Somehow, I bought a 5 year old Citroen C5
Discussion
Thanks for that write-up slick nic. A shame to hear about your wheels, but good that the rest of the car is healthy.
I'll hit 139,000 miles by the end of this week, and all is still sound. I need front tyres and am not sure what to go for. Something quiet but grippy, would suit.
I've just noticed, I haven't used the Vantage since acquiring this. Oops.
I'll hit 139,000 miles by the end of this week, and all is still sound. I need front tyres and am not sure what to go for. Something quiet but grippy, would suit.
I've just noticed, I haven't used the Vantage since acquiring this. Oops.
Edited by Pentoman on Friday 3rd April 13:55
Luke. said:
Fastdruid said:
Nice interesting car but not one for me, not one decent engine (and the one half decent one is only attached to an auto-box, 0-60 in 13s? I might as well walk).
Yeah, stick to the Ghia. 
I'd quite like a large Citroen but I don't do the miles to justify a diesel (plus I hate driving them), the C5 looks ace inside but no petrols means no thanks. Shame really a 24v 3.0 V6 as fitted to the old XM would be great in the C5 (and worth about 20p).
Fastdruid said:
I'd quite like a large Citroen but I don't do the miles to justify a diesel (plus I hate driving them), the C5 looks ace inside but no petrols means no thanks. Shame really a 24v 3.0 V6 as fitted to the old XM would be great in the C5 (and worth about 20p).
There were 24v C5s in the original shape, and they were certainly built in LHD in the "German" shape - but I don't think they were ever listed in the UK.The easy option, of course, is to get an XM.
TooMany2cvs said:
Fastdruid said:
I'd quite like a large Citroen but I don't do the miles to justify a diesel (plus I hate driving them), the C5 looks ace inside but no petrols means no thanks. Shame really a 24v 3.0 V6 as fitted to the old XM would be great in the C5 (and worth about 20p).
There were 24v C5s in the original shape, and they were certainly built in LHD in the "German" shape - but I don't think they were ever listed in the UK.TooMany2cvs said:
The easy option, of course, is to get an XM.
Too old for my car allowance. 
Fastdruid said:
Bah. They got the V6 Xantia as well, I've entertained a mild hankering after a V6 Activa for a while.
We had v6 Xants, too - although not Activias. We missed out on the 2.1TD and HDi Activia, too. Doesn't mean you can't build one... (BL Autos, Welwyn, are the people to speak to...)There's the odd v6 petrol C6 kicking about, if it helps...
S10GTA said:
TooMany2cvs said:
There were 24v C5s in the original shape, and they were certainly built in LHD in the "German" shape - but I don't think they were ever listed in the UK.
The easy option, of course, is to get an XM.
You can by a Mk1 C5 with a V6 in RHDThe easy option, of course, is to get an XM.
Edited by TooMany2cvs on Thursday 22 May 16:02
Pentoman said:
Thanks for that write-up slick nic. A shame to hear about your wheels, but good that the rest of the car is healthy.
I'll hit 139,000 miles by the end of this week, and all is still sound. I need front tyres and am not sure what to go for. Something quiet but grippy, would suit.
I've just noticed, I haven't used the Vantage since acquiring this. Oops.
Nice car. My mother is on her 4th C5 now - had Cirtoens in the family since the Traction Avant! I'll hit 139,000 miles by the end of this week, and all is still sound. I need front tyres and am not sure what to go for. Something quiet but grippy, would suit.
I've just noticed, I haven't used the Vantage since acquiring this. Oops.
Tyres - I have a recommendation for grippy and quiet, the Bridgestone Turanza T001 - decent life, great grip and very quiet, had mine on for 18ish thousand miles now. Would buy again.
ive also just taken the plung on a 2.2 HDi 173 tourer. I love it. I drive 700 miles a week and the comfort on motorways is unreal. It can be found wanting a little bit if you hit bumps mid corner etc but 99% of the time its fantastic. I call it the SS Exclusive as its a bit like a land cruise liner lol.
Mine was a Cat C as it needed a new boot thanks to someone in a carpark reversing into it in a Range Rover. As a result i got it for a song, 4000 quid for a Exclusive Tourer, in Red with only 58k on the clock.
Looking at a remap myself, possibly from Angel Tuning as while its not exactly slow (but not fast either lol) a bit more pep wouldnt go amiss.
Mine was a Cat C as it needed a new boot thanks to someone in a carpark reversing into it in a Range Rover. As a result i got it for a song, 4000 quid for a Exclusive Tourer, in Red with only 58k on the clock.
Looking at a remap myself, possibly from Angel Tuning as while its not exactly slow (but not fast either lol) a bit more pep wouldnt go amiss.
Nearly one year on... car just sold!
I thought I would post a follow-up to this.
It was a nice year wafting in absolute refinement. I would happily have kept it as an easy, functional every day machine that cost little.
But I want to try all sorts of different cars and you only live once. I tend to keep cars too long and didn't want to do the same here. Luckily it was an easy sell due to the condition. The buyer brought a mechanic who did all the usual poking trying to find problems. I felt smug knowing there would be no excuses needed. So, this first person who actually bothered to view the car couldn't have been more excited, we shook hands while still on the test drive, and he sent me a text later saying how happy he was with it. He is planning long journeys to Poland and I think it will do the job.
