When i talk about C5s, I never count the C5III, quite a different car, mainly coil sprung, though a lot of the running gear is obviously the same/similar. Im disappointed with it to an extent, time will tell if thats what ill get to replace this one in a few years time, i suspect not.
cachaciero wrote:
When buying a secondhand car you have to think about what is likely to go wrong and how much is it going to cost. Well it seems to me that at 60K plus the average PSA car is coming up for a lot of major cost, DMF, Clutch, Rear Arm bearings, suspension bushes, Cam Belt add to that that many start to look internally tired at this mileage. This was not true of previous generations a 100K was nothing for an XM or Xantia and no one would have considered any of the above failures as likely to be major issues, in part because the parts concerned were better engineered or more substantial or because the normal service intervals being shorter items such as cambelts would have been addressed at least once before the second owner purchased the car.
I agree about evaluating costs and reliability of a car, this is something i really look into when buying a car, and it initially brought me to a C5! Size wise i wanted a big car, so i did compare all of the large hatchbacks i could. Im a student and work part time, I need my car to get me to work and uni, doing quite a few miles (1500+ a month at present) and i cant afford the time or money to put it right if it consistently goes wrong. So far the 3 C5s ive owned have all been cost effective to run. I must say, this 138 is by far the most economical and hopefully, given its mileage and its not that old, it should stay reliable for a good while. It represents excellent value for money, I stand by my comment from getting my 138 a month or so ago, there is no other car id rather have at present. It does everything i need and want and more, plus it satisfies my interest in Citroens.
Ifyu have not tried a later C5II, id recommend trying one, as i think there are numerous improvements over the original.
Some interesting points, however ...
At 60K there should be no reason for the DMF, clutch, rear arm bearings or suspension bushes to even be thinking about needing replacement, the cambelt either.
Our 5 C5s have proven me something, faults are not that common. Ive not had one DMF fail, our first estate required a clutch at 105K miles but only because the previous owner wore it out, the DMF was fine. That car also required a radious arm bearing at 107K miles, though its an easy job. The cambelt on that car was done at 104K.
Yes, our current 52 plate C5 had a DMF at 60K, before my ownership, its been replaced with a solid flywheel and has done 128K now and its fine.
Cambelts are supposed to last 100K on 8V HDis and 150K on 16Vs, so dont worry about those at 60K miles.
Ive yet to have to replace any suspension bushes.
Our facelifted 05reg C5 2.0HDi 16v 138 estate has hauled heavy weights since we have owned it, its now on 68K with no signs of clutch wear of DMF failure. That car has only required a drop link (£30) in the last 23K miles/18 months in our ownership, obviously servicing and tyres too. It does 45-48MPG with the heavy load in, well over 50 without. Everything works as it should, the interior shows no sign of wear apart from the interior door grab handle on the drivers side. There are no radius arm bearing problems or worn bushes. Its an absolute pleasure.
You say the 2.2 diesel Toyota does 48 on the combined, I assume thats a manual? In that case so does the 2.0HDi 138 C5 and the 1.6HDi does even better. Im averaging between 48-50MPG with my 138, im very pleased with that, small car economy in a huge car, excellent! SO the Toyota has a little more power, but you said you didn't need so much power.
If i was
forced to buy a similar sized car to my C5 which does as much as this but without buying another C5, id struggle, especially as none will offter the comfort or self leveling - something i use and like. On my list would be:
New shape Ford Mondeo: Huge cars, some use PSA engines (I like that!), good value for money, easy to find and well equipped. The older model looks a bit dated now and i was disappointed when looking for one before getting my 04plate C5.
Vauxhall Insignia: Again, a big hatch, well equipped, not sure about reliability as i think they still use Fiat diesels. Ive heard owners say they dont like them though, as would prefer their old Vectra - obviously people who drive company cars!
There are other hatchbacks which would do, the Laguna is ok, but its trim quality is low rent and its not the best looker.
The 407 would be high on my list of possibles, as they are really nice cars, but a saloon wouldn't do me so it would have to be a SW and im not sure if i want an estate. If i didnt need a hatchback, then id be looking at Volvos too, reasonably good value, usually very reliable, offer some interesting little touches over other cars. I pretty much like all of the 'S' Volvos and id recommend one. A V70 might suit your needs, or a V50? For some reason i find Volvos slightly interesting, i discounted the Toyota Avensis as id be bored with it in no time.
What about a German car? Usually reliable and well made, a Passat estate? Though in my opinion value for money isnt there, you have to pay a premium for them.
I know i probably have C5 tinted spectacles, but when you look at their many many plus points, its hard to justify enough negatives to put you off. Especially when you compare it to competitor cars.
Though i maintain the later C5s carry many improvements over the first.