2003 Citroen Xsara diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Citroen Xsara diesel?

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

• Rust in key structural areas4.9× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  7.4% All 2003 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Ball joint2× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  12.6% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Side repeaters4.1× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  6.9% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.9% of all 2003 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.

• Diesel smoke emissions5.9× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  4.7% All 2003 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 0.6% 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 rack inner joints2.2× usual
  Citroen Xsara

  7.5% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% 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.

Common 2003 Citroen Xsara diesel MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  48% 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.

• Brakes
  45% 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
  42% 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
  38% 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
  21% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  18% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Citroen Xsara diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2003 Citroen Xsara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2003 Citroen Xsara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2003 Citroen Xsara diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?