Unsure which C5 I should buy?

[fv43576]

Hi I am new Citroen Forum, my Fiat Punto is gone now, I had a Citroen AX 1.1 TRX long time ago I really like the Citroen C5 1999-2008 hatchback not confuse with saloon but I can't make up my mind which engine to buy.
I have test drive the 2.0HDI 110 less turbo lag then the 1.6HDI 110 VTR but the 1.6 HDI are better in economy on long distance but I have notice the 1.6HDI gear ratio too high like 70mph about 2,300rpm and the 2.0 HDI 110 are about 2,100 rpm would the 2.0 HDI 110 do better in MPG on motorways because of low revs?
my mate reckon if I buy the 2.0 HDI 136 or the 2.2HDI 170 with six gear will do more MPG much better than those two with 5 gears?
also what is hydraulic active 2 and active 3 are they different on first C5 old and the facelift?
Please share with me about your experience of own diesel C5 are they good to drive with hydraulic suspension on rough road, how is the reliable, and the MPG
Thank you
Fab.

[Stickyfinger]

Hi and welcome

Point 1, engine
Do not touch the 1.6, it is overloaded by the cars weight and has problems in later life with turbos in particular. Pottering you can get 60+ from it on long slow runs, clutch suffers due to the cars weight and shows on pull away where you need to rev it. I would always worry about a DMF on these, glad mine has gone to be honest.

the 2.'o is a bomb proof engine and is ideal for the car, most will say this is the only one to choose.

the 2.2 is liked by some, seems reliable but suffers in town esp from poor mpg.

2/3 hy-active, sports switch in the 3, the car stiffens in roll and lowers/rises at speed/rough ground....not really the most important of features on a 2nd hand one as condition/millage is more important.

[Hell Razor5543]

The 2.0l HDi 8V engine is considered to be so strong (when maintained) that you could chuck a hand grenade into the engine bay and it would roll out in disgust (I can't kill that, it is too strong for me!). It also can be surprisingly economical. My C5 estate (2.0l HDi 8V, 04 reg MK1) has the normal Hydractive suspension, version 3. The sports variant is 3+ (and can be recognised by the sports button in the suspension control area). There is a standing joke in the French medical profession, in that if they were able to do so, they would prescribe hydro-pneumatic Citroens for patients with back problems! Look after it (whichever one you get) and it will look after you (exasperate you at times, yes, but not normally seriously).

[wurlycorner]

Can't speak from personal experience of the 1.6, but I do seem to often read of issues with it.

I do though have a 2.0, having moved into C5 ownership this year. Seems like a decent solid lump to me and enough grunt and decent economy for the size/weight of the car.

As I work my way round the rest of the car doing jobs, it all seems pretty well put together and with decent bits, not cheap crap. I would recommend a mk1 C5 (though the looks aren't great!).

[Peter.N.]

I would third that. The 2.0. 8 valve engine is the best Hdi ever made in my opinion, they are as previously expressed virtually bomb proof. I have two, one in a C5 at 200k miles still with the original clutch and DMF and a 406 at 240k in the same condition. No major engine faults since I have had them and that's 50k for the 406.

Peter

[darbuck]

i have a 2.0 hdi 8v c5 strong engine but the air intake pipe is very low and can kill the engine if you have to pass through flood water easier than other cars however the hydractives ability to rise and a bit of water proofing can solve that problem.little niggles but an enjoyable economical car to own.

[fv43576]

Thanks, forget ask what is different between the VTR and the Exclusive far as I know that VTR+ give large alloy wheels

[Peter.N.]

If you are buying a C5 for the ride comfort, large wheels are a retrograde step, they will spoil the ride and upset the handling.

Peter

[SaabC5]

VTR+ and Exclusive wheels are the same size, its just the different wheel design thats an optical illusion. Its mostly about interior spec.

VTR - low spec
VTR+ middle spec
Exclusive - top spec

In the MK1 there was LX, SX, Exclusive & Exclusive SE (which got every extra as standard)

[fv43576]

Great! thanks very helpful

[wurlycorner]

Didn't know there was an exclusive se.

Is there any additional badging on the exclusive se, or still just the exclusive badge? (just wondering how you would tell one from the other).

[SaabC5]

From memory theres an Exclusive SE badge on the B or C pillar.