Xsara VTS....I went shopping again

[S10GTA]

Hello. Me again. This is the last car change for some time, I promise.

A few months ago I purchased a Xantia Activa. For some reason it's just not doing it for me. It needs a bit spent on it and I am loathed to do that feeling so unsure about it, so I started car hunting again.

About 7 years ago I had a phase one Xsara VTS, and I rated it highly. I only sold it because a 156 GTA came up. Fast forward 7 years and I am now the proud owner of another Phase one VTS. I collected last night from Frimley Green near Guildford and drove it back to the New Forest, I then gave it a good thrash on my favorite roads and its awesome!!!!!

I'd forgotten how good they are. It's brash, throaty, bumpy and generally awesome.

Its a '99 car I believe, on a V plate with 81k. It only has a few months MOT and a month of tax, but it does have the leather interior. It also has good tyres all round, and has been owned by the same guy for the last 5 years which is always a good sign

No pictures from me yet, but here are a few from the add on Autotrader.







To say I am chuffed is an understatement. They are seriously underrated IMHO.

[DanielJames]

I've always had a soft spot for these - top shedding.

[S10GTA]

Oh yeah, it was £650

[T0MMY]

These are a seriously good buy. I got a 6 year old one with 50k on the clocks for £1600 a few years back, incredible value for what is effectively the best hot hatch of its generation. Only FWD car I've ever really enjoyed and they make great trackday cars.

All go and no show which suits me down to the ground.

[vrooom]

I liked those.. but they always come in horrible colours.

[C.A.R.]

There was a blue one for sale in Welwyn recently for a similar price at similar miles...I was soooo tempted!

[S10GTA]

C.A.R. said:

There was a blue one for sale in Welwyn recently for a similar price at similar miles...I was soooo tempted!

It's a lot of car for the money

[S10GTA]

Got home tonight to find somebody has scuffed the front bumper and wheel. I took this as a sign to get the bumper care out.



Looking better already.

[Pentoman]

Excellent. I love 90s interiors!

Ah for the days when the French could guarantee a great drive, and we didn't have to buy get our thrills from an MPG readout on a German diesel.

[Jw Vw]

Fantastic VFM. Still looks in good condition as well.

[S10GTA]

Pentoman said:

Excellent. I love 90s interiors!

Ah for the days when the French could guarantee a great drive, and we didn't have to buy get our thrills from an MPG readout on a German diesel.

So true. There is little to distract you, meaning it's all about the drive.

[Shadow R1]

Is that the 150bhp + version ?

Either way looks great for the price.

[steve954]

I love these and miss my old one badly, probably more so because the sale was a forced one.

[S10GTA]

Shadow R1 said:

Is that the 150bhp + version ?

Either way looks great for the price.

167bhp. Same as the gti-6

[anonymous-user]

Always thought they were a bargain, properly underrated. Will be watching with interest

[carpetsoiler]

Love the looks of these, I actually think they're very pretty.

Cracking engine too.

Great fun for peanuts- nicely done and enjoy it.

[T0MMY]

You probably know this but ignore the recommended cambelt interval! Mine went after 38k...I think Citroen say 60 which is extremely optimistic. Other than that they're actually very reliable engine wise. Not so good on the minor electrical gremlin front though, and I bet you £100 the aircon doesn't work

[trashbat]

I saw the thread title and knew this would be you.

How's life? Are you ever coming back to the beautiful world of Alfa?

[Riknos]

Jealous! That's a bargain, a lot of car for the money! That leather interior looks great and very comfy looking, too.

[DanielSan]

Bargain hot hatch, it amazes me these never got the same recognition as the GTI-6 given.they're the same car underneath...