5 WAYS TO MAKE IT BETTER

1 REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Nothing ruins an XM like neglect, so treat it to a conscientious service regime. Fluids and filters, are easy to source and inexpensive, and don’t skimp on quality. Changing the oil at least every 6000 miles is best, and don’t forget an annual change of automatic transmission fluid.

2 PROTECT IT FROM ROT

There are a few spots where tin-worm can start to attack, so it’s well worth spending a few hours on rust-proofing before problems start. The products themselves aren’t costly if you fancy the DIY approach.

3 IMPROVE THE CAR’S COSMETICS

Damaged lights and mirrors aren’t good for safety, and will cause problems come MoT time. They look scruffy, too, but there’s a good market in second-hand parts, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding replacements. And if your XM has plastic wheel trims consider an upgrade to alloys.

4 ADD EXTRA LUXURY

Top-spec variants were treated to leather trim, and it really lifts the ambience of the XM’s cabin. A trawl of internet auction sites should secure a full interior in good condition for around £250, and even if it’s a little scruffy a bit of time spent with leather rejuvenation products should have it looking perfect.

5 SORT THE RIDE OUT

It’s the key to this car’s superb ride and handling, so don’t neglect it. If the fluid is looking dirty then the system can be filled with a flushing fluid (Hydraflush, or similar), run for a couple of thousand miles, and drained and re-filled with the correct LHM. And while the spheres can be recharged you’re probably better off replacing them. Budget around £500 for the parts and labour.