Citroen C5 owners?

[rapid van cleef]

Hey guys, heres hoping for some information.....

Ive been offered a 2004 Citroen C5 as an exchange for my car. I am trying to find out information about general issues and common problems along with costs of parts for repair etc. I have a feeling that parts may be ridiculously expensive here in NZ. Being from the UK thats not so much of an issue in my experience as its just over the ditch to France etc.

Has anyone owned one of these? If so, can you give me a brief idea of your experience in such matters please?

Its a 2 litre petrol with one of those tiptronic gear boxes, 130,000ks. Had timing and cam belts done 20 000 kago, had hydralic hoses replaced. Drives very nice but has a bit of awobble on the front which I think is the tracking. Issues I have found are pasenger air con unit need replacing....part from uk is around 140 bucks.

thanks

[Road kill]

Check the under side for limpet mines.

Other than that,their pieces of shit that cost even more shit to fix.

Have good brakes but.

[Edbear]

Steer clear... There's a good reason they are selling it and be especially suspicious of straight swaps when it looks to be in your favour.

[shafty]

Google Citreon C5 reviews, and laugh......

[rapid van cleef]

Thanks for the replies. Have any of you owned one? The thing is, if you look for shit you can find it. Im also considering a Vectra or Mondeo.

[Erelyes]

Of course if you look for shit you can find it! And you've found a big, steaming pile of merde.

I dunno, take it for a drive, and if you love it, buy it. That's what I did with my Alfa 156 V6. I knew full well it was going to be a farkin bastard in upkeep and repairs and maintenance, but that wasn't the point.

The very fact you're asking about reliability points to it not being an ideal choice.

[Edbear]

Thanks for the replies. Have any of you owned one? The thing is, if you look for shit you can find it. Im also considering a Vectra or Mondeo.

Timing belts on Vectra's need to be changed at 60K intervals and if you don't, it gets messy and expensive. Holden got a lot of flack about busted motors because everyone thought it was the normal 100K interval for them and Holden refused to take responsibility. Apart from that, I'd choose the Vectra way over the Mondeo, a far better ride. If you get the V6, they go like a scalded cat, too...

If you want reliable, stick to Jap, our old 1999 Nissan Pulsar SLX was still driving like new after 198K. Cam chain motor. Only repair was a recent left side CV joint change. Cost $100.00. Not bad for 12 years ownership. Regretfully had to sell it after breaking my back and not being able to sit in it.

[MisterD]

Im also considering a Vectra or Mondeo.

Vectras don't exactly have a stellar record on reliability, but my view is jaundiced because I had one of the first and fuck it was terrible after the last of the Vauxhall Cavaliers. I've "owned" (I was a rep) a few different Mundaneos of various eras, and probably driven all of them and never had a complaint, other than the T on a TD that let go on the M40...James Bond smokescreen kit

[Tazz]

Just don't buy the first generation of any model and you'll be right. Every car has its weak points but they do iron some out over time.

Rear wheel drives are cheaper to maintain than front or all wheel drives as a rule also.

I don't know if you've driven a Mondeo but I've found them a bit 'twitchy' personally, and like everyone else I wouldn't touch the Citroen.

[SVboy]

Thanks for the replies. Have any of you owned one? The thing is, if you look for shit you can find it. Im also considering a Vectra or Mondeo.

Do you not like yourself! Are you into self inflicted pain and putting your wallet on a diet! These are not good cars re reliability, but are probably stellar compared with a C5! Bland yourself into a suitable Toyota. Service regularly and spend your savings on flash new bikes......

[SMOKEU]

Buy a Mondeo instead. They are generally exceptionally good value for money.

[rapid van cleef]

I had a Mondeo, a 98 diesel model in the UK and it was great car with high mileage. Thanks for all of the replies. I called a dealer and they said they would give me less part exchange on a 2004 C5 than on my 95 Mistral....I suppose that says it all really. Oh, and I want a manual petrol car too. Once again, thanks for the replies.