2003 Citroen Saxo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Citroen Saxo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Citroen Saxo than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Brakes pulling to one side3.1× usual
  Citroen Saxo

  6.2% All 2003 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 1.5% of all 2003 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)2.3× usual
  Citroen Saxo

  6.8% All 2003 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 2.9% of all 2003 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 rack2.9× usual
  Citroen Saxo

  5% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 0.9% of all 2003 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.

• Transmission oil leaks2.5× usual
  Citroen Saxo

  4.5% All 2003 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2003 Citroen Saxo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Citroen Saxo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  33% 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
  32% 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
  30% 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
  28% 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
  20% 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
  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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 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 3.1× as often on the 2003 Citroen Saxo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2003 Citroen Saxo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2003 Citroen Saxo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?