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I
have Owned a total of 6 BXs in my time and I think the two I have
are the best I've had. Although they are getting on and a newer
car beckons, I will never lose the affection I have for the BX (and
older Citroens generally).
They are: A silver 1991 BXGTi Auto (with fully working air conditioning!)
and another BXGTi Auto in black. Although both are high mileage
(the silver one's done 150,000, the other 105,000) they do what
is asked of them. I fitted alloys to both and decent tyres.
As well as making sure they are properly maintained, I have had
inhibitor switch bypasses fitted as, when hot the gearbox refuses
to tell the starter it's in P or N! (I wonder if this is a common
fault with the autos?).
I am still impressed with the design of these cars, the sheer volume
of the boot for a car of this size, and the comfortable seats (no
headroom in the back though). But they do reflect their roots in
the late 70's (with the Reliant FW11) and the early 80's - but for
cars
that were built 14-15 years ago I can't complain...
I bought fairly well I think, as I concentrated on service and maintenance
history, condition and spec. The silver car cost me £700 in
March 2003 and has cost about 1,500 in that time for servicing,
wheels, tyres, general repairs (like fuel line) and aircon regassing.
Not too bad. Likewise the black one's been affordable: £460
to buy (one owner from new) but higher average maintenance (per
month that is) due to a cracked drive plate (a £200 job) and
worn rear arm bearings (another couple of hundred) but overall I
think - because the engine, which had a rebuild 20,000 miles ago
is so good, it's worth keeping on the road.
The GTi is a great car to drive - particularly mated to an auto
(an excellent 'box) - with excellent road holding (especially with
the BX 16v alloys fitted, shod with 195/60 HR14 Pirelli P6000s)
but a little noisy. A tick over (in true Citroen tradition, somewhere
between 500
and 1000 rpm) exhaust note is more tractor-like than anything else
- why did they make it so? The centre pipe in particular!
Mind you, the foibles and quirks are part of what owning a Citroen's
all about. I used to own a 1974 GSX which I found in deepest France,
had it restored and enjoyed it for one day before it was written
off by a French student in a Fiat! This was followed by a very tidy,
red Visa GTi - which had a BX GTi 1.9 lump in it and went like stink.
Sold that on eBay to a Belgian for a fair amount (paid for a short
holiday, anyway)...
Anyway, some pics: (By the way, as a fan of Citroen in the WRC,
I include an illustration of what I'd do with a 16v if a) I had
some spare cash and b) could find a good one - enjoy!)
Best wishes
Phil
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