2002 Citroen Saxo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Citroen Saxo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Citroen Saxo than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Brakes pulling to one side3.2× usual
  Citroen Saxo

  7.6% All 2002 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 1.8% of all 2002 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.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.5× usual
  Citroen Saxo

  7.7% All 2002 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 3% of all 2002 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 rack3.2× usual
  Citroen Saxo

  5.7% All 2002 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1% of all 2002 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.

• Horn5.7× usual
  Citroen Saxo

  4.6% All 2002 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 0.8% of all 2002 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.

• Individual direction indicators1.8× usual
  Citroen Saxo

  6% All 2002 cars

  3.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2002 Citroen Saxo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Citroen Saxo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  36% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  28% 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.

• Tyres
  27% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 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 3.2× as often on the 2002 Citroen Saxo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2002 Citroen Saxo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2002 Citroen Saxo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?