Citroenmads Citroen blog.

[robert_e_smart]

No, no, I ignored all that Jim.

I didn't want to create any more unecessary ill feeling. I got the impression that some folk didn't take the joke well.

[Citroenmad]

Didn't bother me Robert They ain't all going to last forever and we need the worst ones stripped to keep the better ones going Considering you hate Activas, that is quite a service you are doing there ...

[robert_e_smart]

The irony is that I keep the better ones on the road! I'm glad to get a bit of support for the Activa cull!

[Citroenmad]

I'm glad to get a bit of support for the Activa cull!

Well, I dont know if I would go that far!

[Deanxm]

I would, Robert breaks dogs, they keep nice ones on the road, mine would have been in the scrap long ago if i couldnt source the bits i needed at a sesible price from Robert when i was doing her up. Too many people try and keep utter junk on the roads, Robert knows where to draw the line and doesnt just weigh them in, we all benifit.

And bring back the avatar, it was funny.

D

[CitroJim]

I would, Robert breaks dogs, they keep nice ones on the road, mine would have been in the scrap long ago if i couldnt source the bits i needed at a sesible price from Robert when i was doing her up. Too many people try and keep utter junk on the roads, Robert knows where to draw the line and doesnt just weigh them in, we all benifit.

And bring back the avatar, it was funny.

D

Agreed on all counts Well said Dean!

Yes, Robert, please bring it back. I made me chuckle. Glad no offence at my comments was taken...

[Citroenmad]

I went C5 shopping for a friend today, we looked at three C5s and came away with none. The budget was around £1100 or so, petrol or diesel, saloon or estate, ideally a automatic but manual would be ok. So pretty much any model.

The first car was a 2003 2.0HDi 110 SX saloon with 96K miles, service history, MOT and tax for £1100. Despite the seller knowing what time we were going the car had a flat tyre, not a good start! The body was scratched and uncared for but appeared original. As I got into the drivers seat I got hold of the steering wheel which was wobbling around, as if it was loose, though probably a worn steering rack. The interior was really filthy and quite damaged in places, headling ripped, cig holes in the seats etc. The engine didn't sound very good and not like a 2.0HDi should.

The second car was a 2001 2.0 16v petrol automatic saloon, again in dark green. This one was a one owner car, 40K miles with full history, described as immaculate inside and out and the seller (trade seller) sounded like a nice chap on the phone. It was advertised for £1099 which seemed right for a good condition but early C5 petrol auto. Every panel looked as though it had been painted on a dark night by a partially sighted rattle car, dull, flat paint with pealing in places and plenty of filler. The rest of the car was ok, it had issues and in my opinion not worth the asking price. The offer did not go down well with the seller, who was not at all a nice chap as he first sounded. Another fibber who chose not to believe me about the dead speedo, cambelt and so on.

The next one was a 2002 2.0HDi 110 LX estate, 160K for £1300. This was the better of the lot but fairly tatty, front bumper was hangling off, interior not great and really a last resort if it was to be bought, so we decided to leave that one.

It comes as no surprise to me that it is hard to find a half decent car, through the trade at least, as its a problem I find every time. I was out car shopping with another friend last weekend and could not find a decent car or an honest seller, just people trying to fob me off with some tale or another to get around an engine management light or the inability for a car to tick over without stalling etc, etc. Ive lost days, probably adding into weeks, travelling the country in search of a decent car.

Either C5s are increasing in price and a half decent model (im not expecting new condition ...), can not be had for £1100 or Ive just had an unlucky day. Now, I realise these were all 10 years old or older, however this is no excuse for them to be poor cars. Good cars can be found at the same money as poor ones, its just finding them. I don't mind buying a car which needs things doing if the price reflects this, but it rarely does. Likewise cars which are priced highly are often no better than the cheaper ones. Mostly it annoys me how dishonest some people can be, I realise they need to sell the cars, but the buyer is only going to find out what the car is like when they turn up. Either they need to be honest and price accordingly or buy the correct cars in. One car I bought a few years ago was from a very friendly dealer who said he would only get a car in if it was in a condition he would have his own car in. It was true as all of the cars there were very nice examples and the one I bought was too.

I like to think that during my ownership of a car it either stays in excellent condition (bodily and mechanically) or it improves. Id also never sell a car unless it was right or the buyer was fully aware of its condition.

Today has shown me one thing, our trusty 2002 C5 HDi is priceless! As are the others as I would hate to have to buy another used car at the moment. I can see where there are so many brand new cars around!

Sorry, rant over

I hate buying cars Worse still when someone is relying upon you to find them a decent car Might have to only look at private sales from now.

So, does anyone have a £1000 C5 to sell?

[CitroJim]

It's a minefield Chris there are many definitions of 'immaculate' and those used in the motor trade really don't equate to the dictionary definition at all...

To be honest I reckon you'd both be better off looking for an HDi Xantia for that kind of money. That should buy a good 'un...

[Citroenmad]

A minefield is a very good way to describe buying a used car through the trade I think ill try avoid even looking at cars through trade sellers, privates are not always great but at least you dont usually get the ridiculous sales talk/lies

I have suggested a Xantia and a HDi would probably suit, though I can see it having to be an Exclusive!

[Citroening]

A minefield is a very good way to describe buying a used car through the trade I think ill try avoid even looking at cars through trade sellers, privates are not always great but at least you dont usually get the ridiculous sales talk/lies

Not all traders are like that though, eh Chris...

I have suggested a Xantia and a HDi would probably suit, though I can see it having to be an Exclusive!

This one doesn't look too bad - a 110 Exclusive as well. Had the Cambelt done too which is good to hear - are they C5 alloys? Needs a bit of TLC but doesn't look too bad...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000-CITROEN- ... 500wt_1287" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Citroenmad]

Your quite right Franklin, however its finding a good trader which is the problem

That looks decent, yep series 1 C5 2.2/estate alloy wheels. Apart from the missing mirror cover and wheel arch damage it does look tidy, good mileage too and a good price. I shall mention that one, thanks

[CitroJim]

Not all traders are like that though, eh Chris...

It's the exceptions that proves the rules Franklin

[robert_e_smart]

Do they need a C5 Chris? What about a nice XM for the same money... I can help out there...

[CitroJim]

Robert, I adore your newest avatar.....

Oh and great column this month too... Excellent!

[Citroenmad]

He would very much like an XM Robert, he is always admiring our estate. Though its finding a good one and one which is not going to need an awful lot doing. He is trying to replace a dying Volvo 850 2.5 petrol estate with 200K miles, its about finished. Though it doesn't need to be an estate.

Im not sure how far he wants to travel for a car ... but what have you got? Ideally auto ...