Problem Solved! (BX dilema) Self indulgent pics added.

[KruJoe]

Help me decide!

 

As I mentioned I'm thinking I might be hitting one of these HARD, but which one? Both are with the same seller and local. The blue diesel is receiving more bidding action so far; I'm presuming that's un-blown, but it would still be GR9 4 tat-lugging.

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT

 

The white BX14 also looks a nice place to be, might be cheaper as well as less to tax and insure, which would go down well with MrsKJ. I haven't mentioned these to her yet

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT

 

She'd prefer the colour of the blue one - it's similar to the first Subaru we had and she loved it.

 

Pros and cons [forward slash] opinions please!

 

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Edit- just seen this int' bay thread:

Blue BX is lovely, best colour they came in IMHO. It'll be an n/a diesel by the way as they never officially came with a 1.9TD lump. They're not desperately quick but get better with age, mileage and cooking oil assuming it's aBosch pump of course.

[HereHareHere]

I prefer the white pezzer, as the BX shape loses something with those huge boot spoilers (had a BX16V and always hated that stupid spoiler).

 

Having said that, Lord & Lady Sound Commonsense would surely come down on the side of the diesel.

[messerschmitt owner]

why not join the BX forum and ask Richard if he'll pull the sale of one for a cash price - the 14 - I like it and if I didn't have two XMs, would probably be at home - they do 40mpg, £125 tax, easy to service and reliable engines).

 

The 19 diesel is in a lovely colour, has the benefit of running on veg, and will do 50mpg all day long. It will go for more, but balance the extra cost with fuel saved and it doesn't make much sense.

[mnde]

Pros and cons:

 

Depends on you and MrsKJ are used to...

 

Blue one has a plusher interior, has such mod cons as electric windows and will dare I say it be more refined.

 

White one will feel lower rent, with keepfit windows and manual choke.

 

White one has lower tax/insurance - which would appeal to me definitely, and being used to pezzers, I'd find it easier to service. There are certain parts that seem to be harder to find for the 14 though, e.g. hydraulic pumps. I've driven a couple and I've been nicely surprised by how revvy and willing the TU engine is, and they've sounded nicer than the XU in my 1.6 BX. More rorty, less "generic engine", if that makes sense.

 

19 Diesels I've driven have really surprised me in terms of refinement. On the motorway they're far quieter than my 1.6.... but that could partly be down to more soundproofing?

 

People keep telling me though - with diesel at the price it is, will you do enough miles in it to offset the extra cost? - plus diesel BXs are more sought after and go for more... The turbodiesel 1.7 in particular is a real revelation..

 

EDIT: I've just seen this 14 has quite plush seats in it!

 

Mark.

[Cavcraft]

Both are competent daily drivers which are pleasant enough to drive. Economy wise I'd expect the diesel to shade it and it looks a nicer car especially colour wise and for future value too.

[KruJoe]

Argh can't decide. Both are at £300 now (that was probably the reserve on each) and finish at the same time tomorrow lunchtime. I could go and see them this evening... does anyone have a number for him? (pm me pls.) I'll send an email off now, but don't know how on-it he'll be.

[dollywobbler]

Diesel every time for me. No troublesome carburettors or ignition components - about as simple as engines can get. Cruising at 80mph is a piece of cake, even with the non-turbo, and while the 14 should still get 40+ to the gallon, the diesel should top 50.

 

And for the money, I like them with the 'grab handle' on the back.

[Cavcraft]

I didn't realise they were Richard's cars. Haven't got his number but may be able to try and get it later if wanted?

[Shep Shepherd]

I like them both, but the white one has more appeal for me, given its more basic spec, lack of metallic paint and the fact that I know more about the upkeep of petrol BXs than diesel ones (my mother had a 1990 16TZS automatic some years ago)

[KruJoe]

Thanks all, I've just spoken to Richard, and I'm off to see 'em. Watch this space!

[KruJoe]

And the winner is...

 

 

The BX14 Andre Preview!

And surprisingly, too. I was quite sure driving down to meet Richard that we'd be striking a deal for the diesel, with its ravishing good looks and pulling power. But it was rather crustier than I'd like on bad inner wing repairs and scabs on the sills. Also, I knew MrsKJ would give me earache every time she entered it because a previous owner had been a heavy smoker. It was mechanically superb and had good history, but my life wouldn't be worth living: the driving experience would be diminished significantly by the pain in my left ear.

What a jolly decent chap Richard is. A regular family man with an unfortunate BX problem.

