Discussion
Hi folks - based in Sydney, and looking to get myself a vaguely PH type car to supplement the family wagon.
Pretty limited purchase budget, and within my budget these seem to be about the best bang for buck. Run under the radar over here, so (in Australian terms at least) seem reasonable value. Can't stretch to a 172 Clio or 206 GTI, and anything V8 within my budget ($7k) is beyond crap. Nothing else tasty I can find other than 306 S16/GTI-6 which are a fair bit older with lots more miles on the clock, and I need something reliable(ish) as well as fun, and practical (got three rugrats so will need 5 seats, so no MX-5's unfortunately).
Any particular concerns with Xsaras that I need to be aware of (other than them being facially challenged with glorious french velour interiors....). I know parts are a bit pricey over here, but running costs not so much of a concern, initial capital outlay is the limiting factor.
Thanks in advance.
Pretty limited purchase budget, and within my budget these seem to be about the best bang for buck. Run under the radar over here, so (in Australian terms at least) seem reasonable value. Can't stretch to a 172 Clio or 206 GTI, and anything V8 within my budget ($7k) is beyond crap. Nothing else tasty I can find other than 306 S16/GTI-6 which are a fair bit older with lots more miles on the clock, and I need something reliable(ish) as well as fun, and practical (got three rugrats so will need 5 seats, so no MX-5's unfortunately).
Any particular concerns with Xsaras that I need to be aware of (other than them being facially challenged with glorious french velour interiors....). I know parts are a bit pricey over here, but running costs not so much of a concern, initial capital outlay is the limiting factor.
Thanks in advance.
Same sort of stuff as the Pug. Assuming you're looking at 16v engines the cambelt/waterpump need changing way before the suggested intervals so at around 35kish. If it's snapped in the past and not been repaired properly there should be and obvious valve "tap" that gets louder and faster with revs - not to be confused with injector tap which is normal.
Bushes/droplinks wear out at around 60k but are cheap and easy to fix - should hear a knocking over bumps with droplinks and worryingly vague steering and weaving about would indicate worn rear wishbone bushes and/or balljoints. Trailing arm bearings fail which will manifest as dodgy camber on the back wheels (leaning in at the top) requiring a re-build or (much cheaper) a new beam from a 306/xsara/zx. Rear beam mounts fail causing a knocking from the back over bumps.
Aircon is temperamental. If it's just been regassed be wary as it may just pack up within a week. The pipes running in front of the rad are ally and the clamps are steel. Meaning they react and the pipes rot. Genius.
Fluctuating idle is a favourite PSA issue. Usually down to ICV but can end being a guessing game trying to work out what it is and spending a fortune on sensors.
Rear disc arrangement is questionable at best. Handbrake is appalling and the callipers have a tendency to seize and stick because they are a crap old design. Easily fixed but a pain.
Normal French electric problems - Door looms break, central locking packs up, electric mirrors fail, earth points fail leading to comedy flashing lights and random locking/unlocking etc etc.
Sounds bad but they are actually quite strong other than that lot, honest
Being fairly archaic means they're easy to work on and share a lot of bits between other PSA cars so parts are cheap and easy to get hold of.
Bushes/droplinks wear out at around 60k but are cheap and easy to fix - should hear a knocking over bumps with droplinks and worryingly vague steering and weaving about would indicate worn rear wishbone bushes and/or balljoints. Trailing arm bearings fail which will manifest as dodgy camber on the back wheels (leaning in at the top) requiring a re-build or (much cheaper) a new beam from a 306/xsara/zx. Rear beam mounts fail causing a knocking from the back over bumps.
Aircon is temperamental. If it's just been regassed be wary as it may just pack up within a week. The pipes running in front of the rad are ally and the clamps are steel. Meaning they react and the pipes rot. Genius.
Fluctuating idle is a favourite PSA issue. Usually down to ICV but can end being a guessing game trying to work out what it is and spending a fortune on sensors.
Rear disc arrangement is questionable at best. Handbrake is appalling and the callipers have a tendency to seize and stick because they are a crap old design. Easily fixed but a pain.
Normal French electric problems - Door looms break, central locking packs up, electric mirrors fail, earth points fail leading to comedy flashing lights and random locking/unlocking etc etc.
Sounds bad but they are actually quite strong other than that lot, honest
Being fairly archaic means they're easy to work on and share a lot of bits between other PSA cars so parts are cheap and easy to get hold of.Edited by StoatInACoat on Tuesday 7th September 08:26
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