As some of you know, I have a maroon S1, and an AX diesel. The AX was to be for my wife for around town, but the seat stuck on the rearmost stop, so only I can drive it. This means she's been shuttling around town in the XM (and has put a neat dent in the rear door and broken them mirror!), whilst I've been hurtling round the country, hundreds of miles at a time in an AX. I've appreciated the 75 mpg, but it's far from comfortable for a man of 6'3 once I've been in the driving seat for 5 hours!
Additionally, I now have 2 children, and am thinking about a 3rd, plus lots of friends who don't drive. 5 seats is just not enough! My solution was to buy a CX estate, ideally tatty but solid (this'll be a workhorse, so concours was no neccessary), and put a Familiale interior in, if it didn't have one already. That would let me take the XM for the big runs, give more space for passengers, and potentially more load space, everyone wins. But can I find a half decent CX? No I can't. The occasional ebay examples all seem to be a million miles away (Cumbria is too far to go to inspect, even if it's not too far to pick up!), have no photos, not respond to questions etc. I had hoped that one of the collectors of cars on the various Citroen sites would be able to furnish one, but I can't get any of them to answer a message even.
I'm now wondering what my other options are. The only other 3 row cars I know of are the Montego Clubman (you have GOT to be kidding!), the Volvo, and an 80's Peugeot - none of those fill me with joy. I guess the other option is simply to replace the AX with either an XM or Xantia diesel estate, which would give me more comfort when travelling, and more load space (in the case of an XM estate, more than in any other imagineable car), but I wonder if I'm missing something? I really don't want to go away from Citroens, and I won't go back to the insane costs of a big people carrier. Anyone got any suggestions?
Full Version Need More Space/seats, Can't Find A Cx!
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Are there no rear seat conversions available for Xm/Xantia estates. I remember someone i know had a Xantia estate and they looked into have a rear seat fitted into the boot (possibly a rear facing seat) but it never happened. So im not sure if thats possible and would only be for small people!
After looking after a V70 Volvo yesterday i cant see where the volvo space reputation comes from, the boot is tiny (well ok, its quite long but there is just no height to it), there is a very limited space under the load cover, even with that removed the boot is very low as the floor is so high, you have to stoop right down to even get anything into the boot. So id not be looking at volvos.
The only other Citroen option is a Synergy, although as you say running costs may well be more than you want.
Id be looking out for a S2 Estate Xm in diesel form, perfect!
Although that doesnt give you extra seating ...
After looking after a V70 Volvo yesterday i cant see where the volvo space reputation comes from, the boot is tiny (well ok, its quite long but there is just no height to it), there is a very limited space under the load cover, even with that removed the boot is very low as the floor is so high, you have to stoop right down to even get anything into the boot. So id not be looking at volvos.
The only other Citroen option is a Synergy, although as you say running costs may well be more than you want.
Id be looking out for a S2 Estate Xm in diesel form, perfect!
Although that doesnt give you extra seating ...
It's a bugger, as I've wanted a CX estate since I were a nipper, and it's the perfect fit. I guess I can wait, but the AX is due MOT this month, and it would be the perfect time to replace it.
hi SamWise1972,
this all sounds horribly familiar to my own story a year go. We now have that third child. We also had a year with other life changing experiences but thats another story.
the upshut was, i wanted an xm estate with boot seats but... the wife didnt for driving round town and anyway the load areas would get a bigt jumbled. kids in the boot, stuff on the back seats. Very few cars allow for three baby seats to fit on the back seats because they are designed for two bottoms. The baby seats might fit but at an uncomfortable angle.
so we got a xsara picasso which the wife loves. its not an xm but then i dont have to drive it much. She too used to have an AX (i a BX) so this all a bit too familiar.
anyway, because of other changes in our family we are now sellng the xsara. its certainly better than an ax and excellent for three kids and their stuff.
see my post in the sales section for the car details
for clubxm members we would agree a good discount... plus i need to get rid of it because we are currently a 4 car family.
this all sounds horribly familiar to my own story a year go. We now have that third child. We also had a year with other life changing experiences but thats another story.
the upshut was, i wanted an xm estate with boot seats but... the wife didnt for driving round town and anyway the load areas would get a bigt jumbled. kids in the boot, stuff on the back seats. Very few cars allow for three baby seats to fit on the back seats because they are designed for two bottoms. The baby seats might fit but at an uncomfortable angle.
so we got a xsara picasso which the wife loves. its not an xm but then i dont have to drive it much. She too used to have an AX (i a BX) so this all a bit too familiar.
anyway, because of other changes in our family we are now sellng the xsara. its certainly better than an ax and excellent for three kids and their stuff.
see my post in the sales section for the car details
for clubxm members we would agree a good discount... plus i need to get rid of it because we are currently a 4 car family.