His father rolled up in the 14 about 20 minutes later and we had a good chat about the pros and cons of each. The Preview is totally standard, original radio, wheel trims etc, and no sign of any welding. Nor is it in much danger of needing any, any time soon. There's a bit of scabbiness in areas around the back wheels, but much less to worry about. Inner wings, door shuts etc are rot free. And I can't think of a comfier way to travel in such poverty.

 

It arrives tomorrow, they'll deliver it up Malhamdale, hopefully well before dark so I can share some more images with you lot.

 

I'm in love, and even MrsKJ was happy when I told her the decision was based upon interior aromas!

[Cavcraft]

WINNAH!

 

Those seats look a bit posh for a 1.4, quite GTi-ish as it goes and they'll be very comfortable.

[dollywobbler]

Yeah, as has been said on the BXClub forum, it's an odd mix of super-shite-basic spec and comfy GTi seats! Hope you have a happy time with it Joe. BX Club will be very handy if there are any foibles to overcome.

 

Drat. I'm starting to miss mine now...

[KruJoe]

Ta! I did consider your opinions, and everyones', but the luxo-pov won me over!

I'm still kicking myself for missing out on your Green Tiger, Ian. I've paid more for this than you were asking for that, but I'm not moaning, I'm looking forward to running this as a daily, rather excited actually and it should be cheap to keep on the road. And it looks to be in such an honest state that I hope it shouldn't present any issues come test time in the summer. Should be pre-cat, too FTW

 

Unfortunately, one of Richard's kids is sick today, so he hasn't been able to bring it up as arranged, fingers crossed for tomorrow.

 

The blue diesel finished today at just over a monkey. I wonder what the Preview would have made if he left it... it was up to £300 when he pulled it this time yesterday.

[KruJoe]

It's here! Richard made it up to to us this evening about dusk, sounding healthy, just like my bro's 205 XS (same lump). The three of us jumped in to run Richard back down home (MrsKJ came along for the ride, and appreciated the relaxed comfort, and the lack of overtaking ability).

It drives really nice, not rapid of course, but it doesn't need to be. It's lively enough, more than you'd expect. It's nicely balanced, with sharp but controllable BX brakes, floaty ride but not wallowy. Quite agreeable really. The driving position is ok, but not for the short of arm... the gears feel rather far away and the radio is near my left ankle; there's no steering wheel adjustment (or PAS) so it feels a bit bus-like to me, but that one hour ride out on A- and B-roads was a joy. I'm sure I'll enjoy it as a daily, rather different to the Impreza Sport!

 

No new pictures until tomorrow (bad light stopped play), but its pale, slabby flanks are sitting pretty on the cobbles outside the window. Gorgeous.

[KruJoe]

Images as promised.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a nice evening kind folks of Autoshite.

[dollywobbler]

Nice. I'd get some anti-corrosion gunk on the inner rear wings - looks like a bit of bubbling striking there already.

 

These basic ones do have a wonderful purity. Nice choice.

[scruff]

Kwality!! Love the stickers/decals

[scooters]

really nice - honest BX - well bought sir!

[Vin]

That's Nice. I Likey

 

Is that a 'EuroCAMP' GB Sticker adorning the tush

[Fat_Pirate]

Wow, it was supplied by Fleming Brothers! I was working at their DEADLY RIVALS at the time, Central garage in Kings Lynn. I used to go there occasionally to swap parts or even cars, but relations were FROSTY.

 

I hope you have enjoyed this insight into the exciting and dangerous world of late-80s Citroen dealers.

[KruJoe]

Yes indeed!

 

Nice. I'd get some anti-corrosion gunk on the inner rear wings - looks like a bit of bubbling striking there already.

 

 

It looks like this at both sides, and they do want seeing to sooner rather than later. There are some other spots just starting in other spots, front inner wings and back door shuts/ arches. NSF wing, too. No welding has been done on it so far.

 

 

It has survived really well for its 23 years and 90 odd k miles.

 

 

Is that a 'EuroCAMP' GB Sticker adorning the tush

 

Is is! I'm not sure whether that should be coming off or not. Thoughts?

 

Thanks for the comments guys!

 

[Angrydicky]

Lovely! The spitting image of one my parents had circa 1995.

 

1.4 = cheap running costs too FTW.

[scruff]

In a few years you'll regret removing the sticker. Give it a decade and you can flog repro ones on eBay for people restoring 80s/90s Eurochod