Citroen BX 19RD diesel estate (on & off) road test
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 มี.ค. 2014
- More exotica from HubNut. This time, Ian Seabrook tames the fearsome 71bhp of a 1988 Citroen BX RD estate. Diesel power!
Test drive conducted in glorious mid-Wales - a fine place to drive a classic car. Don't forget to subscribe!
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Nice. I worked for a Citroen garage for a few years. BX was no more, it was Xantia then (another good car) but plenty of our customers still had their BX's and loved them. Very good cars for sure.
@Mark Turner ... I agree. I had a BX GTi FWD, then a rare, wide-tyred BX 4x4 8v GTi, which stuck to corners like glue. Went for a BX diesel one day, but came home with a Xantia HDi. It was a pleasant, reliable car, particularly as it was a late model. But it's the BX's, with their lovely angular Bertone styling and comfy front seats, that I most fondly recall from that era.
I bought my first BX diesel in 1993. It was 5 year old 236.000 km and it did not have any rear seats(flattened loading floor). The price was 256 gulden (less then 80 pounds back then) driven it for 11 years.
They wanted 5000 gulden but 8 days after the buy i went bankrupt and i only managed to pay one payment (they did not want the car returned???). The bankruptcy lasted 3 years and to my surprise i drove the car during that period (and long after).
Almost forgat when the BX retired it had 999.897 km on it:)
psu893 For how long you kept it? any failure in the meantime?
Jammer dat de BX volledig is verdwenen uit het straatbeeld
You really couldn't have driven it that final 103km?!
i'm probaly the only 15 year old kid that wants a Citroen BX (Or DS / CX).... i don't even have a license lol
You are to be applauded for thinking independently.
I'm with you on that, I'm 14
MauriceNL When I was your age (or possibly a bit younger) I always wanted a BX once I learned to drive - they were common on the road then
. Sadly though when I got to 17 I didn’t learn to drive for some time and by the time I bothered most had been scrapped or were wrecks.
My dad had a white 1.4i when I was 19 wish I'd bought it from him damn that was 1999.
Sad part is that it would be bloody expensive to mantain (tax wise) such a car in The Netherlands.
My father owned two BX in a row over a period of little less than 20 years, he said he had to give up on them because parts were becoming hard to get but that he would have continued to drive BX for ever if he could have gotten the parts he needed.
Lovely memories, after a GSA Pallas I got the first of three BX's, a 16TRS then two 19TRS's. Quality and solidity improved over the years (84 to 93) The rattles always appeared and on one the non self cancelling indicator rocker switch jammed (in the off position) after a small metal spring broke. Overall the interior was fairly robust, though the seat frame on the first one (drivers seat) never inspired confidence, first one also had a drivers door window which came free from the winding mechanism. Hydraulics never gave a problem. Still fond memories.
Brings back memories of driving from Manchester to the Isle of Skye and back in December in a £300 Peugeot 106 1.4 diesel. It averaged 75mpg, though I took it easy. On the journey out at 5AM, the gearbox was making disconcerting noises for the first 20 miles and then sorted itself out. It was great in Skye on all kinds of roads, and despite -10C temperatures, we were very toasty with the surprisingly powerful heating in that car. In the Highlands of Scotland we were buzzed by two VERY low flying fighter planes and it absolutely made the trip!
xnxbx je .
Great video, made me very nostalgic over my old BX14 TGE. I spent many hours of blood and sweat and swearing re-building that. Got the radius arm bearings done (probably the hardest job) I replaced all the spheres including the accumulator sphere, pressure regulator and pump, front strut return hoses and it was definitely well worth it in the end. Beautiful floaty ride. The engine was actually quite pokey for a 1.4 petrol (manual choke). Possibly one of the best cars I ever had, (apart from that gearbox, that was like stirring a bag of coal)
Enjoying all of your videos though, keep up the great work.
Another excellent road test. My parents had a bx estate in silver when I was a child, until about 1995. I remember it filling the street with smoke upon cold start (needed new glow plugs), and the suspension collapsing once in the middle of Edinburgh. I thought the indicator switches on the dash were amazing. I am quite tempted by a bx gti, though finding a good one is difficult, and my nissan bluebird provides enough quirky entertainment. Cheers.
