As 2020 hasn't been awful enough yet = my £750 Citroen C6!
Discussion
This is an incredible thread! I've always had a soft spot for Citroens yet have never owned one (always been more of a Renault kinda guy), however I've always really wanted a C4 VTR/VTS/Loeb edition, but assumed that at this point massive bills and potential for disaster were par for the course - I saw in the opening post that you were actually really happy with your C4 so I'm now back to eBay 
Slightly off topic, but this seems to be the place to be for Citroen chat: is there anything to really be looking out for specifically in C4's, outside of the usual used car stuff?
Slightly off topic, but this seems to be the place to be for Citroen chat: is there anything to really be looking out for specifically in C4's, outside of the usual used car stuff?
Kitchski said:
As promised, part two!
Stopped by at a location I'd been to once before with one of my other double-chevron'd gasbag motors...
2021:
I'm looking forward to many roadtrips when all this COVID crap is done with.
You are not alone in that - 2020 was awful for all car related activities - 2021 has been equally crap so far - hoping it gets back to a more normal before the summerStopped by at a location I'd been to once before with one of my other double-chevron'd gasbag motors...
2021:
I'm looking forward to many roadtrips when all this COVID crap is done with.
Great work and thanks for sharing
Burny16v said:
This is an incredible thread! I've always had a soft spot for Citroens yet have never owned one (always been more of a Renault kinda guy), however I've always really wanted a C4 VTR/VTS/Loeb edition, but assumed that at this point massive bills and potential for disaster were par for the course - I saw in the opening post that you were actually really happy with your C4 so I'm now back to eBay
Slightly off topic, but this seems to be the place to be for Citroen chat: is there anything to really be looking out for specifically in C4's, outside of the usual used car stuff?
Tbh that platform (307, C4 mk1 phase 1) doesn't have a huge bork factor. The engines are well-established (TU5JP4, EW10 in various guises) and by this time you are into normal used-car items that will need attention. I have a 2005 307 pre-f/l that's with my parents now, has done around 120k miles and the only "big" item it has needed is a starter a few years ago. Other than that, consumables and routine servicing. Slightly off topic, but this seems to be the place to be for Citroen chat: is there anything to really be looking out for specifically in C4's, outside of the usual used car stuff?
The C4 mk1 phase 2 with the EP6 engines does have a few engine-related things that can go wrong.
drdino said:
Tbh that platform (307, C4 mk1 phase 1) doesn't have a huge bork factor. The engines are well-established (TU5JP4, EW10 in various guises) and by this time you are into normal used-car items that will need attention. I have a 2005 307 pre-f/l that's with my parents now, has done around 120k miles and the only "big" item it has needed is a starter a few years ago. Other than that, consumables and routine servicing.
The C4 mk1 phase 2 with the EP6 engines does have a few engine-related things that can go wrong.
Noted, thanks a lot. To be honest I'm not sure why I'd dismissed them on reliability grounds so readily, considering I spend so much time trying to convince people old Renault hot hatches are actually more reliable than they think! The C4 mk1 phase 2 with the EP6 engines does have a few engine-related things that can go wrong.
I appreciate they're not the pinnacle of dynamic hatches, but worth a punt for a couple of grand or so to finally see what they're all about, and for the journeys I do a touch more refinement over another Clio wouldn't go amiss...
Burny16v said:
This is an incredible thread! I've always had a soft spot for Citroens yet have never owned one (always been more of a Renault kinda guy), however I've always really wanted a C4 VTR/VTS/Loeb edition, but assumed that at this point massive bills and potential for disaster were par for the course - I saw in the opening post that you were actually really happy with your C4 so I'm now back to eBay
Slightly off topic, but this seems to be the place to be for Citroen chat: is there anything to really be looking out for specifically in C4's, outside of the usual used car stuff?
If you've been happy being a Renault guy, a PSA car will be a breeze. I do like my C4, yeah, so much so that I've long-term loaned it to a mate rather than leave it sat languishing in the yard. There's no point selling it, as they're worth nothing.Slightly off topic, but this seems to be the place to be for Citroen chat: is there anything to really be looking out for specifically in C4's, outside of the usual used car stuff?
I'd go for the VTS, personally. The Loeb isn't actually as well specced, plus they've only got lawnmower engines. VTR? Well, the VTS is just a bit harder to find; it's no more expensive when you do, so why wouldn't you?
