Why French Cars?

[stevenc75]

What draws you to French cars?

I have to admit to being a bit of a Francophile. I'm obsessed with French culture and history and read all I can about France. When we holiday it has to be in France. I love French food and I'm learning the language. I would love to live in France and subscribe to Living France magazine. So it's natural enough for me to be drawn to French cars.

But what's your excuse?

[Xaccers]

They used to be the most consistantly good looking to me and a pleasure to drive.
DS, BX, XM, Xantia, 405 estate, 205, Laguna II
The best for me is the Xantia, looks great (MK1 only), spacious, pleasure to drive, economical, reliable, mechanically simple and easy to maintain.

[Sid_the_Squid]

For me, with Citroen its all about the suspension, without the amazing suspension system I'd have stuck with Jap cars.

Used to like the old Peugeots the 05 and 09 series (205/305/405/309), quite comfy. Can't stand the new Peugeots terribly hard suspension very bouncy, got a 60reg 308 hire car at the moment, really hate it.

[myglaren]

First and foremost Citroen hydraulic suspension.
Then the Citroen approach to things, usually described as "quirkiness" but it is far more than that.
Shame that PSA have killed all that.

When the hydraulics are gone I think I will defect to SAAB/Volvo, though they are pale imitations of what they used to be.

I have to confess also to looking at Mercedes 500CL's as a replacement for the C5.
They may be rubbish but I love the sad, swoopy look of them.

[CitroJim]

When the hydraulics are gone I think I will defect to...

A car without hydraulics is unthinkable.

I hope I can run my Xantias for a good while yet and by then I expect petrol and diesel cars will be banned so it'll be an electric one that replaces them.

Then I shall have no interest in cars and will just have whatever comes along. A Citroen gZero perhaps.

Anyway, very soon all cars will be made by one firm and they'll all be the same bar the name. You'll choose a car like you choose a washing machine.

[vince]

But then Jim thats when a venture into classic Citroen ownership would come about

Older french cars hold a very individual trait. Although they were designed as cars for the masses, they still felt it important to add style and luxury for the ordinary working family. For me its always been the styling and the amount of car you get for your money....oh and they are cheap to run and maintain in comparison.

[CitroJim]

But then Jim thats when a venture into classic Citroën ownership would come about

And that's where I'll be Vince Enjoying a Classic Xantia whilst for my daily motoring activities are carried out in something electric no doubt.

By then all petrol Citroens will be bona-fide classics and hopefully there'll be some sort of dispensation that we'll still be able to use them on the road every now and again...

[Xaccers]

By then all petrol Citroëns will be bona-fide classics and hopefully there'll be some sort of dispensation that we'll still be able to use them on the road every now and again...

Yes, when there's a V in the month no doubt.

[andmcit]

It's ALL about the hydraulic suspension wrapped in a superbly styled body
that (in the past at least) stands alone doggedly as the alternative way to
all the other 'me-too' dross/POS.

I won't run anything different and am happy in my comfort zone niche of
70's - 90's Citroens. Guess I'll have to quit driving when car ownership
is only legal for the rich, famous and corrupt and cars under a year old...


Andrew

[CitroJim]

Andrew, that very much sums up up for me...

One thing that will always keep me in the Citroen fold is the absolutely great people you meet through the cars.

By then all petrol Citroëns will be bona-fide classics and hopefully there'll be some sort of dispensation that we'll still be able to use them on the road every now and again...

Yes, when there's a V in the month no doubt.

Yes, sadly, I reckon you're absolutely right there..

Must check to see if the V6 and Activa will run on Ethanol as a future-proofing exercise... That's something else that might stop us driving our favourite cars.

That's one advantage with Cassy; cooking oil will always be available

[Xaccers]

That's one advantage with Cassy; cooking oil will always be available

Just wait 'til they add the "fat tax" to it though!

[stevenc75]

So is extreme pessimism a trait of a hydrolic Citroen owner then? I have yet to discover the joys of hydraulic suspension and that seems to be the main reason you lot drive French cars. I'm obviously missing out!

[myglaren]

So is extreme pessimism a trait of a hydrolic Citroën owner then? I have yet to discover the joys of hydraulic suspension and that seems to be the main reason you lot drive French cars. I'm obviously missing out!

Indeed you are, it is indescribable.
An excellent analogy I came across recently in another context was "Like trying to describe music with words"
Nothing can equate with the experience of a well sorted Xantia, CX, BX, XM, GS or DS. They all have their own character and subtleties but the thing they do have in common is superb and unflustered ride quality.

My introduction was with a GS and I admit I hadn't a clue what I was getting into but have never regretted a minute of it.

Without exception every passenger in the GS, BX, Xantia and C5 have been impressed and in many cases quite shocked as they were just expecting a ride in a 'car' like other cars.

[Chris570]

So is extreme pessimism a trait of a hydrolic Citroën owner then? I have yet to discover the joys of hydraulic suspension and that seems to be the main reason you lot drive French cars. I'm obviously missing out!

in a word, yes you are.

they are excellent

[robert_e_smart]

IT has to be the suspension. Springs, no thanks. Ohh and the styling.