£13k - what car? DS5 vs 320d vs c220 vs Insig biturbo etc
Discussion
I drive a Merc C250 cdi auto and my old man is in the process of buying a DS5 diesel auto, collect it this week.
On the test drive the Ds5 was noticeably quieter than the Merc on idle especially but also going up through the gears. Power is a little lower but is more than capable. It is a 2013 on 19" wheels, I have travelled in the back - the ride was not much different to the Merc and certainly not uncomfortable. I think because it is a hi-end Citroen most expected it to be magic carpet ride but in reality compared the competition it seemed normal to me - especially when compared to a BMW on run-flats or Audi with s-line suspension! Equipment levels are great and the DS5 looks great.
The good thing is the main hit of depreciation has already gone, this car is a 1 owner with only 15k miles and it cost less than £14k. He traded in a 2011 Focus Titanium which was £16k new and got £7300 for it - I doubt the DS5 is going to depreciate by much more than the Focus in two years he plans to keep it.
On the test drive the Ds5 was noticeably quieter than the Merc on idle especially but also going up through the gears. Power is a little lower but is more than capable. It is a 2013 on 19" wheels, I have travelled in the back - the ride was not much different to the Merc and certainly not uncomfortable. I think because it is a hi-end Citroen most expected it to be magic carpet ride but in reality compared the competition it seemed normal to me - especially when compared to a BMW on run-flats or Audi with s-line suspension! Equipment levels are great and the DS5 looks great.
The good thing is the main hit of depreciation has already gone, this car is a 1 owner with only 15k miles and it cost less than £14k. He traded in a 2011 Focus Titanium which was £16k new and got £7300 for it - I doubt the DS5 is going to depreciate by much more than the Focus in two years he plans to keep it.
I think the only Citroens that have the "magic carpet" ride are those with hydro suspension. Does the DS5 have that as an option?
It's probably the best suspension ever devised for use on uneven, potholed, speedbump ridden roads. My previous C5 was brilliant in this respect, not sporty in any way but so comfortable.
It's probably the best suspension ever devised for use on uneven, potholed, speedbump ridden roads. My previous C5 was brilliant in this respect, not sporty in any way but so comfortable.
Definitely coming down in favour of the DS5 now. Got one lined up to view if my Keen sills this weekend. Doubt it's the best car objectively out of all the suggestions, but there's just something about it I like. Imagine the BMW would be the best drive, whilst the Merc looks very premium. No-one had anything good to sat about Insignias.
If I drive the d's and don't like it then ill look at volvo. I can always drive the wife's mini countryman Cooper s for a few weeks if necessary. Although apart from the straight line pace I don't like the way it drives. Very crashy (like the 18" wheels are too big for the suspension to control) and the gearbox is a bit clunky.
If I drive the d's and don't like it then ill look at volvo. I can always drive the wife's mini countryman Cooper s for a few weeks if necessary. Although apart from the straight line pace I don't like the way it drives. Very crashy (like the 18" wheels are too big for the suspension to control) and the gearbox is a bit clunky.
dave_s13 said:
I think the only Citroens that have the "magic carpet" ride are those with hydro suspension. Does the DS5 have that as an option?
It's probably the best suspension ever devised for use on uneven, potholed, speedbump ridden roads. My previous C5 was brilliant in this respect, not sporty in any way but so comfortable.
Unfortunately it doesn't. Only the C5 has it. An opportunity missed.It's probably the best suspension ever devised for use on uneven, potholed, speedbump ridden roads. My previous C5 was brilliant in this respect, not sporty in any way but so comfortable.
Even the facelift DS5 doesn't have it (and IMHO the facelift doesn't look as good as the original).
AmitG said:
dave_s13 said:
I think the only Citroens that have the "magic carpet" ride are those with hydro suspension. Does the DS5 have that as an option?
It's probably the best suspension ever devised for use on uneven, potholed, speedbump ridden roads. My previous C5 was brilliant in this respect, not sporty in any way but so comfortable.
Unfortunately it doesn't. Only the C5 has it. An opportunity missed.It's probably the best suspension ever devised for use on uneven, potholed, speedbump ridden roads. My previous C5 was brilliant in this respect, not sporty in any way but so comfortable.
Even the facelift DS5 doesn't have it (and IMHO the facelift doesn't look as good as the original).
Just looked up the facelift ds5 - the front end is horrific! Doesn't look like it belongs to that car. Not impressed.
