2003 Citroen Xsara petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Citroen Xsara petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Citroen Xsara petrol than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Exhaust system1.6× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  16.4% All 2003 cars

  10%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Side repeaters4.4× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  7.5% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.1× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  7% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Rust in key structural areas2.7× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  4.1% All 2003 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Common 2003 Citroen Xsara petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Citroen Xsara petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  40% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  37% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Citroen Xsara petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2003 Citroen Xsara petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 2003 Citroen Xsara petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2003 Citroen Xsara petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?