Beschreibung
Here we have the chance to experience an early XM with the benefits of an economical diesel; the 2. 1 12v Turbo D. Finished in Mandarin Red Metallic and furnished with Monaco velour interior. Being an early example, we have the benefit of a simplistic and fuss free interior with little frivolities! The 2. 1 TD pulls well and returns a healthy mpg range. Having been lucky enough to own most combinations of XMs, this is quite a unique car with most surviving models being either facelift cars or cars laden with electric gadgets and more to go wrong! In my view, an early example of a model tends to highlight a more genuine and original view into how the car was designed to look. This honest car has all of the qualities a good Citroen should have, without all the fuss. You can see how it has progressed from the CX.
This particular example is one of the earliest RHD XM Diesels to survive, with a build date of May 1990. I have owned this car for over 8 years and have used it sparingly in that time. The car was used to attend club events in 2019 to mark Citroen’s Centenary and 30 Years since the launch of the XM. Mileage is currently just under 119, 500. Very little for a diesel. I once had a 2. 1 Estate reach over 330, 000 miles! MOT valid until end-March 2022.
In daily use at the moment. The hydraulic suspension travels as it should. Other than some welding to the sills, this car has not asked for much to get through MOTs. You can hear the odd rattle and knock underneath when driving. This doesn't effect the ride or handling, so something I live with. When cold the engine does smoke a little for 5-10 seconds, but then clears. It’s not something that has bothered me, it is an old fashioned diesel after all! Other than that, it has a crack in the gear knob and some typical creaks and squeaks from the 90s plastic interior!
A lot of these niggles could be rectified easily with a bit of time. Alas time is not something I have much of to spare with another XM, CX and BX on the road as well. None of the above items have stopped me from jumping in the car and enjoying it, so have not been high on the priority list. I have just changed the engine oil and filter, air filter and fuel filter for peace of mind.
As with a lot of metallic paints of this age, this car does suffer with lacquer peel is certain areas. Mostly the rear spoiler and the odd patch around the sunroof. A bit of blooming on the bonnet. I believe the paintwork to be original and as such it does show signs of 30 years use. A few shallow dents and the occasional scratch. Overall, the car is presentable when clean, but it probably won’t be winning any show rosettes in its current condition. Nevertheless a striking profile and a rare sight that turns heads!
In need of some love, but it isn’t the most expensive example on offer by any stretch of the imagination. I believe the asking price to be both reasonable and realistic. The car is not without fault, but I have been happily using it as is and would happily continue to, if not for other Citroens.
The car is located in Hereford and I can collect any prospective buyer from the local train station.
