Xantias vs. BXs...

[RichardKC6]

I wanted a BX; via a convoluted route I appear to have a Xantia. It's now a decade since I last drove a BX, but I'm surprised at how similar the non-hydractive LX feels; after years of a C6/modern cars, the Xantia even feels quite spacious - more like a 405 than a C5.

Anyway, I thought the value comparison might please BX owners - compared to the available BXs, the Xantia I got for £550 (which is £50 less than I was offered cash for the MX5!).

The route to get there was longer than required, involving a Golf GTi and buying the Xantia outright first, but I got there - the GTi sold and with the cash from that and the MX5 deal, the Xantia's paid for as is 6 months tax.

Here's the Xantia:



1.8i LX with AC, 99,400 or so miles with MOT until August. Usual bit of rust in the rear door shut (thanks, Heuliez) but incredibly clean inside, everything works bar a couple of bulbs. Lack of use means it probably needs a good suspension service, but history includes £900 for work in July at a main dealer; the main dealer then reported that it's had a clutch, clutch cable, cambelt all done around 80,000 miles, and it even had brand new sunvisors fitted at a cost of £100 (vs trying to find a set for a tenner in a scrappy).

So that would appear to be what that money gets you in Xantia form these days; it certainly doesn't seem to get much of a BX. Looking on eBay there are a few 1.8i estates around the same price, though they probably don't have the history they also may not have the rust, or be nicer colours than white.

[scarecrow]

Yours is white!

It does look to be a presentable hack - and if you're happy, you're happy.

I've only ever driven a Xantia once, but I found the feel of it to be much more cumbersome than the BX. The TD I drove didn't seem to have any more oomph than my non-turbo 19 RD - but that could just have been that particular car.

The Xantia estate does look quite 'together' - not like a saloon with a bit tacked on, if you know what I mean?

I was tempted by your Mazda for my niece, but I think the Midget is a better car and there's a lot of things that can be done with that 1275 BMC engine to make it more exciting, and I might even be able to do them myself.

Good luck

[Tim Leech]

Its been a long standing arguement for and against a Xantia versus the BX, im one of the few that like them both and think in some ways the Xantia is far superior, build quality, comfort etc but i still prefer to own a BX as its more enjoyable to drive and alot more frugal, but getting a good one is proving harder these days so quite a few people are moving on to Xantias or even XMs as they are more plentiful and similarly priced, I think for the money youve done well with that.

[Philip Chidlow]

I like the look of the Xantia estate, and I saw a rich red V-plate Xantia (don't know what variety) hatch the other day and thought how smart it looked. Trouble is, like BXs a few years ago, there are plenty of abused dogs about, and I have to say, I hate them in blue (irrational, but hey).

I like white cars: except Mercs.

[MULLEY]

Xantia's are a more refined version of the BX, downside is that there is more complexity & therefore more to go wrong. I think that's why the bx is more favoured, the xantia doesnt seem to have enough plus points to outweigh the negatives of bx ownership.

I personally quite like the styling of the xantia, its like a small xm. Would i have one, not sure, but never rule it out

[Tim Leech]

I wouldnt imagine a 1.8i or 1.9TD non hydractive to be anymore complex than a BX asides abs and aircon were fitted.

[cavmad]

I'm not a big fan of Xantias but if you sold a VW Golf to get one then you are obviously a very astute person and I doff my hat to you.

[RichardKC6]

I wouldnt imagine a 1.8i or 1.9TD non hydractive to be anymore complex than a BX asides abs and aircon were fitted.

Mine apparently doesn't have ABS. Pretty sure I need a brake valve though, it feels like they're dragging.

[jacksun1987]

I was thinking about getting a xantia. Im 23 with 1 years no claims. I was 22. When i tried inserance. It would have cost me. 900 to a grand. Third party. Fire and feth. My bx is 850 fully com.

Bx won hands down

[kiwi]

How can you compare a BX to a Xantia? There is no comparison the BX reached the end of its run and was replaced by the Xantia which as I remember it was pitched up against the Ford Mondeo for comparison with the cars being of a similer body shape.

Couple observations about the Xantia is the body is bigger, more weight so bigger engine needed to shift the the car. Of course the Xantia has the advantage of moderner technology over the BX in its design!

No comparison the BX is a differant era than the Xantia!

[Aerodynamica]

I wouldn't say there was absolutely no comparison! You can compare the development of on over the other.

I'm also of the minority that love the BX and Xantia - my Xantia was one of the worst possible versions: 1.9D NON turbo, Automatic!

Got it for free with only 28K on the clock and fsh! ran it on varying degrees of veg oil for a year before the veg oil price shot up to match the cost of diseasel at the pump.

But I loved it - cambelt was piss to change, reasonably well equipped being an SX - the factory HiFi even has a 3.5mm AUX-IN for iPods!! how did they know??

I also found the Xantia's suspension to be the best at coping with the rough, high frequency stuff that all previous hydraulic Cits make a right fuss about.

My ideal BX is of course a Mk1 16/19 TRS/GT and likewise, my ideal Xantia would be a (now) very rare Mk1 1.9TD VSX in a good colour.

The BX is more fun to own though and I always wonder where the need to regress back to 2 windscreen wipers on the Xant came from but my time with a Xantia was 100% positive.

[BX Bandit]

Its been a long standing arguement for and against a Xantia versus the BX, im one of the few that like them both and think in some ways the Xantia is far superior, build quality, comfort etc but i still prefer to own a BX as its more enjoyable to drive.

Well put and my sentiments exactly. If you want build quality then the Xantia is leaps and bounds ahead of the BX. The Xantia is a well built Euro Box and if you\'re into comfort and the \'Cit\' ride then the Xantia is an ace choice. It\'s a very competent car.............BUT it\'s a euro box, which is why mine went, nice though it was. It was more Pug than cit, the BX does more for me, way more

[toddao]

From a pure design view - in my opinion - the Xantia estate looks better than the saloon which looks a bit 'gay' really. I'm probably never going to have one anyway - the lines are too flabby after a BX..

[Philip Chidlow]

I remember Ian F had a V6 Xantia; and very nice it was too; an Exclusive as well so very luxurious... I drove it a few hundred yards and have never been in a Xantia since. But the memory lingers: One day I might get a Xantia; possibly a 2.1 diesel, or a V6 - either way it'd have to be green and Exclusive. Like a mini-me XM.

Went out in the BX today. It was a hoot: a brilliant drive and with a frankly amazing turn of speed given its age and mileage. So maybe a Xantia will have to wait a bit longer!

If I was to have the choice of a car for a spirited cross country drive such as I did today; BX vs. XM vs. Xantia? BX all day long.

[Ian_Fearn]

Just cruising the forum, not been around for a while..

Like Phil said, I had a V6 Xantia. I thought it was great, always gave me an enormous grin but i have to say it was entirely down the to engine. The Xantia was just average. Put that engine in a BX and you'd have an awesome bit of kit