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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.
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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:
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