Used car guide

1993 Citroen ZX: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Citroen ZX first registered in 1993: we looked at the 103 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 103 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

103MOTs of 1993 cars, done in 2023–2025
57%pass first time (all 1993 cars: 68%)
3,600typical miles a year
44%had suspension flagged

Common 1993 Citroen ZX MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1993 Citroen ZX MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    44% 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.

  • Brakes
    37% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    27% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    24% 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.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    14% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • Rust and bodywork
    12% 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 1993 Citroen ZX

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Citroen ZX?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Citroen ZX compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1998–Too few tests
1997258Suspension 46%
1996197Suspension 47%
1995187Suspension 44%
1994102Suspension 43%
1992–Too few tests
1991–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Citroen ZX cars first registered in 1993. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score