WHICH IS A BETTER BUY, C5 OR XSARA PICASSO

dawn78 · Post by **dawn78** » 31 Mar 2010, 22:37

I am looking to buy either 2moz, have a 406 but it has been wrote off due to a drunk driver, so i have struggled to choose a new car, but the c5 appeals because of the size but the picasso looks nice too. the ones i have to choose from are a c5, 2.0 hdi lx or a vtr or xsara picasso 2.0 hdi desire or 1.6hdi? thanks for help

Post by **CitroJim** » 31 Mar 2010, 22:47

Dawn, sorry to hear of the demise of your 406

After the 406 you may find the Picasso a bit on the harsh side. It's a bit firm on the springs to my way of thinking. The times I've rode in them I have seriously wondered if they do in fact have any at all... Mind you, most cars feel like that after a hydraulic Citroen.

Apart from that, the Picasso is a wonderful little car. Very practical and judging by how a mate of mine treats hers, reliable, tough and hard-working too. The 1.6HDi goes like a rocket and is good on fuel. For me, the lack of any meaningful suspension would rule the Picasso right out of the equation.

The C5 on the other hand will be the comfy option and closer to the feel of the 406 only a lot better. Loads of space too.

Coming from a 406 I think the C5 will be your choice in the end. The 2.0 HDi is the better choice. The 2.2HDi seems to have some built-in time bombs in the shape of particulate filters, injector/head issues and general engine complexity.

dawn78 · Post by **dawn78** » 31 Mar 2010, 22:54

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p that is one of the c5s? i am a single mum so need to keep my wits about myself to find a decent car and not to buy a shed and to be ripped off lol

dawn78 · Post by **dawn78** » 31 Mar 2010, 23:03

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p picasso

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

c5s

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

sorry to bombard with cars lol just wondered if any seem worth looking at over others

will be very grateful for any advice

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 31 Mar 2010, 23:06

The picasso doesn't have springs, it has girders judging by the two dad's had!
Also the back seats are designed for ten year olds and younger, otherwise the headrests dig into your shoulderblades, so it depends on how old your kids are

The trays on the back of the front seats are useful, and with the ability to remove the seats you've got huge bootspace, although with the seats in the boot is still a decent size.
Dad's second one (first was written off by dopey driver going up the back of him) is a 1.6HDi and he says it's much more responsive than the 2.0HDi, but then so is a dead slug.

The C5 on the other hand... looks like a trout.

dawn78 · Post by **dawn78** » 31 Mar 2010, 23:10

was thinking of a 607 but garage told me not to as too many gadgets to go wrong

ahhhh buying cars is a nightmare, choosing a make and model is hard enough in itself lol

dawn78 · Post by **dawn78** » 31 Mar 2010, 23:14

my poor grandad car is dead

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 31 Mar 2010, 23:16

I was about to ask if it's just the wing and door why was it written off, then I scrolled down and wished I hadn't!
Poor car!

dawn78 · Post by **dawn78** » 31 Mar 2010, 23:19

i kept it in very good condition, interior, engine and outside was mint, low mileage, full service history, 2 owners p reg and he ruined it, poor car, he got out of his car and walked off, so i come out of my house and chased him as i was in bed when he crashed into my car

ah im stuck on car now c5 or the other

doing my head in lol i looked at 406s but i think wasnt the same as wasnt my old car lol and checked out a zafira but that was horrible, but now i am hoping i want one of the citroens, but i dont know which is the best buy and which couple are better to look at, as got to many to look at listed

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 31 Mar 2010, 23:33

I'd suggest taking a few for test drives to see how you get on.
Would you not consider another 406 or Xantia?

dawn78 · Post by **dawn78** » 31 Mar 2010, 23:34

yes to a 406 not sure on other

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 31 Mar 2010, 23:50

dawn78 wrote:yes to a 406 not sure on other

Pffft! Xantia's better looking and has better suspension that's easier to fix when something goes wrong

dawn78 · Post by **dawn78** » 31 Mar 2010, 23:53

maybe, but they are bloody ugly

cachaciero · Post by **cachaciero** » 01 Apr 2010, 04:58

Of the cars you have listed the only one I would bother with is the C5 2.0 Ltr VTR looks a reasonable car but I would not pay more than £2200 for it.

I would suggest that you consider stretching your budget a little and look for a post 2004 1.6 Hdi if running costs are going to be a major concern, it will / should be a little more economical than the 2.0 ltr and there are some other improvements which won't be obvious but are there.

Don't go for a 2.2 C5 they are not as bad as some would have you believe but they are heavy on fuel for local running around and short journeys.

I have / am quite attracted to the 406 SW, a 2005 with a 1.6 Hdi should be in your price bracket I would have thought.

Caveat I know little about Picasso's shouldn't even have Citroen in the name IMHO.

cachaciero

rmunns · Post by **rmunns** » 01 Apr 2010, 07:10

(written from ignorance of C5's.................)

But there seems a lot of posts on here regarding problems about C5's.

Also, shouldn't we be mentioning the dreaded expense of the doseur? Seems to me a buyer of one might find him/herself suddenly with a big bill 'out-of-the-blue'