable than it's believe to be, and they don't suffer the bush problems of the ZX. They do eat the rear arm bearings though, but not quite as frequently. Best of all theres a highly supportive owners network, with free parts being banded around to help people out.
But back on topic and off my BX tangent, the way I see it with ZX diesels is none of them are fast, you're only buying it as a cheap runabout, so buy the cheapest/most reliable one.
Personally I'd get a 1.9D, a later one like an SX. You get Volcane bumpers, and bit of kit inside and later 90's paint jobs, rather than early faded reds with black bumpers!
Volcanes are nice cars, but of every XUD I've ever owned (I've owned most variations) the TD's have always been not quite as good on the fuel economy. To be honest, they've usually got a bit too much lag for my liking too, although it's only Xantia's I've owned that are TD's and they're a fair bit more lardy than the ZX. The BX TD's were the best TD to drive IMO, as they used the 1.8 unit, which was always better on fuel and less laggy. I sort-of own a 1989 BX 1.9D, which has rolled over to 205k on the original clutch...best car I've ever owned. 45mpg everytime (even when towing!) and it's never failed to start, apart from when we tried to start it up for the first time having left it 2.5 years. Took two attempts then, cos we had to re-bleed the fuel system. BX is the one I've look at, suspension is far more reliable than it's believe to be, and they don't suffer the bush problems of the ZX. They do eat the rear arm bearings though, but not quite as frequently. Best of all theres a highly supportive owners network, with free parts being banded around to help people out.
But back on topic and off my BX tangent, the way I see it with ZX diesels is none of them are fast, you're only buying it as a cheap runabout, so buy the cheapest/most reliable one.
I rather like my ZX TD, so far its done 11.5k since August last year (it was on 148k at the time!). The car rides well and handles okay (probably could do with a spruce up really). Reliability wise, mine has needed a new starter (£65 fitted it myself) and a small wiring repair were it decided to keep blowing side light fuses.
It pays to check for rust, small holes can be patched but check around the front suspension turrets and inner wings, they can be rusty as anything.
It pays to check for rust, small holes can be patched but check around the front suspension turrets and inner wings, they can be rusty as anything.
HereBeMonsters said:
Wycombe83 said:
Will be using it for a 26 mile round commute to work & back so reliability is the key as well as fuel consumption. Just looked at a ZX the other day & am just going to make an offer on it on ebay.
26 miles and you think you need a diesel? Madness man!Wycombe83 said:
HereBeMonsters said:
Wycombe83 said:
Will be using it for a 26 mile round commute to work & back so reliability is the key as well as fuel consumption. Just looked at a ZX the other day & am just going to make an offer on it on ebay.
26 miles and you think you need a diesel? Madness man!HereBeMonsters said:
Wycombe83 said:
HereBeMonsters said:
Wycombe83 said:
Will be using it for a 26 mile round commute to work & back so reliability is the key as well as fuel consumption. Just looked at a ZX the other day & am just going to make an offer on it on ebay.
26 miles and you think you need a diesel? Madness man!Kitchski said:
HereBeMonsters said:
Wycombe83 said:
HereBeMonsters said:
Wycombe83 said:
Will be using it for a 26 mile round commute to work & back so reliability is the key as well as fuel consumption. Just looked at a ZX the other day & am just going to make an offer on it on ebay.
26 miles and you think you need a diesel? Madness man!Zx diesels are great, i keep ending up with them as in-between cars sometimes run them for a few years.
XUD engines will run round the clock no problem.
n/a 65 mpg, Td 45/50mpg
Very cheap to buy and maintain Td same performance as 306 (quick by deisel standards) and half the price.
Estate versions have a very good load area and towing with them isn't a problem.
Just count how many 10/15 year old Zx's you see out and about then consider Ford/Vauxhall sold a hell of a lot more escorts/astras of that age and most are no more.
XUD engines will run round the clock no problem.
n/a 65 mpg, Td 45/50mpg
Very cheap to buy and maintain Td same performance as 306 (quick by deisel standards) and half the price.
Estate versions have a very good load area and towing with them isn't a problem.
Just count how many 10/15 year old Zx's you see out and about then consider Ford/Vauxhall sold a hell of a lot more escorts/astras of that age and most are no more.
Kitchski said:
Ah well i wouldn't call a golf a proper car either! but you could do much worse than a zx as a smoker. I do 25 miles a day and would notice a financial advantage with a diesel to be honest.
Well yes, there is a slight financial advantage, but then you could cycle that far fairly easily.Gassing Station | French Bred | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff