Citroen C3 Picasso - Tell me about them...
Citroen C3 Picasso - Tell me about them...
Author
Discussion

scotlandtim

Original Poster:

462 posts

156 months

Thursday 29th December 2022
quotequote all
edit: its a C4 nopt C3. can't edit the title!

We need a new family car

3 growing sons, 2 dogs must fit in comfortably.
We do 10000 miles per year, mainly on A roads around the scottish borders with several long trips including occasional european trips.

Also - this car is on a budget. I don't want to spend more than £4k.

This has come up and looks like the best option in my surrounding area:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208128...


Have spoken to the owner and sounds like a genuine reason for sale, also sounds like a decent chap.

High mileage, but otherwise seems to be in good condition

Mot adds up, looks OK.

Great MPG
Ticks the boxes it needs to

Any thoughts / experiences on these vehicles?

thanks!

TooLateForAName

4,923 posts

212 months

Thursday 29th December 2022
quotequote all
In these days of daft prices for used cars that probably ok. It isnt high mileage.
Advert suggests trader to me - its just a spec list and nothing else.

When is timing belt due? coming up 10yrs old/100K it must be due?

Brodz

44 posts

52 months

Thursday 29th December 2022
quotequote all
We had one of these for 6 months and around 6,000 miles (I worked at a Citroen dealer at the time and it was a demo). This was pre-kids for us but we did have adults in the back on a few occasions and there was plenty of space for them.
The boot was big - but not massive and we found the tapered tailgate was a drawback for us: we had a greyhound who refused to lie down and would always travel standing up...but if your dogs are better behaved and lie down then the boot floor itself should be big enough. For ultimate room you want a "Grand" with the third row of seats folded flat. Horses for courses and all that.
Driving position was decent; steering was light as you'd d expect of a Citroen; and the gear change was as unsporting as you'd expect. We didn't get the benefit of decent fuel consumption from the diesel engine as it was brand new and very tight - and we did lots of small trips - but customers of the time enjoyed the economy.
Along with the usual used car checks I'd be paying particular attention to the electrics - especially the central touch screen as the audio, Bluetooth and heating are all done through this. I remember taking a 3 year old one back in as part exchange and the screen already seemed vague in terms of responding to touch commands.
The dealership we worked for also had Mazda and Ford at the same showroom - the interior of the Citroen felt far more futuristic compared to the Mazda 5 and C-Max of the time and was definitely a much nicer place to be in my opinion.

Edited by Brodz on Thursday 29th December 15:06

scotlandtim

Original Poster:

462 posts

156 months

Thursday 29th December 2022
quotequote all
Thanks both, esp Brodz for the detailed reply

Will have a look and see what it's like. i drive past kelso tomorrow anyhow

georgeyboy12345

4,562 posts

63 months

Thursday 29th December 2022
quotequote all
The e-HDi you are looking at is better than the blueHDi version as it doesn't have the adblue gubbins that usually goes wrong at some point.

Both HDi engines use the DLD-416 engine. The timing belt is due for a change at 10 years or 125,000 miles, so this 2013 model will be due. Budget around £400 for this at an independant garage.

Otherwise it's a reliable engine, providing the oil is changed at least annually or every 12,500 miles, whichever sooner. Turbo failure can result from failing to adhere to this as the oil pickup channels for the turbo can get blocked. This means getting a car with a full service history with receipts for oil changes is essential, in my view.

Some people will think I'm being picky, but I'd never buy a car with a towbar fitted.

scotlandtim

Original Poster:

462 posts

156 months

Friday 30th December 2022
quotequote all
georgeyboy12345 said:
The e-HDi you are looking at is better than the blueHDi version as it doesn't have the adblue gubbins that usually goes wrong at some point.

Both HDi engines use the DLD-416 engine. The timing belt is due for a change at 10 years or 125,000 miles, so this 2013 model will be due. Budget around £400 for this at an independant garage.

Otherwise it's a reliable engine, providing the oil is changed at least annually or every 12,500 miles, whichever sooner. Turbo failure can result from failing to adhere to this as the oil pickup channels for the turbo can get blocked. This means getting a car with a full service history with receipts for oil changes is essential, in my view.

Some people will think I'm being picky, but I'd never buy a car with a towbar fitted.
Thanks for this info - will bear all in mind when looking and negotiate a reduction for the timing belt upcoming cost.

Towbar doesn't worry me - - I need one, so it simply saves me fitting one!

scotlandtim

Original Poster:

462 posts

156 months

Wednesday 4th January 2023
quotequote all
Update: I viewed the car:

it had no recorded service history, heater wasn't working (no air from the fans at all)

I walked away

Still for sale though..!!!