Citroen Xsara Picasso-anything to know..?

ferry

Thought I'd run this by you knowldegeable lot before I commit myself.
Looking at 02 plate 1.8sx petrol 77k FSH 6 months MOT -no advisories last time.
Thats basically it in a nutshell but does anyone know much about these that can advise on what to look out for?

Might be seeing one later if the insurance checks out OK.

Thanks as usual
F

Tiexen

From honest John:

First introduced in 2000, the Xsara Picasso now feels pretty dated in terms of both design and cabin flexibility, but if you look past that you'll find a family car that's great value for money. It's very useful too with plenty of cabin room and three individual full size seats in the back. There's plenty of space for those in the back, even those over six-feet tall, while superbly forgiving suspension and a smooth ride make it ideal for long journeys with children. It copes on more demanding roads too where the Xsara Picasso feels pretty composed for what is a fairly tall people carrier.
There is a little bit too much body roll, which isn't pleasant for those on board if you're tackling a long twisting route, while the artificial steering means it's not particularly enjoyable to drive either. The vague gear shift doesn't help matters either.
Overall, while it's cheap, the Xsara Picasso doesn't feel particularly robust or durable. The interior easily develops squeaks and rattles, the doors close with a empty 'clang' rather than a reassuring 'thud' and it's noisy on the motorway. But the one saving grace is the impressive 1.6 HDI diesel engine which will average 55.4mpg.
There are better people carriers around, but for sheer value for money, few can match the Citroen Xsara Picasso. It certainly represents plenty of family car for your money.

fivetide

Basically, check it out. Make sure it all works and isn't heading for a majotr service.

Perhaps more importnatly from Honest John (what with it being french and all)

"Was an EU wide problem with clutch of HDIs, but no recent reports of this. What happened was release bearings were failing on average at 30K miles and the hydraulic actuators at approx 70K miles. Both caused significant damage (£700 - £1000) to repair.

"Can suffer repeated problems with a/c and heating system.

"Plastic connection between clutch pedal and clutch master cylinder prone to failure as cars get older.

"One owner's list of problems over 5 years:

"Indicator stalk stuck on, stalk had to be replaced at my cost.
Engine water pressure valve blew on a motorway, RAC to garage fixed with new valve and luckily no apparent engine damage. Fixed at my cost.
Brake pedal sensor rear lights staying on and power dip, replaced now all fine. Fixed at my cost.
Powersteering reservoir leak. Fixed by Citroen under warranty, leak was going
onto an electrical unit and draining battery.
Leak of diesel when pump replaced by Citroen on a recall.
Ventilation fan switch failed, waited 3 months for parts and still waiting."

5t.

jase1

Older design PSA car = more reliable.

Interior sub-Malaysian quality but mechanicals solid.

JC383

Had a 55 plate one for 4 years now and its done 67k miles.

No really major problems apart from

1) Bracket holding exhaust corroding which is a design fault as the end exhaust needs to be replaced rather than just the bracket however I fixed this with jubliee clips.

2) Boot catch failed but managed to take apart and fix with a spring from a ball point pen! Boot release wasn't touching the electro-switches.

3) Oil indicator sensor had to be replaced.

The only real bug bearer is the rubbish MPG, onboard computer says 36 but to top up takes about £60 of petrol and it does bearly 330 miles and lack of power but I've got a 1.6 and at times its like driving a snail!!

s_b

make sure aircon works in this greenhouse
petrol?
are you mad?

forgotmyname

Its going to be thirsty, Probably low 30's mpg and potentially repairs will cost more than you paid for the car.

toffee'n'tom

I have a 52 plate picasso 2 litre diesel and I've had it from new. Except for general wear and tear I've not experienced any other faults only that the aircon stopped working about six months ago and, given the current weather, I decided not to get it fixed. I've covered over 130,000 miles, it failed its MOT for the first time ever last year on emissions which was sorted out inexpensively. Tax is 126ish a year.

It's so comfortable to drive and comfortable and spacious for the passengers. Visibility is great and so much room inside for a relatively small car. All three seats can be removed at the back - that's been so handy taking things to the recycling centre etc.

All in all it's not pretty on the outside, but I love it on the inside. (47 year old mum).