2001 Citroen Saxo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Citroen Saxo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Citroen Saxo than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Brakes pulling to one side3.6× usual
  Citroen Saxo

  8.3% All 2001 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 1.7% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Side repeaters3.4× usual
  Citroen Saxo

  5.1% All 2001 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.1× usual
  Citroen Saxo

  6.8% All 2001 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 3.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Steering rack2.6× usual
  Citroen Saxo

  5.1% All 2001 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2001 Citroen Saxo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Citroen Saxo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  37% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  32% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  31% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  29% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  24% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Citroen Saxo

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the brakes pulling to one side? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2001 Citroen Saxo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2001 Citroen Saxo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2001 Citroen Saxo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?