After a long time have driven the C1 of my mother, it was time again to buy a car

After a long time have driven the C1 of my mother, it was time again to buy a car. This I had not done before because I did not trust the reliability of older cars. But I had no choice my mother wanted to return her car, and I did not come without a car. Actually, it was the perfect situation to get over my fear and buy an old car. As a true Citrofiel the brand was already decided. What I was looking for was a ZX Break, why? because I think this is a great model. But I only saw dilapidated copies on the internet, so when I'm still just going to look at the 3 and 5-door and when I got it from. On a Saturday morning I drove to Horn with my brother to see him. According to the seller it was a great good car, unfortunately there were no booklet and history was unknown. But according to him, we did not make our pressure, he was an old couple from Constantly that the car had been kept neat and in addition, the seller also had himself been one of 400.000km without problems (great sales pitch). After the test drive, we were excited because he rode very well, and looked especially inside still neat. With an annual MOT purchase closed and we could take him right away, and now the ZX the great challenge began for me would survive the ride from Horn to Bussum.

And yes that journey he has survived. After a month and about 1500km driven to have the ZX completely won my trust. Always start walking and driving without scary noises or stuttering engine. The consumption is good and is just below the manufacturer 7.5l / 100km, oil it consumes a bit more than 1 liter per 2000km.

The car has given me 13 months every day driving back and forth to my work and we drove across the country over the weekend and he never leave me. When we came back from the holidays of 2 or 3 weeks it was starting every time walk.

But there were some problems:

1: Dynamo piece a € 220, -
2: Fuel Hose a € 50, -
3: Hole poem exhaust a € 25, -

The consumption can be seen in the consumption monitor on this website.

For the new APK I foresaw some high cost, while I was looking for something more luxurious and air conditioning. Today I picked up my new car a 2001 Xsara Saloon 1.6i 16V, I hope there will be just as satisfied with it as the ZX.

Have years of fun had a Focus wagon 1.6tdci 109pk in 2006. Started with 93000km and have it exchanged by 250000km for 2.0 tdci 140hp from 2012.

Well, some lesser affairs: Focuss 3 is a few cm longer, has larger turning radius and of within what smaller.
What is better: he is very quiet, just like the engine is cold, you have the famous PSA rattle, but it is fast.
The ability I have not because that's comparing apples to oranges. He draws good by.

Then a strange thing that I now after the first 6000 km, but not to buildings. That first gear when pulling away from standstill: As I will stand up clutch and give slightly gas rises suddenly speed from 800 to 1400 and then again away while I still fall further gas kick. This makes it difficult to smoothly ride away. Of the 1 to 2, and further, this is not the case.
According to Ford garage this is normal. Well, not remain pleasant.

I also think the 2.0 anyway slurp more than me is really sweet. If I get a mop row 5.3 to 100, but a bit sportier is fast 6.3. Well it is a 2.0, but a much more aerodynamic than the model focus II.

New update I try to turn after 80000km.
Improvement since the necessary updates (80,000 km)At 80,000 km in turn made the necessary software updates. Unfortunately I do not know exactly what, but the flaw of not able to pull away smoothly disappeared happy.
Beurtje was about 400 Euri's.

Consumption remains in my opinion too high, but can also be little to tire type. Goodyear Vector 205/55/16 all seasons, already quite cupping, hence the trembling and sound.

This summer a bit and then drive onto Winter come on. Preferably Pirelly Sottozero II, and next summer Dunlop Bluresponse.

For the rest a great car!
100.000km turn still nice car (100,000 km)Well, much to report 100.000km turn had with just the brake pads replaced behind. Well, I replaced the hard gecupte Goodyear Dunlop 205/55/16 Blue Response.
Meanwhile, Continental TS850 winter tires 205/55/16. Makes no difference in consumption.
This consumption I find so little disappointing 5.63l 100km. Tried Excellium or v-power, but makes no difference, du now simply refuel the lukoils, tamoils and tangos.

Next car I consider automatic, but it will still be a kilometer or 100,000. Should this engine can handle with ease.
120000km turn still nice car (120,000 km)Had indicated that the last 5000 km he seems every 100km to regenerate, but that would have / could not with a maintenance-free coated diesel particulate filter. Yet I notice (even though I drive like a mop), the engine consumes more when I stop (normally 0.5 l / h, only 1.3 l / h) and I hear the blowing fan in the engine . Very weird.

120000km In turn, they have found nothing. Car is in tip-top order. EGR not seriously polluted (thanks to a73 or sometimes just over the border to clock briefly 200).

Find it cost the turn on the high side, without repairs € 470, -!

For the rest a lovely car. Summer slippers blue Dunlop 205/55/16 response back on. Am also very satisfied with the winter booties 205/55/16 Continental T850.

The lease on my previous car went off, so when should it start shopping again (unfortunately the last time, my employer has now opted for a standard fleet with the most common lease cars).

A station is not necessary for me and I am sensitive to the appearance of a car.

On the shortlist were the Mazda 3, BMW 1, Volvo V40 and Mercedes A-Class.
The Volvo soon dropped out because of limited space.
The BMW 1 I had it made me not feel good so it went between the Mazda 3 and the A-Class.
Finally opted for the A-Class because it felt like more cars (and was cheaper in the lease). High quality finishing and solid material (which is also a difference in price of course)

Selected performance:
Lease Edition 2015 (Ambition base, which includes light / sight package, LED lighting, air conditioning, cruise control, active park assist, Garmin navigation)
Color: Zuiderzee Blues
Machines

Why color, basically because you see him structurally in black and gray and the color it a more unusual and gives a sportier and more youthful appearance. When I had to choose, I chanced a trailer against multiple color A-classes including green and blue chosen by me.

Interior:
Neatly finished and certainly comfortable. I had to get used early to the location of various controls. Where in my previous car was wipers, is now operating the machine.
The whole is divided logically and efficiently so you can easy accessibility. For me it is a relief, the Alfa was beautiful inside but practically was not all.

Chairs are well adjusted and for me as 1.89 tall man, the seat also sufficient length adjustable. The chairs also give longer rides good support and comfort.

Rear view, where you can hear more about people. Indeed, it is really not very good, especially at the rear exit of a parking miss you a bit.

Outside:
car just looks neat from outside, access to the trunk is spacious enough but the model also again a little cramped (but for an easy and big trunk I could have chosen better station).

The first kilometers
I doubted about the machine, partly because I heard that he responded slowly. I must say that experience, I have not myself. I do think the car a smooth transition, note that if you quickly want to pull through if you're just came out that he sometimes just need the time (but with full throttle kicking it works better). The lack of a poker I can with all gauges good at.

The start-stop system, I find myself uncomfortable when I stand in front at the traffic light. Then it takes still some time before the car starts and accelerates.
In the evening / night you have adequate visibility through the LED lights.
The cruise control works well and can be operated per kilometer and 10 kilometers. However, I personally prefer to controls on the steering wheel instead of a lever behind the steering wheel (but that's personal).

What I find less is the system indicating that you drive too close to your predecessor. I have noticed several times that warning (beep) and also engages in a single time when there is no traffic in the area.