Citroen Xsara Hdi automatic nightmare

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Sun 30 May 2004 14:21
Citroen Xsara Hdi automatic nightmare - wurly
I have a Citroen Xsara estate Hdi 110bhp 2.0 automatic, which has given me no end of grief from the moment I bought it. The gears 'slip' when acelerating through 2nd + 3rd on a cold start. They also change at random, and have a reluctance to change down when they should, forcing the engine to labour and shake under the strain.

I have pursued 9 months (£3000 worth!) of warranty repairs with my Citroen dealer, who after software upgrades, replacement electro valve, hydraulic block and a new gearbox have declared that they themselves and the Citroen UK technical department don't know how to fix it. (Great help!) I am now with a car that is dangerous to drive, and effectively a heap of junk!!!

I am currently trying to negotiate a refund through the dealer/Citroen UK... but we all know that won't be easy...

There is another guy I know through the same dealer that has the same car with the same problem and he can't get his fixed either. Has anyone else out there had a similar problem with their hdi auto???





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Sun 30 May 2004 18:03
Citroen Xsara Hdi automatic nightmare - MW
If this was purchased from an official Citroen dealer, and they cannot fix it, you have a product 'Not fit for the purpose'. It can do anything, except go, progress, and stop properly, rather a key feature in a motor vehicle. Only a full (or milage adjusted') refund will do. Inform the dealer and Citroen HQ this is your course of action, as Citreon have admitted they cannot fix a Citroen car. Add if you are forced to take legal action, you will make a full claim for all additional costs and expenses. I would think this is the clearest case a small claims court could adjudicate on.
Let us know how it goes.
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Sun 30 May 2004 18:15
Citroen Xsara Hdi automatic nightmare - Altea Ego
It would be good at this stage to get a statement (in writing if possible) from the garage to the effect that

1/ They admit there is a problem with this car
2/ They have no cure.
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Mon 31 May 2004 02:50
Citroen Xsara Hdi automatic nightmare - wurly
I have written to the dealer informing them that I am rejecting the car on the basis that it is not fit for the purpose intended, and insisting on a mileage adjusted refund from the dealer. we are in negotiations at the moment...

thanks for your advice.

Anyone out there had this problem with their hdi auto??
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Mon 31 May 2004 10:21
Citroen Xsara Hdi automatic nightmare - Ben79
There have been a lot of 2.0 HDI auto problems discussed on autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/c5-l/ . It seems some dealers are now able to perform a software update that substantially improves matters.

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