scott8629

Im thinking of getting one of these as a work hack.
Anyone know anything about them?

Scott

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Had a 1.9TD Volcane, excellent little car, nice interior, handled quite well, and was reliable. Nice comfortable ride, too.

Drawbacks: high insurance group, (compared with others having same engine etc), rear suspension mounting points wear (costs about £85 in parts, £100 fitting), and softish rear suspension, so if you carry a load, tow a caravan, fit spring assistors.

Alcazar

TonyBurns

iTrader: (3)

Are you getting the TD or the 2ltr 8v version?

Tony

tallsteve

I used to have the 2ltr 8v version. Nice car, torquey engine and pretty tidy handling, think it was very similar to the sporty pug 306's (XSi) didn't have too much wrong with it, and despite French build quality there weren't too many squeaks and rattles.

Dealers were a bit of a rip off - find a good garage to look after it.

Oh yes, watch out for lift-off oversteer... It can be... Entertaining, if you're not expecting it!

MooseRacer

I'd echo the above comments. Also the earlier 1.9 8v was a better motor imo.

Handling and comfort are both superb for a FWD hot hatch.

scott8629

I want the Td version as I will be doing 80 miles per day.
What is the MPG like?

ianc

I had a 92k 1.9i 8v... great car and miss it.... was a very nimble drive and in the dry, could corner amazingly well for a fwd shopping hatch. Not quite so special in the wet when you couldn't get the passive rear steer to play so easily. Lots of lift off oversteer tho.....

However, by 8yrs old and 80k, it was feeling very tired and bits breaking somewhat regularly...

Reffro

Driven sensibly TD's give an easy 40-45mpg. When buying, pay very very close attention to the cooling/heating circuit condition. Head Gasket failures are extremely common, and are often down to the radiator loosing cooling efficiency. The coolant must be tip top, and check the radiator is warm across its whole surface. Also check the Heater Matrix as they have a habit of going pop too. Otherwise it just the rear subframe bushes you need to look out for, as they wear they make the handling interesting, lots of lift off oversteer. Listen when on a test drive for any clunking from the rear, as said they are cheap to replace so not a deal breaker, but bear it in mind when it comes to making a deal.

ianc

Good points, had replaced radiator and heater matrix on mine.....

(anyone with a 5door ZX want a custom made sub box, made to fit *exactly*? Been sitting in my garage since I sold the ZX, can't bear to throw it )