Need general guidance on C5

[Citroenmad]

What is your main reason for wanting a 3 year old C5? Just fancy a change from Xantias or just thinking of something which will last you many years?

[myglaren]

You can be reasonably certain that the dealers cars will have no tax on them - they turn it in as soon as they come in.
Most will MOT them for you on purchase if you insist and it has a short MOT.

[Napoleon]

What is your main reason for wanting a 3 year old C5? Just fancy a change from Xantias or just thinking of something which will last you many years?

It's more the latter. Happy with the Xantias, but maybe I'm at the age where I can afford to spend a bit more on a car.

[Gibbo2286]

As you're in Bristol I'd suggest you take a day or two looking around the main dealers, ask them what they have 'round the back', older part exchanges for cash. That's the way smaller independent motor traders get their stock.

Main dealers dump anything over three years old into auction so if they can avoid the hassle and costs of doing that they're happy to deal.

Do it at plate change time when they have a big influx of part exes for the best chance.

[Napoleon]

ok, I'm pushing the envelope now!

What about this C5 2009? Comes with MoT for a year, but tax is on top.

http://www.yatecarsales.co.uk/used_car_ ... e_6430.htm

[Napoleon]

One more to look at (you, that is!)

This is some way from here. They would take £250 deposit - pay the rest on collection, ie, you are buying something you have not seen in the flesh.

What do you think of all that? Crazy?

http://www.motorlinedirect.co.uk/19524/used-cars.htm

[Gibbo2286]

Simple answer, never do it.

[Napoleon]

What about the one in the post before - at Yate car sales? (I have seen this one, but only on the outside).

[Napoleon]

Anyone? Please?

[Peter.N.]

I don't know enough about the newer ones to offer an opinion but if it has a genuine guarantee with it and the firm a good reputation I wouldn't think you would go far wrong. If I had that much money to spend I would buy 10 Mk ones

Peter

[Napoleon]

Much difference, performance-wise between the 2.0l and the 2.2l?

[Peter.N.]

The 2.2 is certainly faster but the 2.0L is adequate for me and the tax is cheaper, I am more interested in economy than performance.

Peter

[Old-Guy]

Re Tax & MoT (or should that be the other way round?) - until relatively recently, proper (licensed) Motor Traders could (and almost invariably did) cash in the balance of tax discs (it was a nice little bonus that Gordon Brown grabbed). The registered owner still can and most companies do so. It's normal for lease vehicles to be traded in at an anniversary. If a business goes bust, any half-competent administrator should cash in the tax discs; but vehicle maintenance will be any early casualty at any struggling business.
Personally I'd go for a higher mileage (not too high) ex-fleet vehicle that seems to have been looked after by its regular driver and traded in at a birthday (if not, why not) - or for an ex-hire car (most hirers are mindful of the extortionate charges for any damage).
Ex-company vehicles offered for sale usually won't have any tax or MoT. An MoT, an umpteen point safety check and a warranty should be included in the price by any genuine trade seller (general legal requirements for 'merchantable quality and fitness for purpose' as well specific legislation and case law relating to cars) - who pays for re-taxing is a negotiating point.
Before you agree to buy any vehicle, always check the V5 and ask to see the HPI. If the seller can't/won't let you do this, walk away regardless of who they are. If there isn't a recent HPI check, get your own on-line before you part with any cash.

[Citroenmad]

I have travelled the country too many times and been dissapointed with the cars when I have got there. I would never buy a car without seeing it, maybe if it was dirt cheap. I suppose there is always the possibility of walking away should it differ vastly from how it was advertised.

Such a recent car should not have too many problems, though you never do know do you. There has been a good few reports of clutches failing on C5IIIs, mainly due to an oil leak from the gearbox. If you buy one and discover this on arrival, or even on the way home, it'll cost a fortune.

Definitely look at a few and drive a few if you can, buy the best you can afford and not the cheapest or first one you see.

The 2.0HDi in the C5III comes in 138bhp (or 160bhp but only in much later ones), the 2.2 is 173bhp so it should be noticeable in performance. I have not driven a C5III yet but have been in two. One was a 2.0 petrol auto, a very smooth and refined car which seemed to suit the auto (proper auto none of this pause-gearchage-pause EGS business). The other was a 2.0HDi 138 manual, which was nice and had enough performance, though it could have been quicker for my liking. They do fint them with the 1.6HDi 110, so a 138 should be fine but for the best performance the 2.2 will be better. DOnt forget they did the V6 HDi in those too

[Napoleon]

Hi and thanks, Chris.

This problem has now been resolved, I'm happy to say, and on Monday I'll have a 2.2 C5III to play with. Already glanced through the giant user manual on the myriad of buttons and features.

I did have a test drive in this one, or should I say I sat and watched - gave me more time to take in the interior of the car and ask questions. I think I knew more about the car than the salesman, but that probably won't come as a surprise on here.

The car is immaculate, I have to say. Only one tiny thing that I want to attend to in the first instance.

Tim

(ps, I need this VSX shifting. Make me an offer if you have to!)