Citroenmads Citroen blog.

Tell us your ongoing tales and experiences with your French car here. Post pictures of your car here as well.
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chopper602
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by chopper602 »

Citroenmad wrote:Im not sure on what small car it would be yet Davie, a C1 would be a very sensible choice, I do really like them and they do cost peanuts to keep. Quite fun to drive too and they have a good driving position for me. There are a few cars I have in mind, so ill need to have a better look into those.
As quoted several times every thread on PistonHeads, the answer to your small sporty car is an MX-5. I had one (2.0 Mk.3) before the Alfa and it was superb. Quick for fun, not too quick to kill yourself with . . . and no heated rollers in sight!

Good for this too :

Image
Tim
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1985 Citroën 2CV6
2011 Saab 9-5 2.0 TiD
2012 TEC RoTec Lift 652G Motorhome
2012 Toyota GT86
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by Citroenmad »

I might well look out for a more subtle towbar Robert, for the time being I'll leave this one be. Im going to look into doing my trailer towing test, so the XM with its auto box would be much easier on the car than having to do it in the 52-plate C5. I do like C4s, but its not too different from a C5, still as many things to go wrong too, I fancy something a bit different from what im used to.

Andrew, im sure you would have a good few people tempted by a leather trimmed single spoke XM steering wheel. I might well be interested! However, I might have a normal single spoke one in good condition on its way.

Thanks Paul, it is getting there slowly, im looking forward to it not being described as a 'banger'! :twisted: .... There are some very uneducated people around here :roll: Yes, Pauls collection of bits is a very full one :lol:

Today I painted and fitted the bit of trim which sits under the rear light on the NS, it was missing. The back is looking much more tidy now.
Image

I'll take it round some known bodyshop places in the next few weeks and get the bodywork priced up. Mainly the rear corner and front wing. It could do with the nose cone painting too, so ill get that priced up. Ideally I'll get it machine polished before then.

The weekend job is to remove the top speedo cable ready for it to be sent to speedycables, who will hopefully make a new cable for it. I've also still got the gearbox oil and filter to change, that might be this weekend too.

Do you really want to know what is on my possible list of cars? Im sure it won't go down well on a French car forum! :lol: An MX-5 is not something I have thought about, it would have to be the older shape which is ok but the first and later shape of MX-5 is the bets in my opinion. I am considering a Smart Roadster, amongst other things. They are huge fun, cheap to keep, very different and quite appealing. Though its not the most sensible of cars, I have the XM for that ... :lol:

I had the C5 out today, after a 3 week rest, ive not missed it but it was nice to drive it again. I have decided I want a change and so my list is going to have to improve or my decision made about what to replace the C5 with. I want something fun to drive without having to do silly speeds and something which doesnt cost the earth to fuel, insure and tax. Ideally it should be no older than 10 years old and within a budget of £4.5K. Ideas? :lol:

Running cost wise for the XM, I seem to get about 180-200 miles from the LPG tank, which at my local autogas prices works out to around £26-£28. Not too bad! The Activa would cost around £40-£45 for the same milage.
Chris
07 Citroen C6 V6 HDi Exclusive - Red
07 Citroen C5 HDi VTR - Red
09 Citroen C3 1.4i VTR - Silver
01 Citroen Saxo 1.1i Forte - Mango Orange
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93 Ford Mondeo 2.0i GLX
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chopper602
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by chopper602 »

Citroenmad wrote: Do you really want to know what is on my possible list of cars? Im sure it won't go down well on a French car forum! :lol: An MX-5 is not something I have thought about, it would have to be the older shape which is ok but the first and later shape of MX-5 is the bets in my opinion. I am considering a Smart Roadster, amongst other things. They are huge fun, cheap to keep, very different and quite appealing. Though its not the most sensible of cars, I have the XM for that ... :lol:
If you like glacial gear shifts then the Smart is the car for you!

Clio cup is worth thinking about, but very cheap interior and road tax is expensive
Seat Ibiza has a very crashy ride, good interior though and the diesel I had was very economical

(I looked at lots of alternatives before I got the Mito!!)
Tim
Teesside

1985 Citroën 2CV6
2011 Saab 9-5 2.0 TiD
2012 TEC RoTec Lift 652G Motorhome
2012 Toyota GT86
citroenxm
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by citroenxm »

The BEST things about Mk.1 Mazda MX-5's are the pop up headlights should always work... and the engine is a "Clearance Engine" in that if and when the Cam belt breaks, through neglet useually, it does NOT matter, as the pistons do NOT hit the valves! So reset the timing, fit a new belt, and drive on!

