Citroën C5 Hatchback (2001 - 2004) 2.0 HDi SX (110bhp) 5d (2003/52) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Not sure! (At least it is not a rep mobile or silver)
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Indifferent although they are impressed with the level of equipment for the money & the comfort
Would you buy this car again and why?
Probably not. It is great value for money with possibly one of the best diesel engines on the market, but I just don't feel it is as robust as one would expect a modern car to be. Allied to this the claimed average of 50mpg is a myth. I don't seem to average better than 39.8 (And this is with normal driving). At least I can still purchase diesel in the ROI at 15p per litre less than NI prices, so this takes the sting out of the tail a little.
What are you likely to buy next?
Alfa 156 or any large Fiat (If Fiat start to make decent looking larger cars again)
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£1,900
When did you buy the car?
December 2008
Did you get a good deal and why?
Taking into account the high milage (137,000), the car was priced well at just under bottom book although at this price a warranty was not offered. It had a full years MOT and a good trade in was allowed on my faithful Ulysse
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Could not find the Alfa I was looking for and a C5 of at least SX specification was second choice, plus it wasn't silver in colour
What was the dealer like?
Fine. He is a neighbour so I would know him reasonably well
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Great to drive with adequate power & torque (Would'nt mind having it chipped from the standard 110bhp to at least 130bhp) The suspension is a little softer than I am normally used to, plus the steering tends to be too light with a lack of feedback & feel. Driving position is not bad and with the big comfortable seats you get out of the car after a long trip relaxed and rested, something you cannot say about a Vectra; Ford or any German car these days.
What's it like to park?
Fine, although it is a little wider than the average
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
YES!!! This is a high milage car so it is reasonable to expect some issues, but the head gasket blew after approx 1 month of ownership. Thanks however to the on board computer this was picked up before any damage was caused to the engine. (No warranty so I had to sort this one myself to the tune of £350). Link rods required replacing on front suspension (Not particulary expensive £10 each at motor factors and £20 fitted). There were a few minor problems, such as a sticking seat belt etc, but these were addressed by the dealer post sale.
What's most practical about your car?
Comfort & space throughout.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
On board computer. It lets you know when things require attention, eg low coolant level; low screen wash etc etc. I do NOT however like the automatic wipers system and automatic window closure system which is allied to the wipers, and I havn't figured out how to over-ride it. Simple intermittened wipers do not appear to be an option.
