Help me make my mind up time then.

C.J. · Unread post by **C.J.** » 23 Mar 2011, 10:42

Don't know why I've never thought of them before, but the Synergie 2.0Hdi.
Masses of space, seats come out, and I've just been reading a brief article about someone who's got a TD and converted it into a camper van, complete with pop up roof!

Who's got one in here then, anyone?

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 23 Mar 2011, 19:18

Don't know much about Synergies, someone on here must have one though.

They seem like good cars, have been around since 1996 or so. Ive heard a few people say they are well built and know someone who runs a TD version and they like it, dont find it too economical though as its so tall and heavy.

What about a Berlingo Multispace?

C.J. · Unread post by **C.J.** » 23 Mar 2011, 19:48

Citroenmad wrote:Don't know much about Synergies, someone on here must have one though.

They seem like good cars, have been around since 1996 or so. Ive heard a few people say they are well built and know someone who runs a TD version and they like it, dont find it too economical though as its so tall and heavy.

What about a Berlingo Multispace?

Yea, the TD is a bit of a guzzler in the low to mid 30's, but the HDi has a 'combined' of 44.
Seen a couple Disptaches and Pug Experts too now.
Bit taller, but basically the same vehicle as the car/mpv

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 23 Mar 2011, 20:06

I think you dont like these, as you have not mentioned them, however, they would suit your brief. One of these?

We had an almost identical one to that but on a 52 plate, it was a great car. Throw anything in it and not care too much about it. Ideal work horse.

Id prefer a car over a van any day.

C.J. · Unread post by **C.J.** » 23 Mar 2011, 20:16

Citroenmad wrote:I think you dont like these, as you have not mentioned them, however, they would suit your brief. One of these?

We had an almost identical one to that but on a 52 plate, it was a great car. Throw anything in it and not care too much about it. Ideal work horse.

Id prefer a car over a van any day.

It's not that I don't like them Chris. Vastly underated car in many ways, and sheeples tend to steer clear because they're 'scared' of them.
Sadly, I think I may come into that catergory too.
Great when they're running right, but an almighty nightmare when it all goes wrong I fear.

I had a 110 bhp SX hatchback back in '02, but it was new, on contract hire, and most importantly, under warranty, so any problems weren't mine to worry my wallet over.
Too high tech now, and newer cars are becoming even worse in that dept.

C.J. · Unread post by **C.J.** » 23 Mar 2011, 20:26

Nice and local...ish too.

http://vans.autotrader.co.uk/stock-item ... 9c4/advert

Absolutely HATE that grill though.

Citroen one on the facelift wasn't much better either.

Make a most pleasant combined works and camper van I reckon.
Nice expending roof to finish it off too, if I can find someone that does them for this particular vehicle.

Do you think everyone is getting bored with this thread Chris, as it's only you that posts in it now?

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 23 Mar 2011, 20:32

I don't agree with this theme that modern cars are going to be a whole load of problems. You do hear the odd stories of things going wrong with the multiplexed electronics but its fairly rare, it also often turns out to be the comms2000 which is a 30 minute job to change and not that expensive.

We have had 5 C5s now, of varying ages and mileages. Ive had one comms2000 failure and nothing more serious.

What do you think is on the C5 that isn't on the Xantia?

Ok, so they have DMFs, but then so do most diesels now. They can be changed for a solid flywheel with great success. SO thats that solved.

Suspension is actually more reliable and requires far less maintenance on the C5 than the older Citroens. Ive only had to change two spheres on the C5s, that was because it had been fitted with no brand comfort spheres and one had gone a bit hard. Ive had one leak, which was easily fixed for around £7! Essentially its the Xantia but simplified. Strut tops are not a problem on C5s like the are with Xantias and Xms.

Parts are obviously very easy to get as they are still fairly current cars. They are very strong and safe cars to be in an accident with. They are highly specced with AC as standard on all. Refinement is better than the Xantia and Xm, they are very spacious and huge value for money.

Apart from the details ive mentioned, I really dont think there is anything to be scared off by with the C5s. Certainly not in my experience. They are not as complicated as a lot of people make out and are easy to work on.

Ok, so some faults require then hooking up to a Lexia, but that makes things a bit more simple, as it helps you diagnose problems.

I know when ive looked around at other cars ive uncovered a lot of issues I didn't like and have avoided them. Each time ive came back to C5s, now on my third.

