Somehow, I bought a 5 year old Citroen C5

[Pentoman]

DS3R said:

Looks comfy. do all the electrics work.

Can we have pics of the orher two cars too please!?

All the electrics are fully tested and do work (there's a lot of them too) except for one thing - the tyre pressure monitors. I think this is common with all TPMS systems, my parents VW is the same. I guess it's the sensors in the wheels.

Other two. I had this for 8 years:







And have had this for just a few months:



The red car is not mine - they just share a garage space.

[Pentoman]

TotalControl said:

I like these a lot. I really do. But the fact that it's a Citroen keeps putting me off.

Are these FWD only? I'm incredibly happy with the legacy 2.5 auto I have at the moment but wouldn't mind one of these if they are reliable.

But it's a Citroen. Gah! But look at those comfy seats.

Off to the classifieds I go to browse.

FWD only I'm afraid.

I was lucky I could be confident everything worked on this. And I know it's history. Owned by a telecoms company, one female driver doing a lot of miles. The high mileage appealed to me, being a modern diesel, as they don't like short journeys. Especially when the condition is so great, I could at least tell it was looked after for all those miles. There is very, very little wear outside and in.

All that helped. What more could I do? I get to hear plenty of expensive repair stories on BMW, VW and Mazda diesels to name a few, from said mechanics. I'll see how this goes. Nearly 2000 miles so far, and no problems. Apparently engines and DPFs are fairly trouble free. Suspension and electrics could be more concerning, but it's made it this far and the ride quality is something else. You can buy them on normal spring suspension if you want simplicity, but only the lower spec models.

Edited by Pentoman on Friday 16th May 08:28

[Pentoman]

I'm enjoying the comments and input, good or bad. It's nice to have a car that generates opinion. I would appreciate more thoughts from nightcap guy, since his input (the very first response) made me laugh.

CallorFold said:

Those seats look very, very comfy!

As you mentioned, it does look quite interesting inside!

I've driven past a few Citroen's and always find it very strange when I notice the wheel turns, but the centre piece stays in the same place! It's a strangely "futuristic" feeling.

This was the one that was advertised as "a German car from France" or similar, so the interior is fairly German, with quirky
Frenchness such as that steering wheel. I'm not sure how I feel about it.

The seats, they are 14-way electrically adjustable. The top half of the seat back can be folded down, for extra shoulder support. I've never seen that before.

[Pentoman]

OP here .

I'm kind of proud that the Tourer is getting this warm reception. It feels good to bring something new to the attention of the PH readership particularly those, like me, that knew nothing about them. Happy to try and keep the place updated with progress - work permitting.

Height is adjustable, including with a switch in the boot for loading and unloading. Apparently at speed the whole car lowers for stability and economy, the front lowering more than the rear so as to reduce lift. Likewise on rough roads it's meant to raise itself up. There's a sport button alongside the height selection, that sharpens body control and improves the front end, although it's still very soft. It's mostly better without it.

Yes, that's a Lotus Elan race car. Still as it was after completing the 6 hour endurance race at Spa-Francorchamps last year.

I like the C6 but didn't consider it. I didn't really consider the C5 either, it just came along. Would I have taken a C6 had one come along? Probably, if the value for money is the same. Although even more of a left-field choice,

700 miles done between Monday and Friday this week, finishing with a 100 mile Friday night commute out of London. The serenity at motorway speed is a great way to wind down. Only radar cruise control would help, which I don't believe is an option on these. Also, it's a bit dark inside so a glass sunroof would be a good idea. I think there's a panoramic roof option too.

Edited by Pentoman on Sunday 18th May 22:51

[Pentoman]

Oh, one more question.

I believe this 173bhp biturbo engine will remap to 200 or so. Could anyone recommend a place that can be trusted to remap what is a fairly recently released, modern and complex engine. Same as fitted to various Citroen/Peugeot/Land Rover/Jaguar/Mondeo products.

[Pentoman]

C. Grimsley said:

We look after a fair few of these and in reality the only issues are the 1.6 hdis, mainly egr and particle filter issues due to the glow plugs not working, trying to replace them can be horrendous too as they snap but all the other engines are fine.

Well that's good to know. My fingers are crossed and I'm ready to admit error to the PH brigade in the event of major failure.

For the other poster asking about models and autos, I think it's a case of:

Diesels:
1.6 manual only
2.0 manual or auto (140 or 160bhp)
2.2 early models (173 bhp) manual only
2.2 later models (200 bhp) automatic only
2.7 and 3.0 V6 (208 and 240 bhp respectively) automatic only

The 2.2 (200) and 3.0 are the only models with twin trapezoidal tailpipes, one either side .

Actually for the poster asking about co2 the 3.0 auto seems tidy at 189g/km.

This 3.0 looks okay, has nav, full heated leather:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

Massage seats are an (unfortunately rare) option along with a lot filly things steering xenon lights, Lane departure warning, parking space identification system (!). I just discoveredmy hhandbrake is auto-off. I had been disengaging it manually every time, like a twit.

[Pentoman]

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.

Edited by Pentoman on Friday 3rd April 13:55

[Pentoman]

Sounds good Deano. They do suit the motorway well, and very affordable to purchase.

Do post back with the results if you look at a remap. I've considered it, if only to sharpen up the throttle response a bit.

[Pentoman]

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.

Edited by Pentoman on Friday 3rd April 14:37

Edited by Pentoman on Friday 3rd April 14:55