I drove one for a while, miss it terribly but have many fond memories. I won't forget how good the brakes were; and the lack of power steering on that particular one taught me to drive and park well.
One of my favourite HubNut videos ever! Owned two of these lovely vehicles (non-turbo BX estates) myself and one petrol hatchback. Would love one again some time.
I've had four BXs and they were brilliant. Very relaxed and stable at high speed, nice controls with short, precise movements, lots of space and surprisingly quick and economical. I drove one along a rocky goat track in Spain where the only other vehicles I saw were Nissan Patrols and Toyota LandCruisers.
It's probably one of the most beautiful, still affordable Cars of the 80s.
I'll go along with that. Definitely in my Top Ten.
90s
Sadly, good ones are becoming rare and unaffordable. Modern cars just don't have the same character. Too many unnecessary electronics.
Brings back memories!! My friends dad had one of these, we used to call it the B-rex!!
fantastic and fun video to watch! my grandad was a citreon addict and drove nothing but citroen cars... his first car I can remember was a white citreon bx hatchback and then a black one with the four spoke steering wheel and smoked rear lights... also a factory fitted spoiler and small screen on the dashboard with a outline of the car which lit up red if doors where open... loved the black bx! Then he bought a dark green citreon xantia estate with the start up code.. another cracking car! so thank you for bringing back some great memories for me... would love to have a go in a bx though haha!
I had a BX TZD Turbo about 10 years ago and I totally get the appeal. Mine was a stop-gap £75 car that I bought from a chap who thought the steering was shot to peices. Turns out it just had an egg on the inside of the front tyre. Needed a fuel pump replaced which was a pig as they're mechanical and run from the cam pulley but after that it shifted and the performance really surprised me. Quite a classy looking car I thought. Very comfortable seats and great steering, the interior was a really nice place to be. The gearbox had a very wholly feeling to it as if the gearbox fluid was constantly freezing cold and put up resistance. I'd say that was pretty much the car's only negative.
I do miss that distinctive and very homely chug that the Citroën-Peugeot diesels made on idle from that era.
It was a serious negative. It had a baggy clunker of a gearbox.
My Dad thought that his petrol-engined Bx was a great family car. He was very pleased with it.
When I drove it, all his comments on the use of plastic body panel, advanced suspension, roominess, futuristic style, small engine economy and superb ride were shown to be right.
He really liked this car. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to borrow it now and then.
I travelled all over Europe and the UK in one of these, brilliant Citroen that never let me down and was supremely comfortable, it was about 7 or 8 years old by this time too, had around 90,000 miles but still drove and ran like new.
You inspired me, I have a 1988 BX 16 TRS (project) being delivered today, love your channel mate!
Excellent!
I owned a bx estate as first car 3 years ago, and I can say it: it's the best car ever made. The confort feels like you're driving on cotton! That diesel engine was almost perfect to cruise around at very low revs. And driving on the snow or slippy roads was far more easy than most 4x4's do. Sadly I had to sell it a few years ago because she was getting old and I ran out of money to repare it... But I'm planning to buy the GTI version as my everyday car because no car I have ever driven was as good as this!!
Btw sorry for my french 😂
No apologies necessary! Your English is far better than my French. J'ai douze ans is about all I remember from school. It hasn't been very useful since...
your french is very good, is de Meeûs a dutch or belgian name?
My parents had a BX in this colour with the same engine (a sedan though) - I haven't got any first-hand memories, so thanks for letting me experience some family history!
My dad had one of these in this very trim, which was then replaced in 1993 by the then-new Renault Savannah, a Renault 21 in estate form. I don't have many memories of being in this car; I was only a young child at the time. We also had a very old V reg Cavalier as well; I think it was this I was driven around in more frequently as my dad used the Citroen for his work commute. Ah memories! Thanks Ian for your very informative series.
This video (and copious nostalgia) convinced me to buy a diesel Bx. One of the best decisions ever.
The sound of that Engine on startup is really Proustian - Dad had two 1.9 saloons in my teenage years. Very comfortable cars to be in!
