Citroen XM (1989 - 2000)

Models Covered: First generation XM - 1989-1994: (2.0 5dr Hatchback,Estate [base,i,i Turbo,Si,Si Turbo,SEi,SEi Turbo] / 3.0 6cy 5dr Hatchback,Estate [Si,SEi] / 2.1 TD 5dr Hatchback,Estate [D,SD,SED]) Second generation XM - 1994-2000: (2.0 16v 5dr Hatchback,Estate [SX,SX Turbo,VSX Turbo,Exclusive Turbo] / 3.0 6cy 5dr Hatchback,Estate [Exclusive] / 2.1 TD 5dr Hatchback,Estate [SX,VSX,Exclusive] / 2.5 TD 5dr Hatchback,Estate [VSX,Exclusive])

BY JONATHAN CROUCH

Build
Comfort
Depreciation
Economy
Equipment
Handling
Insurance
Performance
Styling
Value

You couldn't honestly describe Citroens XM as conservative. Refreshingly radical or slightly quirky tend to be the two most common sentiments expressed. Whichever side of the fence you sit upon, however, you have to credit the cars designers for having the confidence to produce something so completely different. That's a rare and desirable quality, particularly in today's mass produced marketplace. It isn't a recipe for soaring sales figures however, and the executive XM has never achieved the kind of success in the luxury sector that Citroen have enjoyed with their smaller cars. That doesn't mean, however, that the XM isn't a reasonable used market buy. Quite the contrary in fact - as long as you choose with care.

A car that's quirky - but classy. At the wheel of an XM, you feel like youre striking out on your own, setting trends rather than copying them. Stepping from a Rover 800 or a Vauxhall Omega, youll need to adopt a slightly different driving style to adjust to the clever, air-supported Hydractive suspension - but the acclimatisations worth it.

XM models are complicated - though not so much as the CX cars that preceded them. Which means that you need to buy from an XM specialist if you're to have complete peace of mind. Which means that you need to be prepared to pay a little more. Prices start from around £1,800 for 2.0-litre petrol models from 1989.

Second generation XM prices start from about £1,600 for a 2.0-litre and £2,000 for a 2.5 Turbo Diesel. XMs are cheap vehicles these days so its best to judge each one on its individual merits.

Insist on a service history. The complex suspension system is pretty reliable, but make sure that it's been checked out because replacement parts for it are pricey.

(Approx - based on an XM V6 - ex Vat) Clutch assemblies are about £185, brake pads around £65 and an alternator around £160. You'll pay around £190 for a headlamp, around £300 for a radiator and around £110 (exchange) for a starter motor.

Surprisingly good to drive thanks to that suspension system. You find yourself relishing country B roads, despite the car's obvious bulk. You need to be careful with the foot-operated parking brake though. A lever on the dashboard, which can take some getting used to, releases it. There's loads of room inside and a clever touch, two rear windows. The idea is that the second, inner glass protects the back of your passengers' necks should you raise the rear hatch in a windy rainy spell. Obviously, this is not found on the estate.

Gallic charm with attitude. The XM makes a pleasant change from normal executive fare. Buy carefully and enjoy.