Citroen Xsara Picasso 2004 reg - Cambelt & other repairs/buy another vehicle

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Sat 24 Oct 2015 23:34
Citroen Xsara Picasso 2004 reg - Cambelt & other repairs/buy another vehicle - VCD

My Picasso Xsara is about 11 years old. I purchased it about 2 years ago as a used car, the cambelt had been changed the same year I purchased it, so that should be ok.

Since then, I have had to replace the clutch, and now recently have discovered a slow leak on the steering rack. We also need to replace the radiator fan (I think thats what its called). I assume we are looking at about £700/800 in repair costs.

It feels a real catch 2 situation. Should I repair or replace my car.

Would it be more practicle to repair or replace the car.

Any advice would be very gratefully received

Thanks

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Sun 25 Oct 2015 00:34
Citroen Xsara Picasso 2004 reg - Cambelt & other repairs/buy another vehicle - RobJP

It depends on how much money you've got to spend on the replacement.

If £1000 or less, and if, apart from the current faults the car is generally reliable, then I'd suggest getting this one repaired. Though those prices for the work seem a little steep to me, are they guesses or from quotes ?

Basically, your car will fetch £500 or less in the auctions. So if you buy something else, you may well be buying a car with problems.

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Mon 26 Oct 2015 22:34
Citroen Xsara Picasso 2004 reg - Cambelt & other repairs/buy another vehicle - VCD

Thanks very much, you are confirming what I thought........ rather repair. Reapair costs are based on a quote I had received in the past.

The clutch was replaced a few months ago and the cambelt 2 & a half years ago, not much mileage done since then .....about 10,000

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Sun 25 Oct 2015 00:35
Citroen Xsara Picasso 2004 reg - Cambelt & other repairs/buy another vehicle - Avant

I think it's time to flog it and move on. Some Picassos last very well if they're looked after properly, but the chances are that yours may not have been before you bought it.

If you don't want another Picasso, a Toyota Verso might suit you. They've been in production for a long time, so there will be one to suit whatever your budget is.

(Although I would agree with the others if your budget won't stretch beyond another car of similar age.)

Edited by Avant on 25/10/2015 at 18:24

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Sun 25 Oct 2015 06:02
Citroen Xsara Picasso 2004 reg - Cambelt & other repairs/buy another vehicle - Bromptonaut

If by radiator fan you mean the engine cooling system fan and it's not working it needs sorting pdq - overheating will kill the engine.

If the Picasso does all you want it to do and a replacement is another eight year old car I'd get the work done. Get it thoroughly looked over first though so you're aware of any other pending trouble.

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Mon 26 Oct 2015 22:37
Citroen Xsara Picasso 2004 reg - Cambelt & other repairs/buy another vehicle - VCD

The radiator fan's bearings are worn and make an aweful noise when it kicks in, however, have found that switching on the interior fan keeps it cool at the moment, but does need replacing very soon, hence the haste to make a decision on selling, but one doesn't know what one gets in the low price range

Thanks to you all for your help

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Sun 25 Oct 2015 09:53
Citroen Xsara Picasso 2004 reg - Cambelt & other repairs/buy another vehicle - Andrew-T

At this price level, always better the car you know than a 'new' one that you don't - unless it needs several expensive fixes, of course.

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Mon 26 Oct 2015 22:40
Citroen Xsara Picasso 2004 reg - Cambelt & other repairs/buy another vehicle - VCD

The fixes needed are:

1. Steering rack replaced - has a slow leak, not sure if one can get a second hand one

2. Radiator fanreplaced

3. Back silencer box on exhaust has rusted... may be the whole one would need replacing

Those are the items I know of

Cambelt was changed before I got the vehicle, about 2 and a half years ago

Clutch was replaced a few months ago

Thanks for your replies

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Mon 26 Oct 2015 23:17
Citroen Xsara Picasso 2004 reg - Cambelt & other repairs/buy another vehicle - Wackyracer

If the car is in general good condition apart from these 3 things I'd repair it but, If it has tyres on their last legs and has 101 other things that are going to be needed to get it through the next MOT then I'd sell it and buy something else.

Like has been already said, sometimes it's better the devil you know.

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