I really wanted one off these for some reason. At the time the diesel engine in this was one of the best. The estate ones were quite hard to find.
This was the first Hubnut video I saw a looong time ago. I owned a BX 19trd Break just like this one (only in far more shady shape). It was fun, and since then I have been driving Xantia :-)
Hi Ian. We’ll get the creepy, crawly, bit out of the way first: love the vids mate 😊. That XUD engine was a great motor. I had the 1.9 Turbo unit in a Peugeot 405 STDT Estate. One of the best cars I ever owned. Spacious, comfortable, reliable and economical all at the same time. I stuck with the PSA group for my present car, a Citroen Xsara Picasso. It even has a later version of the base XUD motor as it has the 2.0 HDI. I’ve had that car since 2006 and have no plans to get rid of it. Take care Ian and keep up the good work
Excellent Review Of The Citroën Bx Diesel Ian! An Excellent Citroën, Proving Citroëns Ability To Always Be Innovative, And Stylish, With That Famous Magic Carpet Ride!!! Having Owned Two Citroën Zx Diesels, Both The Top Of The Range 1.9TD Volcane. Superb In All Respects. Bags Of Flexible Low Down Torque. In My Opinion That Citroën Diesel Engine Was The Finest On The Market!!!!!!
My wife and i owned a Bx Turbo 1.9 and we loved it as we still love all Citroen’s, old or new
Enjoyed that. And here's some weirdness. A mate had one back in the eighties and he looked more than a little like you! Keep them rollin'. 👍
Nice to see this car is still on the road almost 10 years after this video was made.
Yup. Krusty Rusty Salvage now has it. Matt black but, importantly, still on the road.
Interesting channel Ian. I think your videos are really great. Even though I don't drive myself, I have a great interest in cars and the like.
I love the BX, CX and the little Visa, especially diesel powered. We used to go green laning in our Mercedes 230Te (SLS rear sus) and it had plenty of travel and surprised quite a few where it would go.
Love the classic Casio watch, fits this car nicely.
Hi Ian I once owned a hatchback version of that car but in black. Without a doubt the most comfortable car I have ever owned and I've had a few.
Hi Ian another good vid its a great ride and comfy the Citreons on rough roads, as well demonstrated, by yourself..
My father had a 85 17rd hatch followed by a 86 19rd Estate both brand new from Moto Baldet Northampton, absolutely fantastic car's both went over 150k with very few problems.
The BX is a utterly beautiful piece of car history
I still love the bx. Dad had one when we were kids (always breaking down on long journeys) but I had a few diesels and a petrol gti and were great. Very comfy drive. Would have another now no problems
I've owned Two XM's and a Xantia and never had an issue with the hydropneumatic suspension. Always wanted a BX. Good thing about BX front struts/rams is that they can be rebuilt.
This must be one of your earlier road tests, and I have to say I like the use of different camera positions throughout.As for the BX... had plenty of them, always a hoot to drive!
Yes. I had much more time for shooting videos back then. Now, it's throw a phone in the windscreen and chat when I can.
I loved my BX GTI to bits. So sure footed, so comfortable.
A bit late to post but, my uncle had one of these and I always thought how cool it was when myself and mum were picked up in it when visiting relatives. He had the saloon version I think, but it was such a cool car, silver with red accents I seem to remember. He only git rid of it through financial issues with a repair that was going to cost too much. I miss that floaty ride. He lately had a ZX, not nearly as good.
Great cars. I've had a saloon and an estate; both diesels and very economical. Quirky looks but extremely comfortable and practical. I once drove from Guildford to Toulon and back over a long very hot weekend (with no aircon!).
I briefly ran one of these as a company car. Loved it.
My dad had one of these when i was a kid, the memories of sitting at the side of the road after it overheated.
This brought back many memories from my youth, I had two RD estates and were fantastic! Yes that's right eighteen years old owning a BX 19RD estate F432SLL, while my mates were ragging around in Nova's and Escorts I was wafting around in diesel economy comfort without arousing the attention of plod, thanks to the self-leveling suspension where my bumper wasn't scraping the road with five passengers.
