2.1 Autos- are they really that slow?

[Dieselman]

It's interesting to see those who do have the apparent
strongest support of the 2.1 run manuals!!

I had an auto from new without trying it first and although I can't say I regretted it, I did find it a tad slow compared to the 2.0i petrol manual I had before.
I tested a 2.1 auto before buying this time round and found it noisy due to the change points and additional loading so manuals it is for me.

I suspect that manuals have a better resale value now.

[citroenxm]

I suspect that manuals have a better resale value now.

Yea because theres so few left and most had the auto stuck on them...

Though I found two recently, one a base model that I sold to Vince, which was a BRILL drive and on the motorway pulled adequetly enough! NOT forgetting this is the same BHP as the Xanta HDi 110 engine, but slight less torque.. I had NO problem keeping up and passing things, and did not need to change gear.

Ive also found another SD Manual Diesel still to collect, also on a K plate.

Think I need to do up the spare 2.1 TD manual base Ive got on a J plate....

[robert_e_smart]

Values, I think they are much the same. I have sold 3 2.1 manuals in the past 12 months, and 1 2.1 Auto. They were all in similar condition, similar work done, similar price. The auto sold quickest. The amount of people that wished the manual cars were autos was incredible.

Most people now want a XM as a hobby or classic car. So the Auto fits that bill perfectly. Wafting along, enjoying the drive and the refinement of the XM.

My keeper classic XMs are 2.1s only because they have turned up in exceptional condition, and low mileage. I haven't come across a 2.5 that way yet.

[Dieselman]

The amount of people that wished the manual cars were autos was incredible.

If anyone wants to convert a manual to auto, I have a box and TC available.
Personally, I prefer the performance, economy and refinement the manual gives.

[robert_e_smart]

2.1 Auto, the only way to have a 2.1! If you want a manual diesel, go for the 2.5!

[xmexclusive]

Hi Paul

Sorry if you feel I have been slagging 2.1's off unreasonably.
I made quite clear why I parted with the two 2.1's that I owned.
With the current spread of available XM's roughly every other one up for sale is going to be a 2.5TD.
I also think it will stay that way for a couple of years.
Many will be well used so will keep the general XM prices near scrap value.
So for anyone looking for an XM the 2.5 needs to be considered.
PeterN's long search for non EPIC manual 2.1 estates shows how seldom most of the other models now come up for sale.
You are right in that anyone buying a 2.5 needs to take note of the higher than average spares and maintenance costs.
When someone specialised in XM's and as experienced as you would prefer not to work on them that too should warn purchasers.
One bought at a low price and used without problems for a year or so will be a real bargin.
1 in 3 give that for me but it is mainly not luck just knowing what to look for on buying.
On the other hand a worn clutch is very difficult to spot with the hydraulic drive.
Historic coolant problems leave no sign until the head goes and perhaps (40%) turn out to be cracked beyond repair.
Aux belts on Exclusives can be another expensive minefield.
Then there are the rotten strut heads at a size different to most XM's so secondhand spares are hard to find.
Robert S thinks I over egg this. I think I tell it as it is.
Currently I think there are more 2.5 XM's than people that want to buy them.
So no need for me to warn people off to preserve my supply.

John

[Dieselman]

With the current spread of available XM's roughly every other one up for sale is going to be a 2.5TD.
I also think it will stay that way for a couple of years.
Many will be well used so will keep the general XM prices near scrap value.

Currently I think there are more 2.5 XM's than people that want to buy them.

There are about 240 VSX and 38 Exclusives, so not too many. If they are what is holding XM prices down, it's best they rot away and get scrapped quickly to let the others gain the recognition they deserve...

[robert_e_smart]

I probably don't view XMs like a lot of people on here, hence my new found acceptance of the 2.5. I don't think much about the rarity of parts for these, because I have a selection of the rare parts here and know I can get them for the relative short period of time I want to run my 2.5. John has a greater experience of 2.5s than anyone I know, and I jest about John's caution, and words of warning. He is indeed correct. John's 2.5 intentions are much different from mine. He has been working with them exclusively for years. I came upon mine because the timing and opportunity was right, and as an upshot. I really like them!

Xms for me fall into 2 main categories. Superb condition cars to keep good and not use much, and cars that need to be used, and used a lot before one of the major car killers comes along, whether that be an uneconomical repair, ie 2.5 clutch or head gasket or a rotten body shell. At ICCCR last week, many of the cars there were cherished cars, there were few work horses there like my own.

My current 2.5 falls into the latter category. It had already been in the uneconomical weld repair category. I'm fortunate that I was able to repair it myself at little cost. The next time it needs one of the major 2.5 repairs, it will become another parts donor. I don't have the time or inclination now.

My 2.1s fall in the earlier category, and are unlikely to be repeated opportunity cars.

I use my XM daily now, but I have a strong feeling that this will be my last XM to use daily. I have accepted that I will have to replace it with a C5 III or C6. I just hope that I don't have to replace it for another 3-4 years. At present I cover 700 miles a week in my XM. Its a nice way to cover this mileage, but it won't do it forever either. I'm going to enjoy it as long as I can. If I was doing 700 miles a month, or less, I wouldn't be so readily prepared to jump ship in the more modern C5III and C6s.

[addo]

I'm waiting for all those beautiful S1 Silver Shadows to be "refined" with the retrofitting of manual gearboxes...

[Dieselman]

I'm waiting for all those beautiful S1 Silver Shadows to be "refined" with the retrofitting of manual gearboxes...

But they don't have diesel engines transversely mounted.

I have a different brand 3.0L diesel car that is lovely with an auto box, but without doubt every other diesel with an auto box is noisy in comparison to the manual version, including BMW.