Right Sam.
I've been VERY remiss in not replying to your requests and apologies for being so scatterbrained,
I've not been intentionally ignoring you!
I do have quite a selection of Cx estates in varying magnitudes of roadworthiness but the critical
aspect that makes or breaks my being in a position to help your particular requirement is the
availability of Familiale seating as all of the estates I have are currently Safari 5 seaters!
THAT SAID, I do have Familiale seats but need to check their current condition and availability
as they've been in storage out of the car for a good while...
I'm guessing a DTR diesel is your preferred engine choice? To what extent are you prepared to
DIY if you need to get your hands on a CX sooner rather than later? The grey one you inquired
about recently that's a runner but needs bodywork sorting is still available and running OK.
Chris. There really is only ONE proper people carrier and it's not a van with windows!
All the best,
Andrew
I've been VERY remiss in not replying to your requests and apologies for being so scatterbrained,
I've not been intentionally ignoring you!
I do have quite a selection of Cx estates in varying magnitudes of roadworthiness but the critical
aspect that makes or breaks my being in a position to help your particular requirement is the
availability of Familiale seating as all of the estates I have are currently Safari 5 seaters!
THAT SAID, I do have Familiale seats but need to check their current condition and availability
as they've been in storage out of the car for a good while...
I'm guessing a DTR diesel is your preferred engine choice? To what extent are you prepared to
DIY if you need to get your hands on a CX sooner rather than later? The grey one you inquired
about recently that's a runner but needs bodywork sorting is still available and running OK.
Chris. There really is only ONE proper people carrier and it's not a van with windows!
All the best,
Andrew
| QUOTE (Gav @ Jan 8 2009, 12:34 PM) |
| hi SamWise1972, this all sounds horribly familiar to my own story a year go. We now have that third child. We also had a year with other life changing experiences but thats another story. the upshut was, i wanted an xm estate with boot seats but... the wife didnt for driving round town and anyway the load areas would get a bigt jumbled. kids in the boot, stuff on the back seats. Very few cars allow for three baby seats to fit on the back seats because they are designed for two bottoms. The baby seats might fit but at an uncomfortable angle. so we got a xsara picasso which the wife loves. its not an xm but then i dont have to drive it much. She too used to have an AX (i a BX) so this all a bit too familiar. anyway, because of other changes in our family we are now sellng the xsara. its certainly better than an ax and excellent for three kids and their stuff. see my post in the sales section for the car details for clubxm members we would agree a good discount... plus i need to get rid of it because we are currently a 4 car family. |
Thanks Gav, but the Picasso doesn't fit the bill in 2 ways. The first is that, since my eldest son is 12, 3 baby seats is not an issue. It's when we have the four (and soon 5) of us, plus his auntie, or Gill's mum and sister, or our carless friends with a baby that we really need the extra, so it's a matter of really needing the 8 seats, rather than a flatter 5 seats. The other is the cost - £5000 is a LOT more than I was hoping to drop on a tatty but running CX, which would need to come in under £1000 to work for me at all. Thankyou for the offer though, it's appreciated!
| QUOTE (Andmcit @ Jan 8 2009, 12:49 PM) |
| Right Sam. I've been VERY remiss in not replying to your requests and apologies for being so scatterbrained, I've not been intentionally ignoring you! I do have quite a selection of Cx estates in varying magnitudes of roadworthiness but the critical aspect that makes or breaks my being in a position to help your particular requirement is the availability of Familiale seating as all of the estates I have are currently Safari 5 seaters! THAT SAID, I do have Familiale seats but need to check their current condition and availability as they've been in storage out of the car for a good while... I'm guessing a DTR diesel is your preferred engine choice? To what extent are you prepared to DIY if you need to get your hands on a CX sooner rather than later? The grey one you inquired about recently that's a runner but needs bodywork sorting is still available and running OK. Chris. There really is only ONE proper people carrier and it's not a van with windows! All the best, Andrew |
Andrew! I'd given up, but I'm glad to be proven wrong!
