What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
Grand tourer
I've been looking for an auto diesel estate to use as a family hack and occasional load lugger to the south of France. There are two contenders that are available, both from non-specialist dealers. One is a 2000W plate Citroen Xantia LX 1.9TD auto estate and has a full service history, one owner from new, has done 56,000 miles and is up for £2,495. The other is a 1998, one owner Mercedes C250TD Elegance auto estate with FSH and 57,000 miles. The dealer is asking £3,995. Just before e-mailing you about these, I saw a 2000V Citroen Xantia 2.0 16v petrol SX auto estate with 81,000 miles going for £1,195. I would appreciate your views on these vehicles. I have read your car-by-car reviews on your website. The Citroens and Mercedes both seem to have quite a number of potential pit-falls.
Asked on 28 March 2009 by
Answered by
Honest John
Any car of this age and in this price range is a risk, and if you are
thinking of long runs to the South of France then you have to factor in the cost of a breakdown that could cost more than the value of the car. I can't take that risk away by "recommending" anything for the money. But I will say that a breakdown in a car that originally cost £30k will be a lot more expensive than in one that originally cost £15k, that buying a French car to use in France makes obvious sense from the point of view of local knowledge and parts availability, and I’d rather pay £1,200 for an 80k miler than £2,500 for a 57k miler of the same age.
thinking of long runs to the South of France then you have to factor in the cost of a breakdown that could cost more than the value of the car. I can't take that risk away by "recommending" anything for the money. But I will say that a breakdown in a car that originally cost £30k will be a lot more expensive than in one that originally cost £15k, that buying a French car to use in France makes obvious sense from the point of view of local knowledge and parts availability, and I’d rather pay £1,200 for an 80k miler than £2,500 for a 57k miler of the same age.
Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.
Honest Used Car Prices
From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.
Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....
Dear Honest John,
Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
Similar questions
I am looking for a used (1 year old) estate. My budget is £16,000. My options are either a Mazda 6 2.2D (163PS) TS2 or a Toyota Avensis Tourer 2.0D D-4D TR.
Which of these would you recommend and are...
I am looking for a used small estate car or square ended hatchback which has good mpg which will not depreciate massively. I will drive the car 110 miles a day for my work commute so it need to be economical,...
We have driven our current Volvo 945 for 18 years and our previous Volvo 945 for 14 year.Our sons tell us we don't need such a big car at our age (73). I have driven smaller hired cars on holiday in Spain...
.jpg)
