Citroen C5 - What do you think?

[Andehh]

Im after a reasonably cheap (£13,000), comfy, economical commuter car to do 300 miles a week in, as well as a couple of trips to Italy to see my folks. Reviews seem good, minus the non existing sportyness, but im not after that. It's the 2.2HDi Exclusive model im after.

What does the pistonhead masses think of the C5? Any alternatives?

[Beyond Rational]

I can't see a reason for choosing a C5 over something like a Mondeo.

[soad]

Beyond Rational said:

I can't see a reason for choosing a C5 over something like a Mondeo.

C5's a good car, and superb value secondhand.

But the downside is that if you get a niggly one, you will FOREVER be fixing it, fuses, switches, warning lights, windows packing up, etc.
And the problem is that you won't know if you've got a niggly one until you own it.

Or so I HEARD.

[N Dentressangle]

I wouldn't spend £13k on a C5, unless you're happy to get very little of it back when you come to sell. If you plan on keeping the car for 5+ years then that's less of an issue. FWIW I don't notice Mondeos or Vectras holding much of their value in the shorter term, either.

As others have said, Citroen have a reputation, deserved or not, for niggling faults. If I were spending the money you plan to on a car to do what you describe, I'd be buying something German or Japanese. Why not a Passat or Octavia diesel, for example? Boring as hell, but it fits the bill!

[EDLT]

There are (or were) two for sale where I work, one with hydocomplicatio suspension and one without. I'd stick with the springs tbh, the difference isn't noticeable (imo).

[RobboC]

A friend runs a company fleet and swears by them.

I've been in one for a few long distance journeys and they were supremely comfortable. Well specced too.

[Jonny_693]

RobboC said:

A friend runs a company fleet and swears by them.

I've been in one for a few long distance journeys and they were supremely comfortable. Well specced too.

My dads had one for 7 years and its been very reliable. Only a problem with the rear windscreen wiper that was fixed loads under warranty and just kept breaking all the time.

[red_rover]

We had them at the car hire company I used to work at. Loved by the staff and the punters alike. Really comfortable, gave the impression of being well built (but like any Ford - you look at anything at detail and you can see where they have saved monwy on!) and goood VFM.


OK depreciation won't be as good as a premium marque - but lets be honest - a well specced diesel one won't be any worse than Ford, Vauxhall, Peugeot, Renault, Nissan or Toyota!

[carmadgaz]

Done a few miles in the works one (53 plate) and it is a nice old cruiser. Haven't heard of any problems with it in the 3 years I've worked there.

[DrYazz]

Not sure if you want new or second-hand, but at 13k, why limit yourself to the C5 - you could get a 3 year old, low mileage C6 for that.