Anything to be wary of on C2 VTS/Code?

Anything to be wary of on C2 VTS/Code?

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angels95

Original Poster:

3,157 posts

129 months

Monday 22nd September 2014
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Hi, I'm looking to replace my car and I'm considering a C2 VTS. Ideally I'd like a C2 Code (same engine but with a plusher interior), but these went on sale later and cost a bit more.

Was just wondering if anyone with experience of this car knows of anything in particular to look out for or be wary of. Thanks!

Feirny

2,500 posts

146 months

Wednesday 24th September 2014
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Inlet manifold bolts loosen and there's a turbo like whistle when accelerating.

Anything else is just usual items on a car.

Hoofty

638 posts

189 months

Friday 26th September 2014
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Front springs have been known to break - though I think that mostly affected the earliest models. Citroen developed an additional spring catcher device which bolts onto the strut, but most cars won't have them.

A wobbly whine from the alternator area will be due to the aux belt tensioner bearing. Easily replaced, but make sure it's this rather than the manifold whistle.

Hydraulic clutches have a bizarrely high bite point. Try a few to convince yourself it's not gone, but in general 1.6 engines in small cars should be good for clutch life. Shift quality isn't great thanks to the switch to cable type.

EPAS has been known to fail and become intermittent. The 'fix' seems to be to fit another ECU, apparently. Crossing my fingers that I'll never have to deal with that one. Dealers inept when faced with it and will replace the steering rack. May be linked to the battery not being kept in tip top condition, but I don't know that to be a fact.

The wiper sweep is oddly poor, and doesn't run parallel to the A pillar when at the top of stroke.

Wheels are prone to buckling due to the small sidewall height - hard to check on a viewing/test drive, I admit.

The gearing is incredibly short - expect 3750rpm at 70mph in top, which rather knocks down the motorway mpg. Best economy to be found at 30-50mph!

Parcel shelves tend to go missing/get damaged, but parts are easily found on fleabay. Split 'Range Rover' tailgate never fails to amuse me (doesn't take much).

Facelifts (from '06 onwards I think) have a much nicer dash display (IMO).

The ride is super choppy - almost to Clio Trophy levels.

Back box hanger brackets rust through - replacements on ebay for 10-20 quid.

That's all I can think of. The good points are funky styling, 4* NCAP rating, standard ESP, pretty flat handling, decent brakes and a reasonably peppy engine with - wait for it - a two colour shift light!


angels95

Original Poster:

3,157 posts

129 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
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Much appreciated, really useful to know!

The high biting point is probably something you soon get used to, although it's a shame Citroen didn't give it a six-speed 'box.

Thanks again!

Hoofty

638 posts

189 months

Saturday 27th September 2014
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No probs, hope it all helps.

You do get used to it, but I still find myself with 'rev flares' when pressing on at higher rpm - the clutch releases so near the top, your throttle foot may not have come all the way off before you've pushed the clutch pedal down enough. Never had it with any other car, although swapping about isn't helping me!