Our 52reg 2.0HDi 110 has done 130K, i know its previous owner and it was never a problem for him and has been virtually problem free for us. The few problems it has had have all been easy fixes and done at home. Its cost very little to maintain and ive no doubt in my mind that it won't be going just as well in another few years. Great cars!

If you want the most simple and cheapest to keep C5, get a 2.0HDi 110 8v with SX or VTR spec.

Where is the vast downsides which seem to push people away. I can't find any and can't rate them highly enough!

Im pleased with the C5s ive had, I would recommend one and have done.

I really like Xantias and Xms, but id always choose a C5 as my daily driver.

C.J. · Unread post by **C.J.** » 23 Mar 2011, 20:37

I think it's just the auto lights and wipers that worry me truth be known.

If you can't fix something with a feeler guage and hammer, then I'm totally lost!

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 23 Mar 2011, 20:48

Auto lights are optional, they can be turned off. As for auto wipers, if they fail the car resorts back to intermittent wiping. Simples!

C.J. · Unread post by **C.J.** » 23 Mar 2011, 20:51

Citroenmad wrote:Auto lights are optional, they can be turned off. As for auto wipers, if they fail the car resorts back to intermittent wiping. Simples!

OK. If you say so. I'm just old fashioned I suppose.

Menawhile, someone else has obviously had the same nutty idea as me!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1997-Citroen-syne ... 2a0f2a399b

5 grand?

Petrol powered?

Povo spec?

Mileage?

P reg?

The owner/stealer is a dreamboat!

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 23 Mar 2011, 20:54

I do

When i was looking at a Xantia for a daily, I was aiming for one with auto wipers, I did consider ones without but ideally wanted with. Two of the things I like more and more on cars now are auto lights & wipers.

I can't say ive noticed that conversion before on a Synergie.

Odd looking rear seats, they obviously fold into the base and provide a flat bed.

C.J. · Unread post by **C.J.** » 23 Mar 2011, 21:57

Citroenmad wrote:I do When i was looking at a Xantia for a daily, I was aiming for one with auto wipers, I did consider ones without but ideally wanted with. Two of the things I like more and more on cars now are auto lights & wipers.
I can't say ive noticed that conversion before on a Synergie.

Odd looking rear seats, they obviously fold into the base and provide a flat bed.

You're just bitching for a fight with me, aren't you ey?

Come on, tell the truth.

I'll never hear the end of this now.

Just been checking out Pug 806's against the Synergie.
Quite staggering price value differences, like double in many cases, and for double the mileage too!

Why? I can't understand that a badge on a car that is in essence, identical,can make a car so so so much more desirable tbh.

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 23 Mar 2011, 22:03

I just don't think some cars or features deserve the bad press they get. Have you had bad experiences with auto functions?

I don't think it has much to do with the badge, or I can't see why it should given that they are identical cars. Sunergies with the HDi engine seem to vary quite a bit in price though.

We used to service a 2.0 16v Fiat Ulysse years ago, just make sure you get one with AC, as that didnt have it even thought it was a range topper with power folding mirrors. It was like a greenhouse, but hotter!

C.J. · Unread post by **C.J.** » 23 Mar 2011, 22:07

Citroenmad wrote: I just don't think some cars or features deserve the bad press they get. Have you had bad experiences with auto functions?

I don't think it has much to do with the badge, or I can't see why it should given that they are identical cars. Sunergies with the HDi engine seem to vary quite a bit in price though.

We used to service a 2.0 16v Fiat Ulysse years ago, just make sure you get one with AC, as that didnt have it even thought it was a range topper with power folding mirrors. It was like a greenhouse, but hotter!

Yes. The C5 I had in 2002 had both features, and I never felt comfortable with them. The wipers came on at the slightest hint of a few spots of rain, and the lights were always a mystery to me. Had to fiddle around to turn the function off, when all I wanted was to turn them on when I considered it neccessary, NOT the car.

All the Synergies I've seen so far have had A/C btw.
The higher roof on the van is more preferable, but very tricky finding a tidy unabused one with A/C which I preferably desire.

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 23 Mar 2011, 22:13

Well thats hardly a bad experience

They are easily turned off though.

My sister doesn't like auto lights, but ive enabled them on her C5 now and she has stopped complaining about them as she is getting to like them.