BX parcel shelves made great speaker baffles too.
I think the great steering can be attributed with the fact of a separate steering ram attached the steering rack idea.
The diesel economy allowed us to go further afield for drives unlike my mates who could only stay local on their £3 of petrol.
I got my BX obsession through my dad who had company car BX's from Waitrose HQ Bracknell.
I bought my first BX at 19. Then I traded it in for the Daewoo Matiz that I've just bought back. Young and foolish (not sure what my excuse is these days!).
HubNut I've never conformed to normal car culture, apart from the Golf. I aspire to own a FSO Polonez one day.
I remember when the BX was launched it was a motoring sensation. The press simply loved it . The diesel engine was considered the best in the world when it was launched , refined, quiet and economical. A friend of mine had one and kept it longer than any other car he had owned he simply loved it. Also ,you NEVER saw a rusty one. It was replaced by the xantia ( I think ) which was also a fantastic car.
Had a BX19RD estate brand new in 1987 from Wood and Krailing Citroen in Epping (anyone remember them?) Great car for the time, and if they were still made today I would buy another, no question.
These were brilliant cars,always used to see loads of them in the auctions for sale, ex rep or taxis , most had done in excess of 200,000 miles & never bought a bad one
My father still has his 1.9 BX-RD from 89(estate, just as yours), he offered it to me, since he's very much attached to it doesn't want to let it go even though he drives a Renault now. He and I occasionally take it for a drive, the thing starts bang on every time, rips on dirt roads and hills. Great engine, though, the car needs a lot of work to get it back to proper form, dunno if I should restore it or just leave it be. I remember going for mushrooms in the nearby woods, there were a few puddles in our way, I used to check the depth with a tall stick, some were even half a meter deep, if not deeper. The thing went through them relaxed
Never owned one, but a couple of mates of mine were mad on them 20 years ago and having travelled in several of them many many miles, found them quirky but comfy and reliable. The top of the range TZD (I think?) was awesome, well equipped, and a very good looker. Can't see myself ever owning one, I don't do French cars, but I can fully understand the love for them
the XUD9 is one the most reliable diesel engines ever built. they just dont die. ive always been a fan of citroens they were way ahead of its time back then.
Agree totally with that. The engine outlasted the body with over 500000kms on mine in Ireland before I parked her up. Rust 😢205 XRAD
The R in XRAD stood for reliable.
Fond memories of my identical BX Estate, it had constant leaks with the mineral hydraulics that my mechanic never solved, I used to carry gallons of mineral oil to top up.
That was an under rated banger!
For a few years I had a petrol BX hatchback which had originally belonged to my uncle. It was a good car mechanically, but the seat was weirdly shaped and caused me dreadful low back pains, so I got a drivers seat from another car and got Adrian, my (Citroen friendly) mechanic to fit it for me, which solved the problem. Since then I've discovered that one can go to a car trimmer and get the seat re-shaped to one's own spec. Prior to owning the BX I had a Renault 14 which was delightful to drive but always going wrong - the BX didn't quite have the charm of the R14 but more than made up for that in reliability and dependability. I loved the hydro-whatsit suspension on the BX and wish that at least some modern Citroens would go back to that system, if for no other reason than to experience the pure delight of the car rising up just after starting the engine.
Great drive!
My dad had a 19RD saloon when I was a kid. Amazing car, still looks futuristic even now when I think back. Always wanted an estate though. Very unrefined engine but the sheer luxury of the ride more than made up for it. Sadly I haven't seen one in years. I fear they have all rotted away :(
I LOVED my ols CX2400. It broke my heart every time it broke down (a very neglected example mechanically/electrically) but remember having to replace a sphere as there was some suspension sag in one corner. Imagine the work to correct a bad spring or damper on a conventional car - on the CX (like the BX), you just pop the bonnet, unscrew the old, and screw on the new, re-pressurise, and job done!
Never quite as easy as that when it comes to rear spheres! They often seize into place... CX video coming soon!
