"Behold: a £900 Rolls-Royce!” might have been our headline here if were we feeling slightly sensationalist.
In reality, while there are some sub-£1000 Citroën XMs languishing in the classifieds, you will want to pay a bit more than that for true peace of mind, and even the most luxurious examples don’t pack as much chrome and cowhide as a big-grilled Brit.
Not that you won’t feel every bit as stately as your Phantom-owning neighbour. So wafty and relaxing was Citroën’s hydropneumatic suspension that Crewe used it under licence for the Silver Shadow, and the evolved version that cushioned the XM - dubbed Hydractive - was so competent that we christened it “the best-riding car in the world” in 1989.
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The XM’s class-leading ride quality is at once a gift and a curse, however, being one of the main reasons why the car has cultivated a reputation for unreliability that enthusiasts reckon is unjust. Do some research and you will find that the science behind the system is actually relatively straightforward, and you can tackle all but the most involved of jobs at home so long as you’re half-competent with a spanner.
There’s a small but dedicated community of XM enthusiasts in the UK, and you will find them to be a goldmine of advice and instruction when it comes to refreshing the system.
Do also take some time to learn the detailed differences between Series 1 (1989-1994) and Series 2 (1994-2000) cars before opting for the former on the basis of its quirkier interior and cleaner lines. Substantial (but unsuccessful) sales-chasing upgrades included enhanced safety gear, sharper handling courtesy of a passive rear steering system and new petrol and diesel engines.
The later XM is generally considered a more reliable and usable proposition today, having received important electrical and suspension tweaks that rectified some of the original’s biggest shortcomings.
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I've been dailying an XM for about almost 3 months now and *knock on wood haven't had any major issues. Granted mine is a 1993 model where allegedly a lot of the issues of early cars were resolved, but still has the in my mind superior Phase 1 exterior and interior. With the 2.1td which has a solid reliability reputation with cheap and plentiful parts as it was fitted to lots of cars.
It is a cheap, striking and very quirky boat to waft about in. As any old car (especially from the higher end of the market) it requires its fair share of attention but parts are generally cheap (if you can find them) just be sure to find that one guy who only works on hydro Citroens and knows what they're doing. And as any car it has weak spots you gotta look for - strut tops and rust. If like the look of it and want to waft about in total comfort go for it.
reliability nightmare
I cust my teeth learning to sell cars in the early eighties at a Citroen dealership. Selling the new AX, BX, the last of the 2CV's and very very ocassionally a CX. I left in 1988 just before the XM came out. In the early nineties still selkiing vehicles I took an XM in part exchange and jumped at the chance to take it home for the weekend. Sadly I did not get too much opportunity to tery out the fabulous ride as it broke down a mile from home, just fater going over a cattle grid. Presumably one of those infamous connectors was the cause of the issue!
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I agree it would be an insane purchase if you wanted reliable day to day transport and it was your only car. But if I had the space and a garage I'd love one as a weekend days out car. As an Audi drver I can only look at those seats and think how lovely and soft they look.