[ Owning a Citroën XM]
Will Brackenbury
XM owner Will was brought up with Citroëns and learned to drive in a GS. Having owned two XMS new, he now has a pair of them in his garage, both manual-gearbox diesels. Says Will, ‘These cars still look futuristic and attract a lot of interest at shows. They’re spacious and comfortable but still fabulous to drive – the steering, ride, handling and brakes are all superb. They’re easy to work on too, once you understand how they work – I do all of my own maintenance, including the hydraulics, engine and transmission plus the electrics. ‘The XM isn’t particularly rot-prone but corrosion can kill them because of the high cost of repairs in areas such as the sills - if there’s rust there, it’ll be in more complex adjoining areas too. Interiors usually last well although the Exclusive’s Alcantara seats (others got leather or velour) rarely last more than 80,000 miles. You can usually track down used interior parts – some bits are scarce in the UK but most can still be sourced in France via sites like Lebancoin. ‘You’ll be lucky to find Xm-specific parts at a Citroën dealer because there’s been no factory support for years. The XM’S rarity means parts rarely crop up at autojumbles but you should have better luck within the two key clubs – XM Club and Citroën Car Club – and online.’
Matthew Thomas
‘I haven’t had any cars other than Citroën XMS for 16 years now,’ says Matthew Thomas. ‘They’re just so unique, and I know my way around their systems and foibles now. I’m an architect, and when a colleague of mine demonstrated his XM to me, I was so impressed that I traded in my Saab 900 for one.
‘I have four now, all early V6s. Not only is the PRV V6 more distinctive, it’s also a simpler engine than the turbocharged variants, a traditional, easy-to-work-on unit.
‘My latest is a 24v, the most exotic of all XMS, and being left-hand drive it has DIRAVI steering like an SM. I found it in Germany – they’re extremely rare in the UK. I’d recommend Germany if you want an XM. They sold relatively well over there and the Germans look after their cars, so there’s plenty of choice, both on ebay.de and moto.de.
‘Engine parts for early V6s are getting rare though, especially things like starter motors and radiator hoses, and you won’t find an XM in a British scrapyard. So I’ve broken 15 XMS and have my own stock of parts. There’s a good technical advice forum for XM owners online too.’
[ Sponsored by Carole Nash Insurance]
Peter Mcilvenny of specialist classic car insurer Carole Nash says, ‘Now I would be lying if I said I had insured lots of Citroen XMS in the last few years, but with fewer than 200 on the UK roads that’s not a big surprise. What is a surprise is what great value this model remains – and while it’s not quite as cool as a DS just yet, it’s still a comfortable cruiser that says, “I’ve arrived.” Around £3000-£4000 will buy you a really clean example but be prepared to accept that the best are often on the continent and in left-hand drive. Future values are hard to predict but what can be assured is that they’re only going up. So, buy one now and enjoy the ride!’
Classic car insurance quotes: 0333 005 7541 or carolenash.com