Xantia

[russ92xmsed]

11 cars Chris, wow you really are Citroenmad!!
I always wanted my Dad to get a Xantia back in the 90's, but instead to replace the old faithful Renault 21, a C5 was purchased in 2003....after much convincing from me!
So didn't really happen. I did find him an exclusive S2 for 2K which nearly tempted him in 2002!

I agree with you about the S1 XM's...infact all S1 Citroens. They just seem nicer somehow. I'm sure someone will have one somewhere! There is that K reg one on Autotrader and Ebay...although it is £2-3K, with a thwack in the back. Only 21K on the clock however.

I have driven a S1 12V V6 before which went very nicely, but never sampled the 24V's both S1 and S2. That would be a great thing to do, is have all the different engine models lined up and try them all one after the other and compare. For fun really if anything!

Best of luck for future XM hunting.

[citroenmad]

When I say 11 cars I of course mean 11 Citroens

My parents have always had Citroens, everything from 2cvs, GS, DS, BX, CX, Visas, Xantias, XMs, Accadiannes, Tractions, etc etc. Might hint at why I like Citroens

I think the S1 versions are just that bit more pure, as it was intended to be designed. However, I don't think Citroens do S2s badly at all, they are still very good looking cars and as I say, they do bring their improvements and modernity’s.

I was very lucky to have a drive in Matthews gold 12v V6 manual this year, what a fantastic car that is, I love it. I have also driven an early S2 12v auto, I prefer the manual. It would be interesting to see what the later 24v auto is like in the XM, I really enjoyed my Xantia with that combination. As for the early 24v manuals, just awesome. I have been in Matthews and that is quite some car

We have had three 2.0 16v S2 Xms - two of those being automatics. One 2.1TD - the one we have now. And my TCT Prestige auto, which Jim now has. I liked them all, the 16v was very impressive for a base 2.0, especially the manual.

[Duke]

When I say 11 cars I of course mean 11 Citroens

Watch out Chris, 11 is just the start... 15...20...25...

[russ92xmsed]

[quote="citroenmad"]When I say 11 cars I of course mean 11 Citroens



Well of course Chris...Of course!

I totally agree with you about S1 and S2 Citroens. You are so lucky to have experienced so many family cars! I come from a family where the family car is cherished and lovingly looked after by half the family and not by the other two. My Dad treats cars as machines to get from A to B, and sees no reason to change it unless absolutely necessary. Not great when you have a Son who is obsessed with them... especially Citroens. I won in the end convincing my parents to get the C5, which has impressed, even if it isn't full of quirky Citroen character. It came into it's own with my Mums illness. Very comfy....even better if it was an auto, kind of why I also got the auto XM. It would have meant she could still drive in comfort.

I'm going to have to convince Matthew to show off his V6's to me one day. I would love to drive or be passenger in his. I need to sample a S1 V6 24V to see what the fuss is about. I was quite impressed with the refinement of the S2 XM I had a while ago as courtesy car. So a V6 S2 in Silver...

[citroenmad]

Im pleased the C5 is has impressed, they really are not bad and should be given a chance by more. We have 3 of them!

My dad used to run his own Citroen specialist company until about 8 years ago. So we always had Xantias, XMs etc kicking about.

Well, if that is one thing I was impressed with was the refinement of the 24v manual. Im not sure if refinement is the correct term ... the way the engine can be felt through the whole car is just awesome, and the noise! Not something I was expecting of an XM

Sadly not many around so I have not even hoped to be able to own one some day.

[russ92xmsed]

Wow, no wonder you're keen (understatement) on Citroens then Chris, if your Dad had a company based around them. I would have loved that myself.

My dad keeps threatening to sell the C5 for some revolting Golf or Astra. ARGH! I think he teases as I usually go into rant mode!
But and this is a BIG but...It's too useful. The large hatchback is great at lugging stuff around, it wafts up the motorway in serene comfort and it is loaded with kit, so downgrading to some rubbish mid range box is just not on!
I think I would offer to buy it from him just to keep it in the family.

There is one car which he is quite taken with and it does pop up from time to time in conversation, and that is the C6. I had one in 2006 for a 4 day test drive! Needless to say it made quite an impression! Actually he was quite taken with the DS5 at the ICCCR....untill he found out the price

When I say refinement on the S2, I think it is more to do with sound deadening. I would like to retro fit some on mine....not that it is really noisy, it was just quite noticeable on the the S2 I borrowed. And refinement is what XM's are all about.

So yes...I'm going to have to catch a ride in a 24V S1 some time. It sounds very cool!

[citroenmad]

Your making me have second thoughts about selling my C5 there But I quite agree, they are very easy cars to live with, hugely spacious, well equipped, comfortable and economical too. I might well try and keep all 3, as I do really like my C5.

Yes, the S2 XM is perhaps a little more refined than the S1. Im surprised that the Xantias are so good at refinement, no worse than an XM in my opinion. Even my Activa is very hushed on the motorway. Another great all round car, the Xantia.

[russ92xmsed]

Whoops! Sorry...but I can see why you would like to keep the C5.
I would certainly consider a Xantia for a 'back up' car to the XM. I really fancy an early S1 with the chevrons on the bonnet, in VSX spec. I very much doubt there are any left!

[CitroJim]

I really fancy an early S1 with the chevrons on the bonnet, in VSX spec. I very much doubt there are any left!

Paul (citroenxm) might know of one Russ

[robert_e_smart]

I know where there is one of those as well. And a proper 2.0 16V VSX - All the Xantia nerds (sorry appreicators) should know what one of those is.