Testdrove a ds5 today - loved it. Higher up than I thought it would be, but still ok. The ride seemed ok to me - better than my sport suspension equipped seat Leon, and better than an msport 320d BMW. All the reviews suggest the ride is awful - can't see that myself. If the Leon sells today then I'll be putting a deposit down on a DS5.
Testdrove a ds5 today - loved it. Higher up than I thought it would be, but still ok. The ride seemed ok to me - better than my sport suspension equipped seat Leon, and better than an msport 320d BMW. All the reviews suggest the ride is awful - can't see that myself. If the Leon sells today then I'll be putting a deposit down on a DS5.
maurauth said:
C250 CDI's are really nice. Right amount of power, right amount of economy. IMO they look lovely, but then again not everyone's a merc fanboy like me.
I really like the look of the C class. Mercedes have really nailed the smart small car thing with the exterior look, but the inside is so naff. Not even just because it's small, it's just looks and feels cheap and s
t. That's a real shame, as it spoils a car I would otherwise be interested in.Baryonyx said:
I really like the look of the C class. Mercedes have really nailed the smart small car thing with the exterior look, but the inside is so naff. Not even just because it's small, it's just looks and feels cheap and st. That's a real shame, as it spoils a car I would otherwise be interested in.
It's not exactly an S class but it's not S class money, moving from an MSport 3series to the AMG Sport C class it feels and looks a lot more premium to me.t. That's a real shame, as it spoils a car I would otherwise be interested in.As long as you find one with full leather interior and the COMAND full colour screen with all the interior options they're one of the best interiors in that size of car / money bracket. The steering wheel isn't as nice as the next iteration of mercs and I'd take my SLK's interior over the C's any day but again it's another £10k worth of car so you get what you pay for.
Agree on the interior of the c class. It's very 'ordinary' unless you get a really specced up version. You need the expensive leather option, not the cheap stuff and the sat nav screen. a colleague at work has an msport 320d on a 64 plate and the interior is really nice. But he paid a lot for the leather he optioned in - although bizarrely he was too tight to spec any cup holders. BMW are so right nor providing them as standard!
With my budget I just can't find anything I like BMW and merc related without getting an older car than I want.
Checked out Volvo - I like the V70 - but could only get the 1.6 diesel with a valid spec. Not two keen on the other models.
Think its ds5 and a cheeky remap to close to 200bhp and ill be happy.
With my budget I just can't find anything I like BMW and merc related without getting an older car than I want.
Checked out Volvo - I like the V70 - but could only get the 1.6 diesel with a valid spec. Not two keen on the other models.
Think its ds5 and a cheeky remap to close to 200bhp and ill be happy.
Hi yes, I bought a grey DS5 2 litre Hdi Dstyle. Although it has the upgrade dsport leather / electric seats in it, and front parking sensors. All I'm missing from the top spec is xenon headlights that turn as you go round corners and the head up display. I did sit in a car with the HUD and it looked gimmicky to me, so not worried about it. Would have liiked the xenons though.
The car is epic so far - the interior is amazing - way better then the BMW and Mercs that some friends / colleagues have got. Everyone comments on how good the seats are, and how cool the glass roof with electric blinds is. The bluetooth hands free for the phone works immaculately annd the ipod connectivity is great.
In terms of the drive it's no sports car for sure, but equally it isn't wallowy, or too stiff the other way. You're aware it's a sizeable car, but it will go round corners quite well (although I've not been over 7/10ths in it yet) and the engine is very smooth/ quiet. I would say it has a bit more lag on the initial pickup than my Seat Leon 140 tdi, but I put that down to the weighht of the car. When it picks up it goes pretty well. Would like it remapped, but not convinced it's necessarty / will make that much difference.
It's the surprise and delight bits that I love about it - I didn't know it would have puddle lights under the electric folding wing mirrors, and the drivers massage seat is great on long journeys. Also love the DRLs.
So far I've not found much to dislike. Just fingers crossed it doesn't do the French things and get loads of faults......
The car is epic so far - the interior is amazing - way better then the BMW and Mercs that some friends / colleagues have got. Everyone comments on how good the seats are, and how cool the glass roof with electric blinds is. The bluetooth hands free for the phone works immaculately annd the ipod connectivity is great.
In terms of the drive it's no sports car for sure, but equally it isn't wallowy, or too stiff the other way. You're aware it's a sizeable car, but it will go round corners quite well (although I've not been over 7/10ths in it yet) and the engine is very smooth/ quiet. I would say it has a bit more lag on the initial pickup than my Seat Leon 140 tdi, but I put that down to the weighht of the car. When it picks up it goes pretty well. Would like it remapped, but not convinced it's necessarty / will make that much difference.