The C4 is a funky, interesting car. I like mine, but it's nothing special to drive at all. It comes from the era when PSA really started penny-pinching (maybe they'd used on their funds on developing the C6?
) As a result, the suspension and drivetrain is pretty below-par, but at least with the C4 it's wrapped up in an enthusiastic and interesting package. That's what made it work for me.The C4 VTS would make more sense as the 2.0HDI, too, if you drive it a lot. The VTS 180 is fine, but it's not quick, and it's tiring on motorways due to the short gearing (the diesel has a 6-speed box). I'm not aware of any specific-issues with the C4, other than the usual stuff like broken trim under the bonnet. I know they suffer leaks into the boot, and I've seen a few where the door locks can play up, but mine is happy after 130k miles (or whatever it's on now; he's doing long journeys in it I think!)
bungz said:
A great read as always.
Can not wait to see what is causing spoiler issues
I honestly think it's just dirt and/or dry linkages. I've poured oil and packed grease in as much as I can, and it seems to be helping it, but the issues are more likely behind the scenes underneath, so the whole 'cassette' needs to come out. I'm wondering if it has some kind of anti-trap feature, like an automatically closing electric window.Can not wait to see what is causing spoiler issues
But yeah, I'll take it apart one day and use a clothes peg to sort it, or something...
B'stard Child said:
You are not alone in that - 2020 was awful for all car related activities - 2021 has been equally crap so far - hoping it gets back to a more normal before the summer
Great work and thanks for sharing
You're not wrong. Cheers!Great work and thanks for sharing
RicksAlfas said:
Really enjoy your writing. Thanks for cheering up a grumpy Monday.
I'm glad someone does! bolidemichael said:
That's a classic line and encapsulates how I feel about my barge too.
First thing that came to mind!Kitchski said:
If you've been happy being a Renault guy, a PSA car will be a breeze. I do like my C4, yeah, so much so that I've long-term loaned it to a mate rather than leave it sat languishing in the yard. There's no point selling it, as they're worth nothing.
I'd go for the VTS, personally. The Loeb isn't actually as well specced, plus they've only got lawnmower engines. VTR? Well, the VTS is just a bit harder to find; it's no more expensive when you do, so why wouldn't you?
The C4 is a funky, interesting car. I like mine, but it's nothing special to drive at all. It comes from the era when PSA really started penny-pinching (maybe they'd used on their funds on developing the C6? ) As a result, the suspension and drivetrain is pretty below-par, but at least with the C4 it's wrapped up in an enthusiastic and interesting package. That's what made it work for me.
The C4 VTS would make more sense as the 2.0HDI, too, if you drive it a lot. The VTS 180 is fine, but it's not quick, and it's tiring on motorways due to the short gearing (the diesel has a 6-speed box). I'm not aware of any specific-issues with the C4, other than the usual stuff like broken trim under the bonnet. I know they suffer leaks into the boot, and I've seen a few where the door locks can play up, but mine is happy after 130k miles (or whatever it's on now; he's doing long journeys in it I think!)
Well, that's encouraging to hear. When I was younger my Dad bought a Renault Safrane V6 that was both wonderful and a complete nightmare, breaking down on the way to my go-karting birthday party - that alone should've been enough to put me off anything with a diamond on, but I persevered and haven't found them that bad (yet)! Yes, it does seem the VTS is the sensible choice, from what was mentioned before about the various engines. The VTR only came up because when I was 18 a Citroen VTR in the form of a Saxo was a holy grail, and the Loeb because I'm a sucker for limited editions. Hadn't realised the extent of their lack of power and slightly suspect engines though. I'd go for the VTS, personally. The Loeb isn't actually as well specced, plus they've only got lawnmower engines. VTR? Well, the VTS is just a bit harder to find; it's no more expensive when you do, so why wouldn't you?
The C4 is a funky, interesting car. I like mine, but it's nothing special to drive at all. It comes from the era when PSA really started penny-pinching (maybe they'd used on their funds on developing the C6?
) As a result, the suspension and drivetrain is pretty below-par, but at least with the C4 it's wrapped up in an enthusiastic and interesting package. That's what made it work for me.The C4 VTS would make more sense as the 2.0HDI, too, if you drive it a lot. The VTS 180 is fine, but it's not quick, and it's tiring on motorways due to the short gearing (the diesel has a 6-speed box). I'm not aware of any specific-issues with the C4, other than the usual stuff like broken trim under the bonnet. I know they suffer leaks into the boot, and I've seen a few where the door locks can play up, but mine is happy after 130k miles (or whatever it's on now; he's doing long journeys in it I think!)