I know this from experiance. The same engine is - well was, fitted to the 323F

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_ima ... _large.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

(That SHAPE, the BEST )

I had one, my sister also had one. Mine was a non runner sadly.
Sharing a pug 207 1.6 hdi Sw 16v.
M reg Xm 2.1 td auto exclusive S2 269k and rising
L reg XM V6 12v SEi auto .. Light project

A very sad...
1994 XM 2.1 d auto
andmcit
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by andmcit »

Yes Paul, but it was like driving a Xantia on the lowest suspension setting: pop up headlights or not!!

I drove one of these for a while with work and accept it was quite a fun car if you were up for a thrash about but tiring after even a short journey - there were x3 consecutive numbered ones used by the business and everyone here is still a Mazda fan because of them.
Nothing moves you like a Citroën
citroenxm
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by citroenxm »

Agreed andrew.. a very laid down low flat driving position.. but i still love them. a family four door with porsche 924 pop up head lights.. love them..
Sharing a pug 207 1.6 hdi Sw 16v.
M reg Xm 2.1 td auto exclusive S2 269k and rising
L reg XM V6 12v SEi auto .. Light project

A very sad...
1994 XM 2.1 d auto
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Dommo
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by Dommo »

I've been reading the past couple of pages of this thread and agree that the C5 should go in place of something a bit more interesting, maybe not a permanent thing but I would do for now it personally. I was considering suggesting an old Honda Insight but figured it wasn't what you'd be interested in, until you mentioned a Smart, then I figured maybe it is!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HONDA-INSIGHT ... 3f18ae6b62

If I had space I'd love to own one.. A small 2 seater lightweight hybrid which can do 80mpg on a conservative run.. Assuming the batteries are good that is. As far as I can see there's no reason why this would depreciate either, they seem to be going up in value if anything! Free tax too.
andmcit
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by andmcit »

http://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/224452113.htm?ca=20_s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheap to tax, runs around 30mpg and is an absolute dream to drive and own and can only increase in value
and ultimately, you'll be the envy of every man that's driven a G...

Best car ever IMHO and all for 2500 €

Or how about this:
http://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/330013595.htm?ca=12_s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Last edited by andmcit on 13 Jun 2012, 20:20, edited 1 time in total.
Nothing moves you like a Citroën
Deanxm
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by Deanxm »

not that one though, he is selling his tax free uk spec car and keeping the import which isnt tax free which makes you think what could be wrong with that dinky little 1l engine and battery bank after 160k.

do you think he was on a dare to get the words modern and classic in the ad as much as possible :lol: i think he is right though, must be getting rather collectable.

D
XM Prestige PRV6 92
Talbot Express Autotrail Chinook 89
Mitsubishi L200 Trojan 14
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Service Citroen is awesome, it shows me pictures of all the parts i used to be able to buy............
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Citroening
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by Citroening »

Those Gs just keep going and going - fantastic engine and basically never go wrong! :-D Shame there's not many left... :cry: That one does look nice...

What about a nice C4 Coupe Chris? Get it in VTS form in the Petrol and it's 180BHP - bit of tweaking with (eg) a GSR Induction Kit and a remap will see very near 200BHP...

If you want diesel they're 138BHP and a tuning box/remap etc will see that higher...
Franklin
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Citroening
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by Citroening »

Not a bad looking car in Silver - Link.

Black one - Link.

There's a fair amount out there...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=C ... &_from=R40" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Franklin
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chopper602
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by chopper602 »

Is the C5 diesel? Someone at work is looking for a commuter car . . .
Tim
Teesside

1985 Citroën 2CV6
2011 Saab 9-5 2.0 TiD
2012 TEC RoTec Lift 652G Motorhome
2012 Toyota GT86
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by Citroenmad »

Ah, some very interesting ideas, thanks :-D

I have not driven a Smart Roadster yet Tim, I have driven a couple Fortwos and found the gearbox lazy, though apparently you get used to it. The Clio 182 (not sure if I would willingly opt for the noisier, stiffer and less well equipped Cup) is an appealing car, very cheap to buy and good performance and handling. They are also everywhere so finding a decent one wouldn't be too difficult. Unlike a Smart Roadster which are pretty rare.

