Brand New Citroen DS5 - plenty of faults and bad paint job
Discussion
Sir Bagalot said:
Nothing wrong with a French car, I just found that it was difficult to find someone decent who knew how to keep then running properly outside the dealer network.
Having had Citroens for a decade - I had no end of problems with my last one, they all seemed to be related to a main dealer not being able to do simple diagnostics, needless to say they didn't get repeat business.Hi,
You have some sound advice in the above posts.
I have watched all your videos and the car looks awful. front bumper has obviously been repaired or replaced. The steering - looks like the steering column is made of rubber.
Best to stop driving the car, hand it back and don't compromise with the dealer. They always try to fob you off with excuses and promises to fix it, because to them that is far easier than taking it back.
Decide (before you go) what you want from them. If it were mine I'd say a replacement car, identical age and spec, in a different colour, with no price surcharge.
Make a note yourself of the VIN number of your car, so you can check you don't get the same one back.
Do some research on the web and you may be able to find one yourself at a Citroen dealer, in case they say there isn't one anywhere.
A replacement courtesy car in the interim would be good too.
You could try for a refund to buy a different car, but I think that would be more difficult - although I've never had to try that route, perhaps someone else on here could advise.
You have some sound advice in the above posts.
I have watched all your videos and the car looks awful. front bumper has obviously been repaired or replaced. The steering - looks like the steering column is made of rubber.
Best to stop driving the car, hand it back and don't compromise with the dealer. They always try to fob you off with excuses and promises to fix it, because to them that is far easier than taking it back.
Decide (before you go) what you want from them. If it were mine I'd say a replacement car, identical age and spec, in a different colour, with no price surcharge.
Make a note yourself of the VIN number of your car, so you can check you don't get the same one back.
Do some research on the web and you may be able to find one yourself at a Citroen dealer, in case they say there isn't one anywhere.
A replacement courtesy car in the interim would be good too.
You could try for a refund to buy a different car, but I think that would be more difficult - although I've never had to try that route, perhaps someone else on here could advise.
Panel fit is shonky as hell too!
Don't know how true it is but I've read about there being quick repair centres at the docks that quite a lot of brand new cars go into and out of very quickly...
Definitely had a knock, possibly damaged the shell/subframe?
Shame as it looks like quite a nice car tbh...
Don't know how true it is but I've read about there being quick repair centres at the docks that quite a lot of brand new cars go into and out of very quickly...
Definitely had a knock, possibly damaged the shell/subframe?
Shame as it looks like quite a nice car tbh...
I'd echo everyone elses excellent comments above, get it formally rejected asap.
I'd also consider going down the route of it being unsafe to drive & request with the dealer that they collect the car & leave you with a courtesy car until they can source you a replacement, unless the whole experience has left a sour taste & you'd prefer to buy a different brand!?
The colour mismatch & poor fit, combined with the steering/braking faults all point to it having an 'incident' at some point after leaving the factory. As others have said, this is not uncommon with any manufacturer but most repair to a very decent standard so the dealer and end user wouldn't be aware.
Best of luck!
I'd also consider going down the route of it being unsafe to drive & request with the dealer that they collect the car & leave you with a courtesy car until they can source you a replacement, unless the whole experience has left a sour taste & you'd prefer to buy a different brand!?
The colour mismatch & poor fit, combined with the steering/braking faults all point to it having an 'incident' at some point after leaving the factory. As others have said, this is not uncommon with any manufacturer but most repair to a very decent standard so the dealer and end user wouldn't be aware.
Best of luck!
mbrad26 said:
I decided to take the car to an independent and reputable tracking specialist. The wheel alignment job print out clearly shows that the car's tracking was off.
Wheel alignment only tells you half the story. You need to get a full geometry check done with something like a Hunter machine and more importantly, someone that's very experienced in how to use it (a lot of them aren't). Looking at the pics of the random panel gaps on the f/n/s corner it's very clearly been in a smash of some sort and had a new front end on it (further evidenced by the new/mismatched paint). I wouldn't be at all surprised if a geometry report shows that the chassis is bent. It wouldn't need to be much either to give the problems you're reporting in how it drives and the wheels can still be aligned front to back (ie. what you had checked) but the actual geometry can be miles out.Expect to pay £65+ for a full geometry report.
Like everyone else.... When I read the list of fault I immediately thought that it was classic symptoms of a front end incident that had been poorly repaired.
What reason did they give you for the large discount? £8k iirc.
I'm not to familiar with the engine bays of these cars but would be worth at this stage looking under the bonnet and in both wheel arches for signs of repairs. Take photos of everything,( panel gaps, signs of welding, any deformities, signs of overspray, even see if there are identification stickers on components in that area). Even if you don't spot anything, someone else with a keen eye might, and the pics could aid your case.
Good luck
What reason did they give you for the large discount? £8k iirc.
I'm not to familiar with the engine bays of these cars but would be worth at this stage looking under the bonnet and in both wheel arches for signs of repairs. Take photos of everything,( panel gaps, signs of welding, any deformities, signs of overspray, even see if there are identification stickers on components in that area). Even if you don't spot anything, someone else with a keen eye might, and the pics could aid your case.
