Inspire me on a 2009 C5!

Inspire me on a 2009 C5!

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Discussion

Pentoman

Original Poster:

4,814 posts

262 months

Tuesday 8th April 2014
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I've been doing 500 miles/week recently and don't have anything appropriate for it. I sold my 1990 Mercedes and I need something.

Then I was offered a C5 Tourer. It's 2009, 2.2 hdi 170bhp, Exclusive. It's a bargain, it's new and dieselly, and has plenty of toys, which is more or less what I wanted. But it lacks something, doesn't it?

I mean, it's not exactly desirable to look at. Particularly in estate form. I have no use for the boot, or even the rear seats. Yet I look like the ultra family man, which is not exactly the look I'm going for (note: weekend car = Aston Vantage). Ideally I wanted something classy, high quality, and nice to be inside of. Inevitably it would have been German. This is not that, but it this is just so affordable and is different.

So perhaps French Bred can inspire me as to some of the qualities of the C5? What's good, and what will stop me from wishing I'd gone for an A4? know little about them, although I've always enjoyed French cars from the drivers seat and recently sold a 206.

Also, any knowledge on what Exclusive trim will get me as standard? Bluetooth? iPod? Leather? New tangled lane change warning devices? Toys interest me. Sources differ as to whether it includes hydropneumatic suspension. How about MP3 playing or sat nav? Apparently the bootlid is powered electrically. So that's one feature that will get no use...

Appreciate input.

megamaniac

1,057 posts

215 months

Wednesday 9th April 2014
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Just drive it,if you don't like it don't buy it.It should be fully loaded and have the hydropneumatic suspension.

Pentoman

Original Poster:

4,814 posts

262 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
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Got it, borrowed for 300 miles, not sure if I want to buy it.

Lovely thing really, for the money. Amazing interior, they have really made a massive leap in quality and 'feel'. To keep up with the Germans no doubt, but it's working. Even with a million miles it's not worn or breaking. As good quality as a modern Mercedes - but then Mercedes aren't what they were. Big surprise though.

Exterior styling nice and full of details but the body shape is a bit round and uninspired.

It has everything including 14 way adjustable memory sports seats. No Bluetooth, NAV, or front parking sensors though. Also lacks the corner turning headlights, lane warning system, parking space identification systems that are all options. Not that I need them but hey.

Engine felt a bit off but maybe that's the weight. Awaiting a reply in my other thread.

Incredibly soft to drive. I didn't think they made cars like this any more. If only it made a bit more effort in the handling department. A 2.4 ton VW Touareg - likewise on height adjustable, electronically controlled suspension - is much much more sporting. This was a let down and they have gone too far to the soft side of things. Unless you literally want to sleep in the back while someone else drives, then it's unnecessary. You can have a good ride and good handling, as many previous French cars have shown. But this gives you no confidence when the body starts to move. No road feel either.

And this is not just in comparison to an AMV8!

Hope this at least is of interest to somebody. Perhaps these cars just don't factor on PH.

tali1

5,265 posts

200 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
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Tbh you could copy and paste any rival in its class .Its much of a muchness.They're all interchangeable at this level of everyday motoring.
160 bhp btw
Spec
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/citroen/c5/t...
Lane departure warning system (£315)
Fixed panoramic glass sunroof (£603)
Xenon dual function directional headlamps with washer jets (£889)
NaviDrive pack - C5 Tourer (£1,522)
Detection pack 2 - C5 Tourer (£281)
Concert pack - C5 Tourer (£1,787)

Pentoman

Original Poster:

4,814 posts

262 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
quotequote all
tali1 said:
Tbh you could copy and paste any rival in its class .Its much of a muchness.They're all interchangeable at this level of everyday motoring.
160 bhp btw
Spec
http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/citroen/c5/t...
Lane departure warning system (£315)
Fixed panoramic glass sunroof (£603)
Xenon dual function directional headlamps with washer jets (£889)
NaviDrive pack - C5 Tourer (£1,522)
Detection pack 2 - C5 Tourer (£281)
Concert pack - C5 Tourer (£1,787)
Thanks for that - interesting. It's definitely 173bhp though - even says it on a sticker on the B pillar. I believe the 160 model came along later? I believe the 173 is a twin turbo engine of some sort. That's just what I found from reading up though. Minor details!!,

I swear though, the c5 drives very differently to the majority of the competition! smile
That's what surprised me so much.
I had a Laguna recently. A great handler and much more focused.

Pentoman

Original Poster:

4,814 posts

262 months

Monday 21st April 2014
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Spent some of the weekend test driving Passat 2.0 and BMW 320d for comparison and to aid my decision making.

None are particularly exciting.

Can offer a comparison/review if anyone wants!

Jack_and_MLE

620 posts

238 months

Tuesday 22nd April 2014
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It's seems the C5 would be perfect for me then!

If only I could find a 3ltr TDi engine C5

Jack

Pentoman

Original Poster:

4,814 posts

262 months

Tuesday 22nd April 2014
quotequote all
Jack_and_MLE said:
It's seems the C5 would be perfect for me then!

If only I could find a 3ltr TDi engine C5

Jack
If you're cruising, definitely worth a look. Very adjustable seats. Wafty feel. Deceptively quick on a windy road, but not engaging.

Two 3.0s on autotrader now but both cost five figures. I presume this engine is as per Jaguar XJ/XF and Range Rover.

2.7 no good?