USED Citroën Xsara Estate (97 - 04)

My car

This has been a fine, reliable and reasonably satisfying car for the past 5 years. Strong points include the excellent engine which puts more illustrious cars to shame, the lovely supple ride, the huge boot for a small car. The interior is hard wearing but rather dull, although the standard stereo is well above average sounding. Rear leg-room is tight. Having driven a few more modern cars recently, the steering also has a nice "old-fashioned" feel there, although not as involving as a Peugoet 306. It has lugged huge loads easily and rapidly. However, 85000 miles appears to herald the onset of old-age. It is only on its 3rd set of tyres, and 2nd set of brakes (wow), but a set of problems are becoming increasingly expensive to repair: 2 head gasket seals, air-con, alternator have all had to be looked at.

My car

Comfortable, economical practical and reliable car for me over the last 5 years. I owned this as a company car for 3 years and bought it from them. No serious faults at all in that time.

Now it has 95,000 miles recorded, will do 44-47 mpg on most use. The handbrake has always been a weak point - hard to operate as rear discs groove very easily, which affects efficiency, I gather.

The HDI 2 litre diesel is a fine engine, with bags of low-down pulling power. It stays quiet at speed. We usually choose this car over our other (newer) car for long journeys.

Great space from estate load area in a relatively small car has swallowed holiday luggage, dogs etc and, once, a full-size bath on its way to the tip!