Xsara VTS "restore"

Xsara VTS "restore"

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hedgyhog

Original Poster:

1 posts

63 months

Friday 21st December 2018
quotequote all
Hello All,

I have an 2002 Xsara VTS that was bought new (with Leather, extra airbags, headlamp covers, third key and metallic as options).
It was driven regularly until 2014 when health issues got in the way and unfortunately has not moved since and has been exposed to the elements.

She has covered c.95K miles and was mostly reliable. The A/C stopped working not long after the warranty, which I believe is a common problem. It had a couple of sets of valve springs within warranty, blamed on a faulty batch. It had front springs replaced at some stage also. Oh, and a new radiator.

It started easily about 18 months ago once the auxiliary belt was removed to bypass the seized A/C pump.

I would really like to get her back on the road again, so my question is regarding what issues I should expect after such a long period and whether other owners think it is worth the cost?

I already have a replacement A/C pump and associated belt together with a full set of disks and pads waiting to be fitted. I had planned to start work at the end of summer but my health got in the way again, so it will probably be Spring before I cam start work.

I really like the car very much. I know it isn't fast by today's standards but I love the handling and the free-revving engine.

Regards,

Keith.

tonyb1968

1,156 posts

145 months

Friday 21st December 2018
quotequote all
Cambelt is a must on this engine, if the ac pipe routing is also like the 306's then its all buggered because its rotted due to its location (on the 306 its in 3 parts and a bit of a bugger to fit).

Remember that its your car, if you want to put the time and effort in to restoring the VTS then do it, they are rare and a little under stated, in the long run they may go up in value, if you keep it long enough smile