Charles's 2.1 SD Manual (formerly Citroenxm's)

[Charles M]

Has arrived at its new home, no jams anywhere, the light just gone so no photos. Apart from failing to find the meeting point for couriering more books than the school library had, no alarums, tantrums or problems. Paul has really done wonders, once I had mastered the need to use a clutch (klutz) then found the biting point, it drives immensely well, more comfortable as any car I have ever been in, stunning ride (no knobbly bits) and a smooth and torquey engine. With the fuel gauge just touching the 2nd bar from the right it's showing 320 miles done. I think this is the car I have been waiting for.

Very nice to meet Will en route (when I finally found the place) and to say hello to Citrojim again! I loved what I saw of Anglesey and North Wales this morning, it was delightful.

Now the fun starts with the deep clean!

(the history so far viewtopic.php?f=19&t=4366)

[citroenxm]

EXCELLENT News Charles, pleased she got you home safely...

What sort of MPG do you reckon she dave you then?

[Charles M]

Not knowing the characteristics of the fuel gauge, Paul, but I reckon close to 50mpg without breaking a sweat - each bar of 2 gallons was just over 100miles.

Just lovely to drive.

[russ92xmsed]

Excellent Charles. sounds like Paul has done a brilliant job. 50mpg is impressive.

[citroenxm]

50 is about right for a manual Russ... One of my regrets for selling, the manuals are really good on fuel!

[russ92xmsed]

I know...quite jealous! Mind you mine isn't that bad on the motorway. 40+ I reckon. They are also very good to drive the manuals.

[citroenxm]

Yea they go rather well actually, EXTREAMILLY close to the Standard HDi 110 in the xantia if you ask me!

Im sort of looking forward to trying out the Auto TD XM. However, If I cant get along with it, Ill move her on..

[Charles M]

It was a blissfully clear run so absolutely no stop start motoring, which always helps economy. The engine was working with the gearbox too - I always felt the auto in my 2.1 did what it pleased.

Jobs for tomorrow - fit higher intensity dipped beams! A run just now (if you can get back into a car after a very long run and go for a spin, at night, just for fun, something's very right with the car!) was a bit of a white stick job! The driver's seat does recline (attempts on the journey failed when I got bored half way through), amazing what removing 6 boxes of books jammed behind the seat does!

[CitroJim]

amazing what removing 6 boxes of books jammed behind the seat does!

Gosh, it was a lot of books wasn't it Charles but some real gems amongst them though...

Good to see you yesterday, I reckon we could have sat nattering for a lot, lot longer..

Paul, an excellent job done by your good self and I was delighted to see it in the metal. I am well impressed. You'd never know about the rear quarter light would you

You have the start of a new business there - Anglesey XM Restorations They come highly recommended...

[Charles M]

I could have nattered for a lot longer. It's just the M25 getting jammed up has such a dreadful effect on my psyche - the M1 through Luton too. That was where my SM ground to a halt several times in heavy traffic after the CCC rally. Then the A412 by Maples Cross was where the battery of my BMW 02 died as a result of a garage not reconnecting the alternator. Further south the SM crucified me in heavy traffic on a bank holiday Friday, my Mercedes Cosworth cutting out endless times around the M3 junction and my Allard overheating and cracking its block just up the hill by Reigate.

So as the metaphorical midnight looks to chime I get a severe panic and head off like the metaphorical ferret, mixing me metaphoricals as it were.

Hopefully I'll pop up for another chat when I've got the car shining a bit more. That and that SM manual is calling my name!