What sort of "bodywork sorting" is required, and what would the price of this magnificent beast be? There are all sorts of things to be balanced here - I don't really need the CX immediately, I could re MOT the AX and run that for a while longer if it meant getting to the right car. The next baby is not yet in utero, so the urgency was only really driven by the relative discomfort of the AX, and the fact that it's nearing test date. If I know I'm talking to the right person about the right car, I can wait longer, but in the absence of any sign of a decent CX, I might have done something different (and perhaps rash!).
The other is money. I can raise some now, but I could raise more in a few months. I don't have much time at all, nor real bodywork skills, so the body would end up being entrusted to my local indie. If you're planning to tart it up anyway, it might be that it's better to agree a price for it in sorted form, then I can save whilst it works its way up your jobs list! What I do need to do is make a decision before Feb 12th about whether to lay the AX up, or to put it through another test (or maybe even sell it? Probably not).
Is it better to talk about such things by phone, or here?
Oh! And a DTR is definitely the preferred route.
Id be tempted to put your AX through its MOT, if you lay it up there is a chance it will never go again. Not to mention selling a car without an MOT is a problem, you will get very little for it and it may go for scrap, when it seems to be working ok?
If you think its ok or only needs a few small things doing, id MOT it again, you could always keep it as a cheap runabout when you want better MPG. Its best to take your time to find the right car, rather than rush and buy the first one, so your AX may be needed!
Andrew, the CX does look very spacious! Its not often, even now with big MPVs, to get 3 rows of seats and a usable boot. Its a shame there was never an XM version, a long wheelbase XM would have been nice too.
My parents used to have a DS Familiale years and years ago, they loved it
Nice to see you can be a supply of good CXs Andrew
If you think its ok or only needs a few small things doing, id MOT it again, you could always keep it as a cheap runabout when you want better MPG. Its best to take your time to find the right car, rather than rush and buy the first one, so your AX may be needed!
Andrew, the CX does look very spacious! Its not often, even now with big MPVs, to get 3 rows of seats and a usable boot. Its a shame there was never an XM version, a long wheelbase XM would have been nice too.
My parents used to have a DS Familiale years and years ago, they loved it
Nice to see you can be a supply of good CXs Andrew
I quite agree, about not just jumping on the first car. That's a big part of why I'd like to buy from Andrew - he has a reputation round here for honesty and helpfulness, and I'm sure that what I buy will meet his description.
I can't afford the Tax and Insurance to keep the AX on the road in addition to an XM, a CX and the Herald, so it'll either have to be laid up or sold, but I think you're right, the MOT is probably a good idea regardless. It's tricky business though, because money is tight at the moment.
I can't afford the Tax and Insurance to keep the AX on the road in addition to an XM, a CX and the Herald, so it'll either have to be laid up or sold, but I think you're right, the MOT is probably a good idea regardless. It's tricky business though, because money is tight at the moment.
ok, i'm envious now seeing those pictures. the misses however sees parking spaces (and i then see the dents!)
Why have manufacturers gone backwards with their vehicle selection. Surely if there was a big luxurious stretch saloon type 7 seater on the market it would sell better than these vans with windows.
i must confess to still wanting an xm estate with boot seats... just because. Chances of finding a 2.5td with aircon and cruise to match my saloon plus the extra seat is of course unlikely.
Why have manufacturers gone backwards with their vehicle selection. Surely if there was a big luxurious stretch saloon type 7 seater on the market it would sell better than these vans with windows.
i must confess to still wanting an xm estate with boot seats... just because. Chances of finding a 2.5td with aircon and cruise to match my saloon plus the extra seat is of course unlikely.
I think what limits that kind of car now is safety, have you noticed how new models of cars are so much bigger than ever, but there is little or no more space inside! To offer a large estate with 3 rows and a boot, plus all the safety bits at the back, front and sides - it would be massive!
Id never buy an MPV, it much rather have an estate if i only needed 5 seats, but i can't think of any current cars which offer a boot seat? I know you could get them in Merc E-class estates, they have a rear facing seat, and was it not an option on the 406 estate?
MPVs sell very well, large saloons (like the C5, Mondeo, Vectra) are often bought more for sales reps, fleet cars and taxis rather than what they are - family cars. More people have moved onto smaller MPVs and smaller hatchbacks (like the C4, Focus, Golf etc)
So im not sure how big the demand would be for a very large 3 row estate car. However new cars have much less space, can anyone think of a current car which offers the same boot space as an Xm estate or a CX Safari? Ok there are a few but none offer what Citroen did. Even Citroen doesnt offer what it used to do so well, the new C5 is a dissapointment, as far as interior boot space goes, its a step backwards (room wise) from the original C5. Now, a C6 LWB in estate form, now that would be a serious Citroen , but probably a very bad seller 
Id never buy an MPV, it much rather have an estate if i only needed 5 seats, but i can't think of any current cars which offer a boot seat? I know you could get them in Merc E-class estates, they have a rear facing seat, and was it not an option on the 406 estate?
