Which era of C5 is better?

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Moog
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Which era of C5 is better?

Post by Moog »

Hi,

I've been eyeing up C5s as I like load-luggers (for bikes and tools) and would love some wafty-suspension armchair motoring.

I've read on here that some Mk1 suspension parts are getting scarce or just not available so I'm assuming aftermarket suppliers aren't filling that gap.

Have seen some low-mileage petrols on Ebay which I'm tempted by but then I've heard I need to avoid the RFZ engine codes ones. Not keen on diesel only as I head into London fairly often so that's an extra 12.50 fee - I do know the 2.0 HDi is pretty bulletproof though...)

So in a nutshell, what's the generally accepted better vintage of C5 to go for?

(Only asking as with my Xsara Picasso I was told Mk1 was the most reliable - and it's proven to be true.)

Thanks!

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Re: Which era of C5 is better?

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Just a couple of points from me as these have been covered in various other topics, but both MK I and the facelift MK II (circa 2001 - to 2007) have parts issues now - especially suspension pipes and struts. Spheres are not an issue.

The HPi petrols should be avoided as they were withdrawn pretty quickly. They suffered from fuel pump failures and it is near on impossible to get those.

The diesels are work horses, especially the 2.0 HDi DW10BTED4 138 - very reliable.

The MK III (X7) was the last incarnation of the Hydractive C5s, but these can suffer badly with steering rack failures.

You will know what best serves your needs overall, so you'll need to weigh up parts availability for the early models against additional congestion charges, but parts for diesels are more widely available than petrol models.
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Re: Which era of C5 is better?

Post by Paul-R »

Moog wrote: 29 May 2021, 10:30Not keen on diesel only as I head into London fairly often so that's an extra 12.50 fee...
I can't be sure of this but aren't the last few years of X7 Euro 6 compliant? Dating from when the 2.0l engine was derated from 163bhp to 150bhp.
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Re: Which era of C5 is better?

Post by Moog »

Hi Marc,

That's really comprehensive - thank you.

My friend is a Berlingo nut (has owned loads of them) and really rates the 2.0 HDi.

I had a Subaru Legacy diesel which was a traumatic time with repeated DPF issues and EGR valve stuff, and James Bond smokescreen re-gens all the time, plus I had a Ford Ranger which was like a tractor engine so that put me off diesels, perhaps irrationally...

I like the Mk1 C5 so perhaps might look for one of those and keep the Picasso for times when I can't get parts and need wheels to scavenge for spares.

Cheers :)
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Re: Which era of C5 is better?

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Paul-R wrote: 29 May 2021, 11:16
Moog wrote: 29 May 2021, 10:30Not keen on diesel only as I head into London fairly often so that's an extra 12.50 fee...
I can't be sure of this but aren't the last few years of X7 Euro 6 compliant? Dating from when the 2.0l engine was derated from 163bhp to 150bhp.
Yes, the DW10FD 150 engine fitted to the last run of the X7 met Euro 6.1 emissions standards and was fitted with a Selective Catalytic Reduction system, but those are still fetching relatively higher prices.
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Re: Which era of C5 is better?

Post by Hell Razor5543 »

Somebody on the Forum recently went from an early C5 (Mk1, I think) to an X7, and found that there was a lot less storage space, so that may also be something you need to think about.
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Re: Which era of C5 is better?

Post by Moog »

Hell Razor5543 wrote: 29 May 2021, 11:57 Somebody on the Forum recently went from an early C5 (Mk1, I think) to an X7, and found that there was a lot less storage space, so that may also be something you need to think about.
Ah that's good to know! Thank you :)
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Re: Which era of C5 is better?

Post by Hell Razor5543 »

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Re: Which era of C5 is better?

Post by NewcastleFalcon »

Well if the C5 Gallery post by Paul R is anything to go by the Mk1 Estate is hard to beat for carrying logs.

The evidence is here...
viewtopic.php?p=638074#p638074

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Re: Which era of C5 is better?

Post by leithant »

Hell Razor5543 wrote: 29 May 2021, 11:57 Somebody on the Forum recently went from an early C5 (Mk1, I think) to an X7, and found that there was a lot less storage space, so that may also be something you need to think about.
I have a facelift wagon, and feel the same about the X7. Bigger car with poor packaging.
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Re: Which era of C5 is better?

Post by Michel »

The Sinclair one.. not much to go wrong
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Re: Which era of C5 is better?

Post by rogerc5 »

I was the one who changed from a mk1 to X7

If you want a load lugger the mk1 has much more space than the x7, as well as much more cabin oddments space.
Mine also had no particulate filter to worry about, and a simpler suspension system.
However the x7 is a much better drive in my opinion; just getting used to to the smoothness and power difference.
Either way you should have someone look it over before diving in, then you'll have a really good car which is not just a dishwasher on wheels, like most others.
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