My 1986 Maroon BX19RD covered nearly half a million miles and I loved the handling. Stirring above 3500 rpm was a waste of time but it seemed to get along really well. That was nearly 30 years ago so my memories may be somewhat rosey hued... Made a great taxi and helped me tour Ireland using it as a caravan.....
+Shayne Gardener Brilliant. But yes, more revs equals more noise, but not much more power.
We had a white 16RS on a B plate, back in the day. Had dash with barrell speed and non-self cancelling indicators. Bottom of doors rusted badly by 3 years old due to salt on Suffolk roads, had them resprayed by Citroen specialist who was a friend.
Used to have a petrol one. Totally loved it.
This is super posh spec! My friend’s mother had a BX14E I think it was called. Poverty spec. Was red with steel wheels and browny beige interior (if I remember) and I loved it! Citroen were king in my youth, how I longed for a CX.
RD is fairly lowly spec, but got toys like electric windows and central locking. Poverty spec BXs are properly basic.
I am trying to delve into my ageing memory but I think it may have even had no head restraints on the front seats! Mmmm. Basic indeed.
great review man, pretty interesting car that bx, as many of french cars from the 80s, reminds me pretty much of the Renault 21
At 5:45 I used to drive a road like that in my 206 van when I used to do a garden job up the valley where I live. It wrecked my suspension and I was careful. I had to stop that job as it was ruining my van. I love French cars
i have a deep love of the bx there 1 of the best cars ever
I want one of these a lot!!
Great car l had a 19d for 11 years good on fuel suspension excellent
Never owned a BX but had a 205 in 85 till 93 with the 1.7 diesel followed by a ZX, another great 80's car from France.
Whatever happened to their deign and innovation since then?
I once as a 14 year old went camping from Essex to Cornwall in a DS, still got a soft spot for quirky French cars.
What camera did you use? This audio is much better than your newer videos.
Watching this and thinking, somehow, this BX looks quite at home off the beaten track.
you remind me abit like captain slow the one an only James may 😂😂😂
What was more popular the BX19RD or the BX17TD?
Oh yes, i had a BX estate diesel just like that one for a short period back in 2012. It was too rusty to save, but still a cool car :-)
always had a soft spot for the BX, hope its still out there and in fine health
It is still out there, and recently passed another MOT!
Amazing cars, cool review. It’s interesting to see how more relaxed you are in front of the camera now too.
Gosh. You were on your best behaviour with this one. Very BBC!
How many cars have you owned?
Never liked the look of these as a kid, when they were current. When I was an adult, I had to try one. Bought a mint 1993 1.9D with GTI looks about 10 years ago. Quirky car that I enjoyed driving. Replaced with an Impreza WRX, to give you an idea of my car history.
I love your reviews you wonderful beardy dashing bastard.
The BX is the most underrated car in the world, true the hydraulic suspesion did scare some people away but it is no trick to repair and maintain it. The gearstick need a gentlemans hand to make it shift, you have to ask it polite to go from 2 to 3rd gear. "Would you like to go into third gear now dear ? Oh yes it would be delightful, but careful please"
As a car dealer I found them to be bad news in that the three I bought and sold all ended up costing more in repairs than they made in profit, though they were nice to drive when fixed. In the end I didn't dare take them in part exchange. The 309 Diesel was the complete opposite but without sophisticated suspension.
I always liked Citroens. The CX when I was a kid ( and I liked the out of production DS and the Maserati engined SM? ). I live in the US now and a Citroen would be madness here but I still would like to scratch that itch before I die.
These are beautiful. I'd love a nice Turbo Diesel BX estate but almoat impossible to find
Lovely. Had a friend who used to fix 2cvs. He said Citroen owners are lovely, but they’ve got their duffle coats done up on the wrong toggle. 😊
These videos are great, but I have a question. If you had to choose between the beard and the BX, which would be the first to go?
+topmaneldo The BX has already gone. In fact, it's just changed hands again. It has passed through the hands of many people on one car forum. I was happy to be one of those.
Had a BX19RD hatch. Wonderful car... written off in no-fault accident. RIP F599 OVH My brakes were hellishly good too. Like the air brakes on an artic with no load! My Xantia was nothing like...
