Citroën Xsara Picasso N68 (1999–2010)

4.1/5
Reliability score Good
Email-verified reliability report

Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

14 Verified owner reports

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Most reported affected parts

View all parts
1
Air conditioning
2 reports
2
Alternator
2 reports
3
Battery
1 reports
4
Interior rattles / noises
1 reports
5
Starter motor
1 reports

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.6 (95 Hp) (NFV TU5JP/L4) 4.0 4 Air conditioning, Alternator, Battery
1.6 16V (109 Hp) (NFU TU5JP4) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.8 16V (116 Hp) (6FZ EW7J4) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 16V (136 Hp) Automatic (RFN EW10J4) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
1.6 HDi (109 Hp) DPF (9HY DV6TED4) No reports 0 No issues reported
1.6 HDi 16V (92 Hp) (9HX DV6TED4) No reports 0 No issues reported
2.0 HDi (90 Hp) (RHY DW10TD) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Citroën Xsara Picasso - Practicality Over Style

After 10 years and 190,000 km, this car is for those who appreciate practicality and can overlook its quirky exterior. The 'French egg' offers a very comfortable, spacious, and versatile interior with excellent visibility, like an aquarium. The rear seats fold and can be removed individually, transforming it into a small van (I've carried four un-assembled Billy shelves at once).

Pros: Extremely practical and versatile interior, Spacious cabin with great visibility, Flexible seating system, removable rear seats, Comfortable ride
Cons: Unusual and dated exterior design, Can be noisy at higher speeds, Engine can be a bit underpowered, especially when loaded
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Xsara Picasso Review

The car has been in the family for 3 years. It's surprisingly spacious inside despite its exterior not suggesting it. Five people can comfortably travel in this car. It's also practical – a low loading sill trunk, numerous storage compartments including 2 in the floor for passengers, small tables, etc. A very good car for a family. The appearance is also a definite plus. The design is truly timeless. As for parts, they are widely available and usually not expensive. Breakdowns do happen, but they are

Pros: Spacious interior, Practical with low loading sill trunk and storage compartments, Timeless design, Widely available and affordable parts
Cons: Breakdowns do happen
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Xsara Picasso

I've owned it from new and used it continuously for eight years. The car has never had any major breakdowns, apart from factory defects. After picking up the new car from the dealership, factory defects emerged within six months of use: an oil leak from a stud hole near the cylinder head (the stud likely for the timing belt cover), an oil leak from the power steering cylinder, and peeling chrome on decorative elements. The first two defects were effectively repaired by the service center: the first one...

Pros: Reliable with no major issues over eight years., Factory defects were effectively repaired by service.
Cons: Factory oil leaks from stud hole near cylinder head., Factory power steering cylinder oil leak., Peeling chrome on decorative elements.
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Xsara Picasso Review

The car surprises with decent quality, ample space, and hassle-free operation, especially regarding major faults, despite its low price. Its generous interior and storage make it ideal for families. The engine is less impressive; it could use more displacement, lacks a 6th gear, and steering wheel adjustment is very limited. Nevertheless, the Picasso is a very comfortable and enjoyable car to travel in. Visibility is excellent. My car has 300,000 km and aside from typical wear and tear...

Pros: Good quality for the price, Spacious interior and storage, Reliable, few serious issues, Excellent visibility, Comfortable ride
Cons: Engine lacks power and a 6th gear, Limited steering wheel adjustment
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Xsara Picasso: Spacious Family MPV

I'm incredibly happy that I stumbled upon this car by pure chance. I needed a family car due to our growing family, and it was important to me that everyone in the back had their own separate seat. I was looking at the Scenic, but its middle seat was smaller, whereas the Xsara has all seats of equal size. Three adults or three car seats (each seat has ISOFIX) fit comfortably. The trunk is also incredibly large. The car doesn't look big from the outside, but it's surprisingly spacious inside.

Pros: Spacious interior with three equal-sized rear seats, ISOFIX in all rear seats, Very large trunk
Cons: Exterior appearance might be deceivingly compact
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Xsara Picasso

Hello, I've owned this Citroen for 4 years. Generally... well, it's strange looking, a strange car, so this review is also strange..... It's currently at its third mechanic - an electronics specialist. I think I got a faulty unit... Always electronics problems, the immobilizer died and was removed, the BSI occasionally throws strange messages. Overall, the electronics are very, very unstable, you never know what will happen... if it will start... if everything will work or not....... I've had various mechanical faults during this time...

Pros: Spacious interior, Comfortable ride
Cons: Unreliable electronics, Frequent mechanical issues
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Xsara Picasso

I used to think this car was exceptionally ugly. I never thought I'd buy one. Given a small budget and 3 important criteria (economical-LPG, spacious, and comfortable), there wasn't much on the market. The example I bought had many faults due to neglect, but due to the low price and the fact that I'm a mechanic, I decided to try. I justify this approach by thinking that if I invest in new parts, the car will serve me well. The calculation was simple - how much will it cost to make it nice. Along the way, some things came up...

