Used Citroen Xsara Picasso review and buying guide (2000 to 2010): which one to buy and what to check

Which used Citroen Xsara Picasso should you buy?

A manual Xsara Picasso with the 2.0 HDi diesel is the lesser risk, not a trouble-free choice. Its reported problems centre on cars with the Siemens ECU and injection system, while the Bosch-equipped ones haven't drawn the same complaints, so find out which a car has before you commit. The list logged against the 1.6 HDi is longer, which is why the 2.0 is the one to shortlist across the whole 2000 to 2010 run.

The 1.6 HDi is the diesel to be wary of. There are several reports of turbos failing on the 16-valve version, some from carbon choking the turbo's oil feed at around 100,000 miles, and dual-mass flywheel and clutch failures became more common on 1.6 HDi cars from 2004. Revised parts arrived on engines built from 2008, but don't take it on trust that any particular car has them.

Whichever engine you go for, pick a manual. The AL4 four-speed automatic is a known weak point, with worn solenoids making it change harshly or stick in third, usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. There's less on record about the 1.6 petrol, and that isn't the same as a clean record: late (54-reg) petrol cars had water getting into the ECU, so treat one with the same care.

Which Xsara Picasso engines and gearboxes are the safe choices?

The 2.0 HDi with a manual gearbox is the lesser risk of the diesels and the one to shortlist. Its reported weak spot is the Siemens ECU and injection set-up, which drew complaints the Bosch cars didn't, so ask which one a car has and whether it's had injection work. HDi diesels also had a Europe-wide clutch problem, with release bearings going at about 30,000 miles and hydraulic actuators at about 70,000, though it hasn't been reported recently.

The 1.6 HDi needs the most care. Several turbo failures on early 16-valve units came down to a faulty pressure valve, others to carbon building up in the oil feed to the turbo's bearing. A new turbo on its own doesn't cure the oil-feed version: the oil pipe, pump and pick-up have to be renewed as well, or the replacement can fail within 10,000 miles. It doesn't cope well with oil left in for 20,000 miles, either.

Dual-mass flywheel and clutch failures turned up more and more on 1.6 HDi cars from 2004, and the plastic tip of that engine's dipstick can snap off into the sump, which then has to come off to get it out. As for gearboxes, the manual's the one to have. The AL4 automatic's solenoids wear when its fluid is dirty, overheated or never changed, and that's what makes it fail between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.

What should you check when viewing a used Xsara Picasso?

If it's an automatic, drive it from cold and again once it's properly warm, because the AL4 often only misbehaves when hot. A thump as it engages a gear, harsh or late changes, a gearbox fault warning with the Sport and Snow lights flashing, or a car stuck in third all mean it's already failing. Ask when the fluid was last changed, and if the solenoids have been replaced, get proof the gearbox software was updated at the same time.

On a 1.6 HDi, ask for receipts showing the oil's been changed well inside 20,000 miles, and if the turbo's been replaced, check the bill covers a new oil feed pipe and pick-up as well. Press the clutch pedal a few times and feel for any looseness, since the plastic link between the pedal and the clutch master cylinder breaks as these cars age. Any diesel that's had its clutch done should come with the receipt.

Lift the covers on the underfloor storage bins and look for standing water, because failing rear light seals let it in and it mists the cabin up. Check every electrical item works, and that the air conditioning and heater both do their jobs, as repeated faults with both have been reported. Water reaching the ECU through the fuse box cable, and corroded ECU connector pins on cars from 2004, mean any engine warning light needs explaining.

Ask for proof of recall work: springs that can break on cars built from 2000 to 2004, cups fitted to the front springs on 2002 and 2003 cars, a leaking diesel fuel return pipe on 2004 and 2005 cars, a dashboard wiring loom wearing through on some 2003 cars and new clips for an accelerator pedal that could come off its link. Look under the back for the spare as well: underslung ones get stolen, and it isn't always the same size as the road wheels.

Paste the advert into the free check and it runs these against the listing, the MOT history and the DVLA record before you travel.

What does a used Citroen Xsara Picasso cost to run?