With the '2012 Chidlow Family Transportation Plan' in operation, the BX is now sadly somewhat redundant with the summer holiday (1500 mile round trip with five passengers and luggage) coming up. What's more we need some dosh to help pay for said event. But fear not! BX land, I shall return
Many will say don't go on holiday then! - sorry not an option for me... OR sell the 806 and get your daughter and her boyfriend to follow you across in their MX-5... I did consider this, but first, it adds £500 to the cost of the holiday: crossing via the Eurotunnel as we are, plus fuel (even if they crossed via ferry it'd still cost around £380-420 extra). Second, my daughter and her chap have never driven in France and given their general inexperience I wouldn't feel that comfortable. They'd also probably want European breakdown cover which'd add another £80 or so. So essentially I don't think it's viable. Also if it's going to be as hot as is now predicted; 33 degrees plus, then air con - (as the 806 has) would be good for the passengers and me alike.
Shame but the (or a) bus has to stay (Liz wants a bigger vehicle for her fledgling furniture buying/selling plans too) and as I say when things improve I can buy another BX - or a GS (shhh... did I really say that?!).
I know I have a reputation for high car turnover (who says the 806 will fare better?!) but as a family we have a need and, at the end of the day, I can always get another BX next year - I fancy another 8v or 16v actually - when circumstances and availability allow.
So I am offering it up here first (well, second, 'cos Kermit sadly can't buy it).
At £650ono.
Not cheap - but given its pedigree, reliability and driveability, I'd say its fair. Especially given the long MOT. If nobody here can take it on, next stop, CCC, eBay/Car & Classic... I shall need the deal done soon so CCC on Sunday a.m and eBay on Sunday pm.
Background:
A chap in the Citroën Car Club owned it for a couple of years but then had to go back to NZ so offered it to a good home. It was in need of TLC and there were some issues to sort.
Kermit and I were keen to find a BX for the Citroën Classic Challenge, and this fitted the bill.
In the end what it really needed was a bloody good clean and polish, the sunroof drain tubes clearing, some minor adjustments and lubrication, an oil change and a good rag around to clear its lungs. It had a fuel leak, front brakes were shot etc. but it was all dealt with for the Challenge.
Since last Spring it's had:
Polish (red T-Cut)
A new front bumper
A Cone filter type induction kit to replace the heavy and relatively inefficient standard air box (this has made a positive difference)
New OE cambelt fitted at 173k miles
Two oil changes with Purflux filters
New Purflux fuel filter
Fuel lines (front to rear)
2 replacement tyres (the spare's been replaced too)
A course of BP Ultimate diesel and Millers Eco-Max diesel treatment
New Bendix front discs and Citroen front pads
Reconditioned front wiper motor
Spray bar replaced
Seat base replaced
Trims repainted
Manual override switch for the fan
High level brake light
High intensity headlight bulbs
MOT is until May 13 2013 and Tax runs out at the end of November.
It does upwards of 46 mpg on a run and rarely less around town.
It even has a working original radio. The sunroof's working too. And the interior's dry.
It performed faultlessly over the 2000 miles of the Classic Challenge. Just this weekend it did a 300 mile round trip at an average of 65mph and returned 46 mpg.
Points to bear in mind:
There's the hint of maybe air getting in somewhere or possibly water in the fuel filter housing which VERY occasionally means you have to start it twice if it's just warm - for instance I do a run of about a mile stop, then return to the car and sometimes it'll cough. But it always does start. And it runs like a dream and really is not that far off turbo pace. It's the most eager and responsive 19 n/a I've driven. Maybe the glow plugs could do with changing in the future? (I do have a spare set somewhere I can sell at cost). However I haven't ruled out dodgy supermarket diesel so will run it with high quality stuff (plus the obligatory Millers) next week.
As is common with many a BX, the heater tap is stuck to mildly warm but the blower works fine.
Corrosion: Well, it passed the MOT with no advisories. The inner wings have been repaired in their time and are solid. The exhaust hanger's still OK, although there are some patched up holes in the inner rear wings and along the rear of the boot floor. Water tight and protected and certainly not structural, but I would get properly welded one day if I kept the car.
Being the grey interior it's nice and airy inside with sunroof, electric windows up front, rear headrests, rear blinds (the rear parcel shelve has a slight burn 'patch' on it but it's not too noticeable - but there's a story behind it as some of you may know
It doesn't use any significant amounts of oil or lose/drip LHM and the cooling system's in good order.
That's about it.
I can't let it go for a 'song' as it represents quite an investment in time and money - as well as being hard to replace like for like now but the reserve set is realistic.
Also included is the über-desirable sunroof wind deflector and there's a Haynes BX book and Diesel book in the boot. The Challenge stickers have been removed, but there are a few little plaques etc. remaining on the car. They come off OK if you want.
I also have a just about brand new set of headlight protector and a spare clutch cable which will be sold separately, but the buyer of the BX will get first dibs to buy.
Phil