Pros: Economical (LPG), Spacious, Comfortable
Cons: Can be prone to neglect issues, Aesthetics may not appeal to everyone
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Xsara Picasso: The Ultimate Reliable Used Car

The most trouble-free used car I've ever owned, out of ten. Bought it at 144k km, now approaching 300k, and it's still going strong. The only engine-related issue was a whining power steering pump at 220k km, replaced with a used one. Rear torsion beam rebuilt at 180k km. Otherwise, only standard wear-and-tear replacements at service intervals. Absolutely dependable. It's taken my family (5 people) to the Balkans three times.

Pros: Extremely reliable, few mechanical issues., Spacious and practical for families., Excellent value for money., Comfortable for long journeys.
Cons: Rear torsion beam may require refurbishment., Power steering pump can develop noise., Interior plastics feel a bit dated.
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Xsara Picasso: A Spacious and Reliable Workhorse

1.8 LPG. 2005 model year, 377,000 km on the odometer. Plus, what the dealers might have glossed over. I'm writing this review in 2024 after 9 years of ownership and over 200,000 km driven. A great car, spacious, comfortable, and reliable. Very pleasant and comfortable to drive. IF I CAN'T FIND A SUCCESSOR, I'LL PROBABLY KEEP DRIVING IT. For now, I can't find a car on the market that's compact on the outside yet so spacious inside. Most mid-size SUVs like the Koleos, Duster, or even Sorento are smaller.

Pros: Spacious interior, Comfortable to drive, Reliable and trouble-free
Cons: Finding a suitable replacement is difficult
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

Xsara Picasso Review

Despite its appearance, I bought this car. The phenomenal interior layout convinced me, along with finding a well-maintained example at a low price from a private seller. Key advantages include excellent all-around visibility, simple construction with affordable parts and engine, a massive 550L boot in a 425cm vehicle, and individually adjustable rear seats with reclining backrests.

Pros: Excellent visibility, Simple design, cheap parts, Huge 550L boot, Flexible rear seats
Verified owner Verified
Citroën Xsara Picasso N68 1.6 (95 Hp) Minivan 158,000 km

Problem: Air Conditioning

Comfortable, smooth engine, well-balanced (large trunk). Engine too weak, average fuel consumption, alternator and battery problems. Now also electrical issues on the dashboard, with noises near the fuses. Fuse noise with blinking speedometer when disconnecting phone charger. Alternator and battery replaced. Occasional ventilation flap noise from AC.

Pros: Comfort, Engine smoothness, Well-balanced, Large trunk
Cons: Engine too weak, Average fuel consumption, Alternator and battery problems, Dashboard electrical issues and fuse noises, Blinking speedometer when disconnecting phone charger, Occasional AC ventilation flap noise
Verified owner Verified
Citroën Xsara Picasso N68 1.6 (95 Hp) Minivan Mileage unknown

Problem: Air Conditioning

Great car overall. Pros include cargo space, seat flexibility, low maintenance costs, and comfortable seats. Cons are limited visibility due to the windshield pillars. It started blowing white smoke for 10 seconds on startup at 285,000 km, but still runs reliably at 310,000 km (April 2024). Air conditioning failed at 250,000 km and remains unrepaired.

Pros: Excellent cargo volume, Flexible seat configuration, Economical maintenance, Comfortable seating
Cons: Poor visibility due to windshield pillars, Starts white smoking for 10 seconds at startup (from 285k km), Air conditioning failed at 250,000 km (unrepaired)
Verified owner Verified
Citroën Xsara Picasso N68 1.6 (95 Hp) Minivan Mileage unknown

Problem: Alternator

The car suffers from a weak engine, especially on inclines, and a slightly flimsy interior finish. Furthermore, issues with the alternator, drive shafts, and light/wiper switchgear, costing around £350 excluding installation, are still awaiting spare parts.

Pros: Comfort, Spaciousness, Reliability
Cons: Underpowered engine (especially on mountains), Slightly cheap interior finish, Alternator, drive shafts, headlight and wiper switch problems, Part prices are high, and finding used parts is a challenge.
Verified owner Verified
Citroën Xsara Picasso N68 1.6 (95 Hp) Minivan 185,000 km

Very Good - Xsara Picasso N68

Lots of space for my children, comfortable, doesn't consume much and is extremely reliable. I've searched, but I can't find any faults. No breakdowns or problems in 5 years.

Pros: Ample space for children, Comfortable ride, Good fuel economy, Highly reliable
Cons: No significant drawbacks found, No breakdowns or issues in 5 years

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