Good luck
steveo3002 said:
terrible colour match suggests its been damaged , wonder if theyve belted a kerb or such while moving it about the dealers
I'm with this. Sounds like the cars been involved in an accident. Good luck, had similar issues with a new mini many years ago. I ended up trading it in for another car. Good luck op
steveo3002 said:
terrible colour match suggests its been damaged , wonder if theyve belted a kerb or such while moving it about the dealers
I'm with this. Sounds like the cars been involved in an accident. Good luck, had similar issues with a new mini many years ago. I ended up trading it in for another car. Good luck op
Further,
If they are a reputable company and done the full geometry then why is it still pulling to the left and the steering wheel off centre? The steering wheel being pissed is either a toe issue, a setback issue (one wheel set further back than another) or the chassis/steering/suspension parts being bent (which would be the likely cause of any setback). A reputable company would attempt to line up the steering wheel by checking the rear toe (if adjustable) to ensure the thrust angle is straight then securing the steering wheel whilst they adjust the front tie rods (front toe).
Did the alignment place take it out on a test drive after performing the work to ensure all was well? Also, did you not enquire with them afterwards why the steering wheel was still off centre and it still pulling to the left? Personally I'd be seeking a refund or for them to do the work you've paid them to do.
mbrad26 said:
One of the mechanics has test drove the car with me and immediately noticed that the car was pulling left in a very strange way. He also noticed that the steering wheel is twitching and jerking every time the front wheels go over small bumps and cracks on the road.
[...]
Later that day they called me to tell me that I can take the car back. They gave me a job report that says that while the car was pulling left when during the test drive, they couldn't find anything wrong with any of the steering and suspension components so the car is OK at the moment of the testing.
[...]
The wheel alignment is perfect.
Sorry but it isn't. If you had it done by a "reputable" company as you claim then there would be none of these issues as either there would have not been anything wrong with it to begin with or they would have found an issue and fixed it. Clearly neither of these are the case.[...]
Later that day they called me to tell me that I can take the car back. They gave me a job report that says that while the car was pulling left when during the test drive, they couldn't find anything wrong with any of the steering and suspension components so the car is OK at the moment of the testing.
[...]
The wheel alignment is perfect.
If they are a reputable company and done the full geometry then why is it still pulling to the left and the steering wheel off centre? The steering wheel being pissed is either a toe issue, a setback issue (one wheel set further back than another) or the chassis/steering/suspension parts being bent (which would be the likely cause of any setback). A reputable company would attempt to line up the steering wheel by checking the rear toe (if adjustable) to ensure the thrust angle is straight then securing the steering wheel whilst they adjust the front tie rods (front toe).
Did the alignment place take it out on a test drive after performing the work to ensure all was well? Also, did you not enquire with them afterwards why the steering wheel was still off centre and it still pulling to the left? Personally I'd be seeking a refund or for them to do the work you've paid them to do.
Leaving the issues with the actual car to the side for a moment, it appears you have received absolutely shocking customer service from both the dealer and Citroen.
Assuming that chassis numbers have to be given to parts suppliers when ordering parts (AND it may be recorded on the Citroen system somewhere) can a PH'er who works for a citroen dealer with access to such a system check to see what parts have been ordered for this car?
That may throw up a long list of front-end parts that would show it has been repaired - will give you more ammo to back to the supplying dealer.
As others have said, and you have mentioned you are going to do anyway, definitely reject the car. You've given them enough chances.
Assuming that chassis numbers have to be given to parts suppliers when ordering parts (AND it may be recorded on the Citroen system somewhere) can a PH'er who works for a citroen dealer with access to such a system check to see what parts have been ordered for this car?
That may throw up a long list of front-end parts that would show it has been repaired - will give you more ammo to back to the supplying dealer.
As others have said, and you have mentioned you are going to do anyway, definitely reject the car. You've given them enough chances.
You have been sold a dud . You are right to return this car and demand a brand new replacement .
Unfortunately I drive brand new Citroens of all types including Ds5's all day every day and none of them pull to the left (or right ) or vibrate under braking or any of the things you mention .
They can also sometimes get smashed into things ,fall off lorries and , if on the top deck of a transporter, smash into a bridge !!!before they even get to a dealer (just like any other make of vehicle)!
They will be repaired and still sold as a new vehicle !!
Sounds to me as if you have one !!
At this moment in time there are plenty of DS5's sitting at their "point of entry" waiting to be called off by the dealer !!
Return the one you've got and pick a replacment off of the dealers computer !!
Unfortunately I drive brand new Citroens of all types including Ds5's all day every day and none of them pull to the left (or right ) or vibrate under braking or any of the things you mention .
They can also sometimes get smashed into things ,fall off lorries and , if on the top deck of a transporter, smash into a bridge !!!before they even get to a dealer (just like any other make of vehicle)!
They will be repaired and still sold as a new vehicle !!
Sounds to me as if you have one !!
At this moment in time there are plenty of DS5's sitting at their "point of entry" waiting to be called off by the dealer !!
Return the one you've got and pick a replacment off of the dealers computer !!
I get similar steering problems in my fathers Volvo. Which was crashed last year (left front suspension and driveshaft damage) and repaired on budget. The subframe is not right despite passing basic geo checks and tyre swaps. However acceptable due to age and condition.
Your car may have subframe issues too?
I'm guessing wheel vibration from a refurbished wheel that wasn't re balanced?
Your car may have subframe issues too?
I'm guessing wheel vibration from a refurbished wheel that wasn't re balanced?
After reading your post I thought you were talking rubbish, some cars steering is much more sensitive to camber/road surface than others and sometimes bumpers look a different shade to body panels, I'd presumed because they're plastic instead of metal.
But after looking at the links
I'd be pissed off just as you are.
I hope you get it sorted, you're not being unreasonable.
But after looking at the links
I'd be pissed off just as you are.I hope you get it sorted, you're not being unreasonable.
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