: Top Ten Used Cars

4car rating:

The Xsara is: number 11 in our Top Ten, but it's gaining ground fast in the second-hand sales charts (based on the fact that it's not the most state-of-the-art or accomplished car in its class - it felt dated even at its launch) - but it is always good value for money. Citroën's policy of offering up to £2500 cashback on new Xsaras means that they're really cheap second-hand. The Coupé is really a three-door hatchback rather than a sports car, but the five-door hatch and the estate are versatile family vehicles, though not especially spacious. If space is what you need, Citroën saw the success of the Renault Megane Scenic and produced its own version quickly, the Xsara Picasso, now the UK's best-selling compact MPV, not least because of its price. The new HDI diesels have brought a new dimension to the range and helped the Xsara's budget credentials further.

For: Great value, easy to drive, loads of safety kit, facelifted models look very smart

Against: Uninspiring to drive, cramped cabin for its size (not Picasso), not particularly refined, feeling dated.

Sum-up: The Xsara is a value-led purchase, for it lacks the ability of its newer rivals, but it's a good choice if lots of equipment is a priority

Model rundown and history
Five-door hatchbacks were launched first in late 1997, in X, LX, SX and Exclusive specification. X models had driver's airbag, electric mirrors, central locking and power steering, LX spec added remote central locking, electric front windows, electric sunroof, front fog lamps and six-speaker stereo. SX versions had height-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, split/folding rear seat (later offered in other versions), rain-sensitive wipers, air conditioning in lieu of sunroof, CD player, electric rear windows and an alarm. Coupés - VTR and VTS - were launched in February 1998, and estates in April 1998. The Forte special edition models joined the listed range in March 2000, with 1.4i engine, ABS, four airbags and air conditioning. The restyled hatchback range - with rounded headlights like the C5, rather than rectangular units - was launched October 2000, models badged L (1.9D only), LX, SX, and Xsara Picasso compact MPV went on sale. All models have remote central locking and electric front windows. LX models add air conditioning and colour-coded mirrors and door handles. SX models have heat-reflecting windscreens, electric reat windows, alarm and alloy wheels. VTR Coupé has white instrument dials, a rear spoiler and electric front windows, the VTS has standard alloy wheels and leather/alcantara trim. All Xsara models have received a mild makeover for 2003, with redesigned front bumpers, standard front fog lights and a grille with chrome inserts, plus a lighter-coloured dashboard, new upholstery and new trim.

Xsaras to buy: 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre 16-valve engines are pretty nippy, fairly smooth and decently economical. The most appealing choice is the 2.0-litre HDi diesel though, in either 90bhp or 110bhp guise, though misers will appreciate the new 1.4 HDi (70bhp). The VTS 2.0 coupé (167bhp) is, obviously, the strongest performer, though it's not really a keen driver's car.

Xsaras to avoid: The HDI direct-injection diesels are much better buys than the earlier, sluggish TDs. The 1.8 16v or 1.6i Picasso - the petrol versions struggle a bit.

Buying the best Xsara: The Xsara was knocked out at massive discounts, and when Citroën dealers are offering £2500 off a new one, they can't ask high prices for their used stock. Go in and have a haggle. There are also a few ex-fleet cars at the car supermarkets, though many of these are rather tired. The estates are rare, and most are sold privately; there aren't many secondhand Picassos about as families tend to hang on to them. These are best bought Citroën-approved. Look out for electrical problems, whining transmission, fuel leaks and misfiring or uneven running.

Engines and performance:
(hatchbacks)
Petrol:
1.4i (75bhp): 107mph, 0-60 12.7 sec, 42.2mpg
1.6i 16v (110bhp): 121mph, 0-60 9.7 sec, 40.9mpg
1.6 VTR (110bhp): 122mph, 0-60 9.6 sec, 40.9mpg
1.8i 16v (112bhp): 122mph, 0-60 9.7 sec, 33.6mpg
2.0 16v VTS (167bhp): 137mph, 0-60 8 sec, 30.4mpg
Diesels:
1.4 HDi (70bhp): n/amph, 0-60 n/a sec, 63.0mpg
1.9 D (68bhp): 101mph, 0-60 15.1 sec, 43.5mpg
1.9 TD (90bhp): 111mph, 0-60 11.8 sec, 42.8mpg

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