Yes, they repeatedly dulled down the braking effect. Even a Mk1 BX seems fearsome compared to a Mk2.
I remember driving a late '85 CX. Brakes were ridiculously sensitive but you soon get used to it. Getting back into my Montego it felt like the servo had completely failed.
I remember these, 'raising up' after 'starting up'.
Great stuff
I inherited my dad's bx 1.9rd, loved it but west Wales stoney tracks kept tearing the green gunk pipes off & cross-threading their joining blocks, Xantia green gunk pipes never went wrong on me!
They did offer a GTI 16v model with the legendary Mi16 engine, an enigma of a car.
They did. I owned one for eight weeks. Then I sold it before it cost me my licence. Boy could it shift...
My dad had one of these....noisy and not particularly exotic but a great car. My brother in law had a estate turbo diesel that was a year or so younger...another great car but I couldn't be in the back on any journey otherwise I would be spewing up in no time....as an adult....!! My dads was agricultural enough to not allow that to happen...
Best car i ever owned.
I was at one point going to buy a BX but the suspension put me off! I know that sounds daft but I had a limited budget & decided to buy is 405 cousin instead. Is that a similar suspension set up as the old Rolls Royce?
Yes. Rolls-Royce licenced the tech from Citroen, though always in conjunction with coil springs.
@@HubNut I would like to invite you to drive my Ford Focus 2l petrol CC2. I know it may be a little far as I'm in Northamptonshire but I just think it would be a nice idea for some people who are thinking of buying one. All the best.........................
Anyone know where that byway is please? I would like to drive it myself next time I am in Wales.
There are a few lanes in the Nant y Moch area. Generally well signed too.
I had a citreon xantia 1.9TD SX with the same suspension and it was the one of the nicest cars ive ever had,it was the first car i had with electric windows,even had an electric sunroof...one thing i wasn't told was that when i parked it on a hill,i had to put in gear,as when it cooled the car had a habit of running downhill,which i found out unfortunately...
Will you ever get another BX?
I suspect not. Been there, ticked the boxes.
I owned a couple, always liked em.....nice clunky gearbox.....smooth ride....and quite a nippy diesel for the time....
The 1900 deisel Peugeot engine was a proper stormer until the head gasket goes. Nipping over to France on a beer run you could get 50 crates of stubbies in the back ,Jack the suspension to full and they looked pretty straight aswell HAHA.
That part of Wales looks so much like County Durham where I live.
And the BX, a seriously good and underrated car. What other 1980s cars are good by modern standards?
Indeed. Certainly, the Bluebird I owned didn't get close in terms of ride and handling, though the build quality was far better.
"What other 1980s cars are good by modern standards?"
SAAB 900, VW Passat Mk2 GL5 (1982-87), Volvo 740.... ?
Um Porsche 928 and Peugeot 205/405 are my candidates. These BX's all seem pretty rotten nowadays. Xantias seem much less rot prone, but obviously don't look as cool.. Would love a good BX to use daily, but not optimistic of finding one.
My dad had a 1989 14RE when I was little. He still thinks fondly of it. Oddly the weedy little engine was still nippy in such a light car.
Quentin Willson reckoned the 1.9 naturally-aspirated diesel was better than the 1.8 turbo because it was smoother and more economical.
Can't entirely agree with Quentin there. I could get over 55mpg out of a turbo diesel due to the taller gearing. 48 about my limit in a non-turbo, just because my foot was always welded to the floor! Non-turbo is more relaxing to drive though as there is no peaky torque curve or turbo lag.
Could be getting confused about why but he said he preferred the 1.9 which I found odd.
I had a BX 1.9 TGD "Meteor" Estate, metallic graphite paint, black with red highlights interior, damned nice looking car, but, I got it free, previous owner couldn't sell it for many reasons, timing belt had gone, someone tried to steal it by busting the steering lock (and found the engine was goosed!), and the tailgate latch had been broken and the window smashed, oh, and it had lots of rust that would have made it fail an MOT, that was 14 years ago, hoped to fix it up and make it work, but, never did and the council took it away as it was "an eyesore", I won't forget it, J889 XAK...