Item: Used Citroën Xsara Picasso 2000 - 2010
Author: Steve Huntingford

What is it like?

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Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition, featuring paintwork-protecting ‘Airbumps’ and eschewing the sporty looks favoured by most rivals.

Indeed, Citroën tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from small hatchbacks (such as the C1 and C3) to big, family-friendly seven-seaters (the Spacetourer and Grand C4 Spacetourer).

The C3 Aircross SUV is another of its popular models, while a larger C5 Aircross is planned.

CITROEN

XSARA PICASSO

This is low-cost, five-seat MPV transport at its roomy, conventional best

Used Citroën Xsara Picasso 2000 - 2010

Nothing about the Picasso will prove costly, provided you get a sound one and don't buy too new an example. They depreciate fast from new - and because Citroen dealers dished out huge discounts on new ones, don't pay too much for a nearly new Picasso.

Value loss starts to level out in the second year and by the time it's three years old, the Picasso hangs on its value as well as most rivals. So if you're on a tight budget, bag a cared-for three- or four-year-old.

The diesels are economical - you can get over 50mpg with the 2.0 HDI and even nudge 60mpg with careful driving in the 1.6 HDIs. The petrols should return mid-30s.

Insurance is very fair - group five for the 1.6 petrol up to group nine for the lacklustre 2.0 auto petrol. Service costs are average, but no better than that.

This is low-cost, five-seat MPV transport at its roomy, conventional best


Pick any diesel - they're all good. The 90bhp 2.0 HDI is strong and there are two even better 1.6 HDI diesels (92bhp and 110bhp). All are easy on the juice, pull smoothly and are reasonably quiet. We'd be happy with any of them.

If you're on a petrol-only diet, though, go for the 1.8. It's much livelier than the 1.6 petrol, which can feel sluggish when the car's fully loaded. The 1.8 is also much quieter - the 1.6 can get a bit loud when you start to work it hard. There's also a 2.0 petrol with a four-speed auto gearbox, but it's a disappointing combination.

Trim levels kick off with LX, and all models have CD player, remote locking, twin front and side airbags, ABS brakes and electric front windows.

However, we'd recommend you step up to Desire for its (essential) air-conditioning. Top-trim Exclusive adds cruise control, electric rear windows, electric sunroof and alloy wheels to the already decent list of kit.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all the family and their paraphernalia</li> <li>Comfortable ride for everyone inside</li> <li>Seats with plenty of adjustment and versatility of layout</li> <li>Engine that can cope with a full load of people and luggage</li> <li>Excellent efficiency to avoid big fuel bills</li></ul>

Practicality is king in the MPV market, which has taken a hit as buyers have turned towards trendier SUVs. There are still plenty of decent offerings to suit most budgets, though, with Citroën fielding a particularly strong line-up. The French manufacturer’s Berlingo offers bags of space for not much money and you can easily haggle off thousands of extra pounds in discounts, too.

Citroën also scores with the larger Grand C4 Spacetourer, which offers seven seats, lots of oddment space and appealing running costs for something so large. A similarly priced and even better option is the Volkswagen Touran. Meanwhile, if you prefer a premium badge, there's always the BMW 2 Series Active and Gran Tourers or Mercedes B-Class and V-Class.

But for something sizeable that's still decent to drive, we’d recommend you check out the Ford Galaxy, which can offer three rows of seats and decent luggage space at the same time. It’s not that much pricier than the smaller S-Max.

The Picasso is based on the Xsara's proven chassis and mechanicals, so there should be little worry over major components.

However, the suspension and axles are the biggest areas of concern, based on data from independent warranty provider Warranty Direct. Electrics are worth checking thoroughly, too. Warning lights can come on for no reason, but if your intended purchase flashes up lights on the dash, assume the worst and look for another. There are so many used Picassos, you don't need to take the risk.

Check that the spare wheel is there. It's strapped underneath the car and is vulnerable to theft - you might want to invest in a lock for it if you buy a Picasso.

Build quality can be iffy, so listen for rattles, squeaks and buzzes. Check door seals, look for signs of leaks and inspect the sunroof carefully.

Early HDI cars had problems with clutches failing after about 30,000 miles, but later cars are unaffected.

You get five individual seats, plenty of space for everybody and a roomy boot. But, you don't get all the clever details of more modern rivals, such as the Vauxhall Zafira, Mazda 5 or Toyota Verso.

It's still a practical, versatile family wagon, though. The seats fold and are light enough to remove altogether without sweat. There's even a 'Modubox' trolley that you can unclip from the boot and use for shopping, too.

The kids will like the view out, but the driver's vision is obstructed by the windscreen pillars, and it isn't great out the back, either. The driving position is van-like, some will find the instruments confusing and the seats are short of support - something you'll notice on longer journeys.

However, the ride is supple, all engines are decent (the turbodiesels are excellent) and it goes round corners tidily if you don't mind a bit of body lean. Overall, it's more than the sum of its parts.

Used Citroën Xsara Picasso 2000 - 2010 review

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