2009 Citroen Xsara diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Citroen Xsara diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Citroen Xsara diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Rust in key structural areas17.6× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  8.8% All 2009 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 0.3% of all 2009 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  9.7% All 2009 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.3% of all 2009 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.

• Diesel smoke emissions5.3× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  5.3% All 2009 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 0.9% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Body structure rust or damage4.4× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  5.3% All 2009 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

• Steering rack inner joints2.7× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  6% All 2009 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 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 2009 Citroen Xsara diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Citroen Xsara diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  40% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  36% 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.

• Tyres
  36% 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
  24% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  17% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Citroen Xsara diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 17.6× as often on the 2009 Citroen Xsara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2009 Citroen Xsara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the diesel smoke emissions? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the 2009 Citroen Xsara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?