2008 Citroen Xsara petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Citroen Xsara petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Citroen Xsara petrol than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  16.8% All 2008 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.4% of all 2008 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.

• Rust in key structural areas8.8× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  7% All 2008 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 0.5% of all 2008 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.

• Headlights1.6× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  14.6% All 2008 cars

  9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 4.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.8× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  12.1% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Steering rack5.5× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  5.5% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 0.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2008 Citroen Xsara petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Citroen Xsara petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Brakes
  22% 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.

• 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  16% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 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 2× as often on the 2008 Citroen Xsara petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 8.8× as often on the 2008 Citroen Xsara petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2008 Citroen Xsara petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?