Citroen C5 Hdi opinions

[mickyc79]

Looking for some opinions on this...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Are these reliable? I'm needing a big, reliable load lugger and i'm quite drawn to this one (don't know why as it's pig ugly at the front anyway...quite like the back)

Are they generally reliable? Anything to look out for?

[Jag_NE]

I really like the C5 HDI's but a £700 p/ex to clear car from a dealer is a total gamble.

I would seek out something privately owned that has been with the same owner for a decent amount of time and with a full history. You wont be able to pick and choose your model very easily but at that end of the market if you seek reliability I wouldn't be buying p/ex to clear cars from dealers.

edit: I just did an AT search assuming you are in Perth, extremely slim pickings, even on a 100 mile search radius! There was an ok looking Focus estate in inverness.....many more options in England if you were prepared to take a train but you become pretty committed then. Or increase your budget?

Edited by Jag_NE on Thursday 19th July 10:54

[mickyc79]

Cheers, I did worry about the p/x to clear bit....It does say it has service history and it's only ever had advisories for tyres on a couple of previous MOT's...mostly passes with none. Current MOT is clean with no advisories.

I might go and have a look and might be worth a punt if dealer would take £4-500 for it! Will check history to see if belts have been done.

[Jag_NE]

mickyc79 said:

Cheers, I did worry about the p/x to clear bit....It does say it has service history and it's only ever had advisories for tyres on a couple of previous MOT's...mostly passes with none. Current MOT is clean with no advisories.

I might go and have a look and might be worth a punt if dealer would take £4-500 for it! Will check history to see if belts have been done.

if you can afford to lose the money as you say it may be worth a punt. you don't have to run it for long to get your worth out of it. update the thread if you buy it!

[Sir Bagalot]

It's a Citroen older than 8 years so it's already on borrowed time.

It could last a week. It could last 10 years.

As you said, bid £400-500 and if it lasts longer than the MOT then happy days.

[mickyc79]

It is an old shed, so apart from the usual, is there anything in particular i should look out for/ listen for on a test drive, specific to these cars?

I think overall, the 2.0Hdi is a hardy unit, with no DPF to worry about...the hydromatic suspension likewise is supposed to be pretty reliable...

I do like a curiosity to be honest!

[bungz]

Great engine and I think that will be pre dpf stuff so no emissions rubbish to go wrong.

Could be well worth a punt.

[mickyc79]

Can anyone advise if this model, 2002, 2.0Hdi Lx has the Hydropnuematic suspension? seeing some conflicting views online...

[clockworks]

My ex bought a 2003 C5 diesel about 6 years ago. Still had it when we split 2 years ago. Last time I saw it, it had done 180k miles. Mechanically sound, despite her never getting it properly serviced. Passed the MOT every year, and was thrashed mercilessly. In 4 years, all it had was one basic Kwikfit oil change, front brake pads and a set of tyres. It only let her down when she put unleaded in it (twice!).

I had to replace both interior front door handles when they broke, and the driver's window switch because the button fell off - second hand parts from eBay for pennies. The passenger side rubbing strip had a habit of popping off, as did the window sealing strips.
A supremely comfortable motorway car, but rolled like a boat on the twisties. I was actually impressed with the thing, seemed totally unkillable.

[Wooda80]

mickyc79 said:

Can anyone advise if this model, 2002, 2.0Hdi Lx has the Hydropnuematic suspension? seeing some conflicting views online...

It will likely be steel suspension. Hydropneumatic was a rarely chosen option on this model.

When buying any car of this age and mileage it's important to judge its condition on the merits of that particular example, rather than any romantic cliches about "bullet proof, hewn from granite, legendary dependability" bs.

[mickyc79]

Went to see the car, it was a complete dog....didn't even bother driving it. Looked OK in pics, but was beat up pretty bad at the front with lots of bare metal showing on bonnet and in need of a new bumper.

Back to the drawing board!

[quinny100]

Wooda80 said:

It will likely be steel suspension. Hydropneumatic was a rarely chosen option on this model.

Wrong.

Mk1 C5 was only available with Hydractive 3 suspension. Springs were never an option.

It’s a different system to that fitted to the Xantia and earlier HP cars in that the suspension uses an electric pump with LDS fluid with spheres and electronic height control. Higher spec cars had a more advanced system with additional central spheres to control the firmness of the ride. Steering and brakes are conventional on the C5.

Mk2 C5 from late 2007 are tin sprung, Hydractive 3+ was an option on Exclusive models.