It's the surprise and delight bits that I love about it - I didn't know it would have puddle lights under the electric folding wing mirrors, and the drivers massage seat is great on long journeys. Also love the DRLs.
So far I've not found much to dislike. Just fingers crossed it doesn't do the French things and get loads of faults......
Oh yes, additionally it's the quiestest diesel I've ever been in - massively better than the Leon, or my sister in laws new astra. Also quieter by some margin than a work colleagues 64 plate 320d.
It seems to attract quite a lott of attention too - lots of people have commented they haven't seen one before and are surprised to hear it's a citroen.
It seems to attract quite a lott of attention too - lots of people have commented they haven't seen one before and are surprised to hear it's a citroen.
Joebristolgym said:
Oh yes, additionally it's the quiestest diesel I've ever been in - massively better than the Leon, or my sister in laws new astra. Also quieter by some margin than a work colleagues 64 plate 320d.
It seems to attract quite a lott of attention too - lots of people have commented they haven't seen one before and are surprised to hear it's a citroen.
Hats off to you for choosing something interesting and different over a competent but dull German saloon! It seems to attract quite a lott of attention too - lots of people have commented they haven't seen one before and are surprised to hear it's a citroen.
Couldn't resist the allure of the DS5, what can I say? May lose more in depreciation than with a bmw or merc, but would have struggled for the spec I wanted, and I do like to have something that feels special with cars. Haven't had that since I got rid of my Tiger R6 kit car a few years back. The Ds5 somehow does practicality and special at the same time. Helps that it's a rare sight on the roads.
Sadly my DS5 has been in an accident and has been written off :-( What's worse is it was my fault....never had an accident like it before and can't really explain how it happened.
So now the insurance money is due and I have up to £13k for a new car. Need to buy it within a week as I use it for work sometimes.
Still finding the 320d / C220 cdi are too expensive for the spec you get. Want leather / satnav / bluetooth handsfree / ipod connectivity. Need 5 doors, or a 4 door with split folding rear seats, or an estate. Still agree that the Insignia is a bit dull so not looking for one of those.
Loved the DS5 so that's still top of the list - but I am wondering petrol or diesel? Petrols are rare, but I've found 1 in budget, and found 1 diesel also in budget.
I don't know how many miles a year I do still as my job is up and down and been doing some miles privately too.
Assuming I do 20k per annum w 4 days a week I drive to and from work (via my wife's work to drop her off) which is about 8 miles of stop / start traffic, with 1 day where I do maybe 200 miles on a round trip. There will be some additional trips in there that will bump up the mileage a bit more - hence 20k assumption.
My diesel DS5 was averaging 39mpg over a 2 month period (on the motorway at about 70mpg it was doing 50 ish mpg). Not sure what the petrol would do - although it's the same 1.6 turbo as in my wife's mini Countryman. That's doing 32 mpg ish in traffic and managed 41 mpg on a motorway run last week.
At the moment petrol is more expensive on tax (although not much) - but this seems likely to change with the current government's noises on vo2 pollution from tax. Unusually diesel is cheaper than petrol at the moment, but don't know if that's here to stay or not
What are people's thoughts?
So now the insurance money is due and I have up to £13k for a new car. Need to buy it within a week as I use it for work sometimes.
Still finding the 320d / C220 cdi are too expensive for the spec you get. Want leather / satnav / bluetooth handsfree / ipod connectivity. Need 5 doors, or a 4 door with split folding rear seats, or an estate. Still agree that the Insignia is a bit dull so not looking for one of those.
Loved the DS5 so that's still top of the list - but I am wondering petrol or diesel? Petrols are rare, but I've found 1 in budget, and found 1 diesel also in budget.
I don't know how many miles a year I do still as my job is up and down and been doing some miles privately too.
Assuming I do 20k per annum w 4 days a week I drive to and from work (via my wife's work to drop her off) which is about 8 miles of stop / start traffic, with 1 day where I do maybe 200 miles on a round trip. There will be some additional trips in there that will bump up the mileage a bit more - hence 20k assumption.
My diesel DS5 was averaging 39mpg over a 2 month period (on the motorway at about 70mpg it was doing 50 ish mpg). Not sure what the petrol would do - although it's the same 1.6 turbo as in my wife's mini Countryman. That's doing 32 mpg ish in traffic and managed 41 mpg on a motorway run last week.
At the moment petrol is more expensive on tax (although not much) - but this seems likely to change with the current government's noises on vo2 pollution from tax. Unusually diesel is cheaper than petrol at the moment, but don't know if that's here to stay or not
What are people's thoughts?
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