I have driven a 2002 Seat Ibiza 1.9TDi 130 Sport, I thought there was something wrong with it as the suspension was the worst I have experienced in any car. I couldn't live with it and so didn't buy that one back then. Id rather have a Skoda Fabia VRS, better looking in my opinion, 5 door and again quite easy to find.

Im not sure on the Mazda 323, I guess it was a looker in its time but I much prefer the slightly later and more rounded version. From what I have seen, they all rust, a lot. Original MX-5 would be ok, I'm not too enthusiastic about them though.

The C4 is ok Franklin, its perhaps not as different as I was hoping for and the VTS doesn't do what I'm looking for, it would be much more expensive than my C5 is to run. Actually the C5 is very cheap to run, road tax is £165 (im ideally looking for something a bit cheaper but quite happy with that), it does 50mpg and insurance is reasonable. Its not a whole lot of fun though :roll: The same engine my C5 has but in a C4 would be ok.

I do like GSs but can't see one working as my every day car. :lol: Rust is a big pet hate of mine and they do like to fiz away a little, I can't see it lasting through many winters!

I think your right Dommo, I have bought C5s as they do everything I need in a car, however the Xantia and especially XM will do that and so it makes sense to have something a bit more different to use every day, I dont need 3 big cars. The Xm could be my choice for long distances and when i need space. The Honda Insight is certainly an interesting and different car, I really like those. None on autotrader, that would make one a little hard to find. The ebay one has done 160K, impressive! I gather the batteries need changing at some point, im sure it being stood for a year would not have done them any favours.

I suppose I kind of want the almost impossible, something which is fun to drive, is a little different but also cheap to keep, run and fuel. :roll: So with that in mind, the list I have so far is:

Audi A2 - Have always liked these, its not in the slightest sporty but it is a bit different. If had with a 1.4TDi engine they will be very efficient. Virtually no depreciation as they are getting more desirable.
Citroen C2 - perhas a GT or VTS, or even a HDi. Cheap to buy and great fun in sporty trim.
Citroen C1 - the sensible choice as far as running costs and reliability go. Few modern cars are cheaper to buy and run, however I do find them good fun too. Cheap to buy, slow depreciation and very simple = less to go wrong.
Fiat Panda 100HP - They look great in my opinion, have a great stance, well equipped and almost practical. Drove one yesterday and it was a lot more fun than I was expecting. Really do want one of these at the moment, probably drop like a stone in value, not be great on fuel, but it will be fun and its an entertaining drive.
Mini Cooper - not sure about this, too many bought for a fashion item rather than a decent little drivers car. Have a pretty poor reliability rep too. Drives well, plenty to choose from, about the size im looking for.
Renault Clio 182 - good fun, easy to get hold of, look good and have a lot of performance and great handling. I do find the driving position a bit cramped and awkward in Clios.
Skoda Fabia VRS - diesel with lots of torque, 5 doors and looks good
Smart Roadster - possibly the most fun out of all of my thoughts, however will I get fed up with it quickly?

It has to be cheap to keep otherwise having 3 cars for any period is not going to work for me and something else will have to go.


Tim, my C5 is a diesel yes, a 2.0HDi 138bhp with 35,000 miles.
Chris
07 Citroen C6 V6 HDi Exclusive - Red
07 Citroen C5 HDi VTR - Red
09 Citroen C3 1.4i VTR - Silver
01 Citroen Saxo 1.1i Forte - Mango Orange
.
93 Ford Mondeo 2.0i GLX
19 Hyundai i10
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chopper602
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by chopper602 »

Fiats TwinAir engine is supposed to be a lot of fun, although I have still yet to try one . .
Tim
Teesside

1985 Citroën 2CV6
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2012 TEC RoTec Lift 652G Motorhome
2012 Toyota GT86
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Re: Citroenmads Citroën blog.

Unread post by Citroenmad »

I bet it would be, out of my budget though.
Chris
07 Citroen C6 V6 HDi Exclusive - Red
07 Citroen C5 HDi VTR - Red
09 Citroen C3 1.4i VTR - Silver
01 Citroen Saxo 1.1i Forte - Mango Orange
.
93 Ford Mondeo 2.0i GLX
19 Hyundai i10