Yearning for an XM

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Do I buy an XM?

XMs are the work of Satan, if you buy one Goat privileges will be withdrawn.
4
21%
You should buy an XM, they're BXes for Big Boys.
15
79%
 
Total votes: 19

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Oscar
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Yearning for an XM

Post by Oscar »

Hi guys

What with the new job and cycling to work and all, I've not been on the forum for a while.

It's starting to show. My local Cit "Specialist" has a couple of XMs for sale that look very nice. I've long had an XM itch and it's getting harder to scratch. It's that rocket-ship styling, and all the unnecessary electrics....

Now I need your honest feedback. Do I get an XM? Or do I carry on with the BX, now that I've put two years into it, done all the major jobs, and it's running like a sewing machine?
(Red BX 1.7TZD ("Well, it is a style icon" - Tom Sheppard)) "Was", Tom, "was"
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BX Bandit
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Post by BX Bandit »

Is this a replacement for or an addition to the BX???
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Oscar
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Post by Oscar »

Well, I only do about 5000 miles a year. We don't really need the BX, so I certainly can't justify two. No, it would be a replacement.
(Red BX 1.7TZD ("Well, it is a style icon" - Tom Sheppard)) "Was", Tom, "was"
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Post by BX Bandit »

I think it may come down to ££££££'s, not only to buy one but upkeep - there's far more to go wrong. My Dad has the 2.0 CT Exclusive...a very nice car I must say, bu the BX is far more suited to darting around and more frugal too. Why not test drive and see what you think?
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Way2go
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Post by Way2go »

I understand all the electrics are controlled not by normal wire and switched but addressed by a pseudo computer bus. That should give hours of amusement to fix when the gremlins get in. ----^
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jeremy
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Post by jeremy »

Shouldn't the heading be 'Yawning' rather than 'Yearning'?
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docchevron
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Post by docchevron »

I can see your dilema mate. Good to see you back on here BTW.

I had an XM and bl**dy loved it, infact I've had 2 XM's but the second one I only owned for 30 minutes.....

They really are great cars if you get the right one to start with. BUT, BX's are easier to work on, electrically more reliable, easier to find cheap bits for and more involving to drive.
I ran the XM as a second car to the BX, however much I loved that car when it wrong big stylee (crank broke) I scrapped it. Now I have two BX's, although I'd love another XM as a play thing I dont think I'd have one to replace the BX as an everyday runner.
That of course is just my opinion.

Cheers
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Far too many BX's, a bus, an ambulance a few trucks, not enough time and never enough cash...
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cavmad
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Post by cavmad »

Follow your heart Oscar. If it doesn`t work out I`m sure you`ll be able to get another BX without too much problem.
What`s that expression about it being far better to try something and regret it than spending the rest of your life wondering `what if`?
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Post by Gareth Wales »

Some years ago, I really fancied an XM advertised in the Evening Standard and foolishly told a work acquaintance about it. Much to my "disappointment" :twisted: this ar*eh*le - and I describe him as politely as I can - rushed out and bought it. My abiding memory of him is in the office car park, in the pouring rain, waiting for the AA to rescue him. :wink:
Don't do it, Oscar
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cavmad
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Post by cavmad »

Lovely story Gareth :lol:

BTW Oscar, Ken`s the man if you`re looking for advice on an XM (and I`m sure other on here are too). He`s got a wealth of experience with them and should be able to advise on the pitfalls etc.
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Post by mnde »

I too have a hankering after an XM, but unlike the C5, I much prefer the hatchback to the estate, stylewise. I can only pass on what advice I've picked up through the CCC, on this forum and through word of mouth:

1) I've heard scary things about the XM autoboxes giving up in a big way and then costing ££££s to replace. I've been told to avoid these altogether.

2) Early Series I cars that have survived this long have done so because they've either been "lucky" or they've had all - or most - of their electrical gremlins sorted by now. I've heard of XMs that have been completely re-wired to a standard that they should've been when they were new.

3) I have to say that if I went for an XM it would be a manual diesel with as few "luxury" items as possible. I myself would even avoid having aircon, unless I knew it had been serviced properly and at the recommended service intervals.

However much I want one, it's entirely out of the question at the moment, financially! However if I was buying one, I probably would shop round a tad more carefully than if I was buying a BX. What I mean is, I wouldn't buy an XM on eBay "buy it now" like I did with my BX!! :lol:

I'm with Billy on this one Oscar :)

Mark.
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cavmad
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Post by cavmad »

Here you go Oscar, BXCM (from this very forum) is selling this one on eBay. He certainly seems to know his way around Citroens so may be worth a pm? Says on the listing the car can be MOT`d if required...


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1992-CITROEN-XM-T ... dZViewItem
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Captain Slow
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Post by Captain Slow »

Gareth Wales wrote:Some years ago, I really fancied an XM advertised in the Evening Standard and foolishly told a work acquaintance about it. Much to my "disappointment" :twisted: this ar*eh*le - and I describe him as politely as I can - rushed out and bought it. My abiding memory of him is in the office car park, in the pouring rain, waiting for the AA to rescue him. :wink:
Don't do it, Oscar
A guy at work did the same to me when I was looking at Alfas. Him buying one put me off tho, as it was knackered.

Kitch is thinking about an XM at the moment.....I love them.
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Post by tom »

No.
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Post by Kitch »

I've clicked yes, but I'd say no :lol:

I can't justify it to myself, however good the 2.1TD lump is.

The only way I'd have one is if a early dark blue/grey/silver/black 2.1TD came up in basic trim (ie nothing higher than S) with a manual box and less than 120k on the clock. And for under £500. Then I probably would.


I'm stuck for what to buy as an everyday runner now myself.
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