This is exactly why I'm intrigued by a Citroen, and this thread has been so interesting; they're genuinely interesting and 'quirky' cars with some unique styling and design. Plus for the money a VTS can be had for if you can find one (with a realistic seller, anyway) you really can't go wrong. I have a track car for fun, so these days in a road car I just want something interesting and 'different' more than necessarily the last word in fun. I'll consider the diesel certainly, however I'm not too fussed either way, it'll come down to finding the right car I suppose, regardless of engine. I'm used to doing all my journeys in a hot hatch of some sort!
C4 chat aside now, looking forward to your adventures with the C6 - as mentioned, I have a history with French barges so this speaks to me certainly! And no doubt it'll prove more reliable than Dads old Safrane...
C6 clicked over 155k miles the other day, which means I've done...well, not many. Probably around 1,500 in it, though they have, for the most part, been trouble-free miles. It's not failed to proceed once, and I am very fond of it. It feels honest and humble, despite being a pretentious (for a French car, anyway) wafto-barge.
Sadly, it's developed a high-pitched squeal, which I suspect is drive-belt related. Due to work load (and other...ahem...projects) I've not got the room to bring it in for the repair work it needs (which is partially dismantling the front of the car), so I'm forced to SORN it as of today. £50 a month in tax? I'm not leaving that running!
I'll be able to bring it in when I've removed one of my other cars, and the natural pick of that bunch seems to be my mk1 BX, which is now running and moving around under its own steam. Plan is to get that on the road, and use it, opening a space inside for the C6. Until then, she'll have to wait.
Got to compare it with its ancestor a few weeks ago, though, which was nice!
Sadly, it's developed a high-pitched squeal, which I suspect is drive-belt related. Due to work load (and other...ahem...projects) I've not got the room to bring it in for the repair work it needs (which is partially dismantling the front of the car), so I'm forced to SORN it as of today. £50 a month in tax? I'm not leaving that running!
I'll be able to bring it in when I've removed one of my other cars, and the natural pick of that bunch seems to be my mk1 BX, which is now running and moving around under its own steam. Plan is to get that on the road, and use it, opening a space inside for the C6. Until then, she'll have to wait.
Got to compare it with its ancestor a few weeks ago, though, which was nice!
Kitchski said:
C6 clicked over 155k miles the other day, which means I've done...well, not many. Probably around 1,500 in it, though they have, for the most part, been trouble-free miles. It's not failed to proceed once, and I am very fond of it. It feels honest and humble, despite being a pretentious (for a French car, anyway) wafto-barge.
Sadly, it's developed a high-pitched squeal, which I suspect is drive-belt related. Due to work load (and other...ahem...projects) I've not got the room to bring it in for the repair work it needs (which is partially dismantling the front of the car), so I'm forced to SORN it as of today. £50 a month in tax? I'm not leaving that running!
I'll be able to bring it in when I've removed one of my other cars, and the natural pick of that bunch seems to be my mk1 BX, which is now running and moving around under its own steam. Plan is to get that on the road, and use it, opening a space inside for the C6. Until then, she'll have to wait.
Got to compare it with its ancestor a few weeks ago, though, which was nice!
Great stuff, love reading about your fun & games reviving double chevrons! Sadly, it's developed a high-pitched squeal, which I suspect is drive-belt related. Due to work load (and other...ahem...projects) I've not got the room to bring it in for the repair work it needs (which is partially dismantling the front of the car), so I'm forced to SORN it as of today. £50 a month in tax? I'm not leaving that running!
I'll be able to bring it in when I've removed one of my other cars, and the natural pick of that bunch seems to be my mk1 BX, which is now running and moving around under its own steam. Plan is to get that on the road, and use it, opening a space inside for the C6. Until then, she'll have to wait.
Got to compare it with its ancestor a few weeks ago, though, which was nice!
(Regarding FTP, isn't there a piccie of it above with electric string hanging out of it's mouth, dated 1st March
...?)MarkwG said:
(Regarding FTP, isn't there a piccie of it above with electric string hanging out of it's mouth, dated 1st March ...?)
Oh yes! I meant since the last one.... ...?)In seriousness, that never happened again. Can only put it down to a potentially old battery and lots of short journeys with the heated everything on.
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