MPVs sell very well, large saloons (like the C5, Mondeo, Vectra) are often bought more for sales reps, fleet cars and taxis rather than what they are - family cars. More people have moved onto smaller MPVs and smaller hatchbacks (like the C4, Focus, Golf etc)
So im not sure how big the demand would be for a very large 3 row estate car. However new cars have much less space, can anyone think of a current car which offers the same boot space as an Xm estate or a CX Safari? Ok there are a few but none offer what Citroen did. Even Citroen doesnt offer what it used to do so well, the new C5 is a dissapointment, as far as interior boot space goes, its a step backwards (room wise) from the original C5. Now, a C6 LWB in estate form, now that would be a serious Citroen
, but probably a very bad seller
Hi Sam,
first off, I'd say the world's not going to get put into any kind of order or sense round these
parts before Feb 12th, and an Ax with a shiny new MOT is an asset rather than a liability!!
As far as the Cx Safari situation is concerned, I really need to take a thorough look at what
I have available that fits your requirements and give you a full run down, warts and all, of
each car and also get some pictures to you. I don't mind show and tell here on the forum if
only to fully illustrate more why I'm totally bonkers!!!
By all means pm me on club-xm as I seem to find myself here more than anywhere else and
we can have a chat on the 'phone when/if there's more for you to see and think about!!. My
only immediate concern, is the availability and condition of the Familiale pair of bench seats
as one of them is out of my back Ri 2.5 manual which I would rather have as a proper Safari
though I feel a bit nervous about burning my bridges selling the seats out of it!!!
I'm sure I've got your email but drop me a line again and I'll get some decent info over to you!
All the best,
Andrew
first off, I'd say the world's not going to get put into any kind of order or sense round these
parts before Feb 12th, and an Ax with a shiny new MOT is an asset rather than a liability!!
As far as the Cx Safari situation is concerned, I really need to take a thorough look at what
I have available that fits your requirements and give you a full run down, warts and all, of
each car and also get some pictures to you. I don't mind show and tell here on the forum if
only to fully illustrate more why I'm totally bonkers!!!
By all means pm me on club-xm as I seem to find myself here more than anywhere else and
we can have a chat on the 'phone when/if there's more for you to see and think about!!. My
only immediate concern, is the availability and condition of the Familiale pair of bench seats
as one of them is out of my back Ri 2.5 manual which I would rather have as a proper Safari
though I feel a bit nervous about burning my bridges selling the seats out of it!!!
I'm sure I've got your email but drop me a line again and I'll get some decent info over to you!
All the best,
Andrew
That's a wonderful ad for the CX. My only concern is safety: or, rather, the lack thereof. When most other cars on the road are 1.5 times heavier, taller and wider I don't even want to imagine the consequences of a shunt.
One of the reasons the C5 has gotten smaller inside is the way it is built - it is a veritable safety cage on wheels and it feels that way to drive too. Citroen have also borrowed a lot of their manufacturing ideas from the Germans to make it seem stronger and so much quieter. You just need to look at the weird door shut and window shapes and the multiple layering on the rubbers and seals to see that.
It's not a car for 3 kids though!
One of the reasons the C5 has gotten smaller inside is the way it is built - it is a veritable safety cage on wheels and it feels that way to drive too. Citroen have also borrowed a lot of their manufacturing ideas from the Germans to make it seem stronger and so much quieter. You just need to look at the weird door shut and window shapes and the multiple layering on the rubbers and seals to see that.
It's not a car for 3 kids though!
there is a seatpack for the xm estate. ive seen it at mr savoys place but itys rear faceing and shallow. handy fer rugrats or that iritating person that wants to aqueeze in when your the "taxi" home after a night out.... you know the one.. " oh can you squeeze my friend in as shes been left stranded , its ok we will put her on the floor so the police cant see her, oh go on ,pleeease. right in the middle of liverpool with all the cams watchin yer every move. i was on a promise that night until i said no. well i aint gettin finned etc . got a collection of empty glasses fer my kitchen that night though stuffed behind my seats !! motto is "no smoking and put your empty glasses in the pockets behind the seat ill give em you back later.....not. dont know if hes still got them but he wanted £150 fer them.
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