Xm Or Xantia?

[steelcityuk]

Hi,

Sorry that this post is not entirely about XMs but I'd like to ask the members who may have had both cars or still do which do you think is the nicer car to drive, by that I mean one that is very comfortable but still useable on a day by day basis (I don't have far to travel to work and could cycle if the car didn't start!).
I'm fairly good with the tools (I've done a full engine strip and rebuild and several head gaskets on diesels) and electrics don't scare me. I currently own a 405 GTX TD estate that's just been written off following a rear end shunt but would like something that's even more comfy. I've worked on and driven a couple of BX's so they are a bit of a reference for me. At the moment the short list is Xantia 2.1TD/HDi110 exclusive or XM 2.1/2.5 VSX. Any opinions would be great but I'd really like to know how a HDi110 compares with a 2.5TD.

Thanks.

Steve.

[Howey]

Hi Steve,
I have had two XM's in the last 13years and my wife is on her second Xantia since 1996, We have towed a caravan with both cars, I drive either car at times, and I can say that in my opinion the XM is the much more relaxed drive; as a example we once towed from Austria to Zeebrugge in one go with XM with the occasional pit stop and I felt no more stressed than a train journey would have been. The most important point for both cars is to ensure that the spheres are OK and the suspension is as it was designed. So when buying a XM or Xantia I would suggest that you take somebody who owns one along as a guide. My wife recently bought a low mileage Xantia v6; and for the first few weeks I enjoyed driving it so much that I was fight her to use it as it was smooth and comfortable but now I prefer the relaxed drive of my XM I only wish that there was some low mileage one's around at a reasonable price. One point other to mention is that I live in the country and the way that a XM handles on country lanes is unbelievable for a car of its size and as I said before like a train on the motorways. They are both very nice cars but the XM is the better one also if placed against a C5 of which two I drove recently; after which I was pleased to get back in my XM.

Rolande.

[Craigdp]

I agree with Howey the XM is a better drive than both the Xantia and the C5, also the XM handels better than the C5 the Citroen sales person didnt like a bit of 4 weel drift