Upsides: It was an incredibly smooth and relaxing way to get about. It was different. People were surprised by it. My (mechanic) father telling me it was a good car and recommending I keep it. It cost way less to own than a similar German. Just about quick enough, comfy, extremely quiet even with a diesel upfront. Surprisingly engaging to drive if you can handle the weight transfer. I best liked the sharp steering and quick nose-in attitude: This came to light after borrowing a lovely 2005 Audi A3 - the Audi's front felt so unwilling to turn I was adamant it had faulty tyres or they were flat. I don't know how they give a big car a responsive front end but I like it.
Downsides are that you always had to rev it more than is natural for a diesel. The brakes were surprisingly marginal. It was soft and that wasn't always confidence inspiring. It lacks a premium image and while I don't believe we should care, the real world does care. I would have liked full leather, sat nav, xenons, maybe the massage seats. Running costs not as cheap as a small hatchback. 14-way adjustable seats but stupidly the steering wheel would not adjust close enough to the driver.
I did 17,000 miles in it - it sold with 151,000 on the clock. To some that will seem like a lot, but, mostly, it never gave me reason for concern. There were no signs of the mileage. It just always worked (with one exception - see later). It always felt modern, new, dependable, just what you want from an everyday car. Never made a funny noise, never displayed a warning light, I forgot completely about the typical diesel DPF/injector/turbo issues. None of the many gadgets even needed a reboot.
What was the one bad mark? The suspension pump broke. These have an electric pump, compared to older Citroens which I believe are mechanical. This meant the suspension came down and I had to drive very carefully to the main dealer. Total cost at main dealer was £700 including diagnosis, fluid flush, fuse etc. Quite a major unpredicted expense and a shame - although it did give me confidence in the suspension after that. And it rode brilliantly.
Ultimately it was not for me as I have no use for the size.
Overriding memory: Refinement. Mainly the contrast when you ride in something else.
Biggest surprise: Dependability, quality, appreciative PH members
Biggest disappointment: Only 42 MPG long-term average, driving position
So what's next? I have nothing for everyday use, now. Bravely considering an Alfa 159.
One more pic, as sold:
bye bye car.
I thought I would post a follow-up to this.
It was a nice year wafting in absolute refinement. I would happily have kept it as an easy, functional every day machine that cost little.
But I want to try all sorts of different cars and you only live once. I tend to keep cars too long and didn't want to do the same here. Luckily it was an easy sell due to the condition. The buyer brought a mechanic who did all the usual poking trying to find problems. I felt smug knowing there would be no excuses needed. So, this first person who actually bothered to view the car couldn't have been more excited, we shook hands while still on the test drive, and he sent me a text later saying how happy he was with it. He is planning long journeys to Poland and I think it will do the job.
Upsides: It was an incredibly smooth and relaxing way to get about. It was different. People were surprised by it. My (mechanic) father telling me it was a good car and recommending I keep it. It cost way less to own than a similar German. Just about quick enough, comfy, extremely quiet even with a diesel upfront. Surprisingly engaging to drive if you can handle the weight transfer. I best liked the sharp steering and quick nose-in attitude: This came to light after borrowing a lovely 2005 Audi A3 - the Audi's front felt so unwilling to turn I was adamant it had faulty tyres or they were flat. I don't know how they give a big car a responsive front end but I like it.
Downsides are that you always had to rev it more than is natural for a diesel. The brakes were surprisingly marginal. It was soft and that wasn't always confidence inspiring. It lacks a premium image and while I don't believe we should care, the real world does care. I would have liked full leather, sat nav, xenons, maybe the massage seats. Running costs not as cheap as a small hatchback. 14-way adjustable seats but stupidly the steering wheel would not adjust close enough to the driver.
I did 17,000 miles in it - it sold with 151,000 on the clock. To some that will seem like a lot, but, mostly, it never gave me reason for concern. There were no signs of the mileage. It just always worked (with one exception - see later). It always felt modern, new, dependable, just what you want from an everyday car. Never made a funny noise, never displayed a warning light, I forgot completely about the typical diesel DPF/injector/turbo issues. None of the many gadgets even needed a reboot.
What was the one bad mark? The suspension pump broke. These have an electric pump, compared to older Citroens which I believe are mechanical. This meant the suspension came down and I had to drive very carefully to the main dealer. Total cost at main dealer was £700 including diagnosis, fluid flush, fuse etc. Quite a major unpredicted expense and a shame - although it did give me confidence in the suspension after that. And it rode brilliantly.
Ultimately it was not for me as I have no use for the size.
Overriding memory: Refinement. Mainly the contrast when you ride in something else.
Biggest surprise: Dependability, quality, appreciative PH members
Biggest disappointment: Only 42 MPG long-term average, driving position
So what's next? I have nothing for everyday use, now. Bravely considering an Alfa 159.
One more pic, as sold:
bye bye car.
Edited by Pentoman on Friday 3rd April 14:37
Edited by Pentoman on Friday 3rd April 14:55
This is worth a read if you liked the C5 just depends on budget.
http://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/blog/citroen-d...
Tony
just depends on budget.http://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/blog/citroen-d...
Tony
Its big solid car. My oil burner will do around 45-50 mpg cruising at 70 ish. Towed my caravan for 10,000 miles around the EU last year easy. Its quiet, smooth comfortable. I love the leccy handbrake, the auto lights/auto wipe,the stereo, the lights..... and at least 25% less than the equivalent 320d or A4..
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