1.9 or 2ltr hdi

[steve_earwig]

The mechanic here writes it in gold permanent marker on the cam belt cover - can't bluddy miss it! I didn't know it was a fairly common procedure because I've never had someone else work on my car before.

[Stu63]

I did a mot history check on # 1 (the 117k one with no s/history) and all came back ok mileage wise, it had a recent fail/advisorie on the back rear tie rods and b/joints and back box.

Then again, after a test run yesterday I heard a bearing that needs done, so if (and it's only if) I go for it, I'll tell him as he said it'll come with an mot, so that'll need done

[steve_earwig]

Tie rods aren't so expensive but you need to put them back in the same because they control rear wheel alignment (it's done with eccentric washers, you just mark where they were with a chisel). Is that front ball joints? I think the hub needs to come off and you need a special tool (someone?). Back box - 40 quid?

[Stu63]

Ok...this is a copy of some of it....I didnt know they had b/joints in the back unless the tester got mixed up

Advisory Notice issued

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1f)

Rear both Brake disc(s) slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Rear both Tie bar/rod has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.3)

Service brake Your vehicle has only just met the required service brake efficiency. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.A.9)

N/s handbrake cable worn


This bit is from this time last year...


Test expiry date:20/09/2011
Advisory Notice issued

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.3)

Offside Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

[steve_earwig]

Ok...this is a copy of some of it....I didnt know they had b/joints in the back unless the tester got mixed up

There are lots of ball joints, it turns out it's not even the one I was worrying about.

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1f)
Rear both Brake disc(s) slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

New disks and pads then, unless the disks aren't so bad. See viewtopic.php?f=10&t=7219

Rear both Tie bar/rod has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.3)

As above with the eccentric washer.

Service brake Your vehicle has only just met the required service brake efficiency. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.A.9)

The 406 is good at crap handbrakes, it what they often get advisories on See viewtopic.php?f=10&t=13956

N/s handbrake cable worn

I can't remember which way around it is but one cable goes all the way from the handbrake to one wheel, the other just ties onto it at the back (see the cable adjustment thread). I'm guessing worn is where it's been rubbing on suspension components.

This bit is from this time last year...

So this stuff might have been done?

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.3)

Almost a service item on 406s, can be a pig if they've been there a while (out with the angle grinder)

Offside Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Not as bad as a bottom ball joint! Should be fairly easy to change but you'll probably need a ball joint splitter and possibly the steering geometry checked (probably not a bad idea to have it done anyway, given the age)

Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Part of the system? That's helpful

[Stu63]

I'm still not sure what to do, I emailed the 2nd one (the high mile'er) and said no thanks, as by the time he mot'd it and got a clutch in he wanted dam near £900, that's what the dealer wants for the first one (ie the one that these fails/advisories are for) with half the miles, ok there's no "history" but a bit better of a car.

Or I do bugger all and wait for something else

[steve_earwig]

It's up to you, there's quite a few about. Although I'm not seeing anything surprising on those advisories, just the sort of stuff you'd expect on a car that age.

[Stu63]

Yea I know, the high miler's sold....but I went to see a Citroen C5 2.0 hdi,nice....the oly thing putting me off is the expensive looking/sounding suspension system, gets a good a write upthough

[steve_earwig]

I thought that was the best bit about owning a Citroen I'm a bit out of date now so I don't know how much things have change but on my BXs the suspension spheres (5, possibly 6 now) can need changing (hard suspension on one corner means that sphere needs changing or if the pump keeps clicking the accumulator sphere's had it). They can be recharged if you get to them early enough but usually by the time you notice it's too late. A quick check says they cost 50 to 60 quid each. On older cars corrosion on the hydraulic lines could put the car beyond economical repair but I haven't seen much mention of that lately so perhaps they changed materials

http://www.citroenet.org.uk/miscellaneo ... ics-1.html

Paging Mr. Waue!

[Stu63]

Thanks for the link Steve, I too am kind of out of touch technology, especially stuff like this and on French stuff (we all know the rep the French have for dodgy/crap electrics), I know I said they seem to get a good write but I forgot to say that the one I went to see is an auto....and seemingly the auto box is one of the worse on car yet. I've had a few autos and dont mind them at all, but on this model they seemingly "clunk" when changing whether up or down, but more so down, I felt something yesterday but not sure.


I liked it, but there was also something about I didnt like.....I guess I'll leave it too

[steve_earwig]

I love autos but I hate paying for it when they go wrong...

Keep trawling the ads, the right car will come

[sirwiggum]

Dunno how different they are, but spheres for the Xantia were £20 a corner, and renewing was as easy as oil filter renewal.

[steve_earwig]

They might be cheaper, those were the first prices I found

[sirwiggum]

Wouldn't let a Citroen's suspension put you off.

I'd rather be renewing spheres than renewing springs.

The hydraulic pipework etc. is exceptionally strong these days, and it no longer drives the brakes if this was a concern.

What a shame though that they're dropping it on the new base model C5s and the DS5 (which has ridiculously German stiff suspension!).

[ally406]

The Xantia and 406 share the same platform. I've always been tempted by a Xantia, possibly the next car. The problem with them though is that I hear a lot of the parts are becoming harder or more expensive to get. Certainly I've noticed a lot less Xantias on the road over the last couple of years