What next?

rmunns · Post by **rmunns** » 31 May 2011, 10:40

I've now had my second Xantia for two years and I'm beginning to think of getting into something a bit newer. Say about 2005.

I'm keen on the Picasso style but I'm confused about the models this style is available in.

But, more importantly, I'm concerned not to get into a model that might land me in expensive DMF / eolys / other nasties that I suspect lurk under the surface of many newer cars today.

So, any advice, please?[/i]

wheeler · Post by **wheeler** » 31 May 2011, 12:09

are you thinking petrol or diesel ?

Post by **Peter.N.** » 31 May 2011, 12:30

It depends on why you bought a Xantia in the first place, if it was for the suspension as I think most did there is not much you can replace it with, an XM or C5 or if you can run to it a C6.

Peter

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 31 May 2011, 12:46

Early picassos had the Xantia 8v 110bhp or 90bhp engines in them without FAPs... If you go to any 16v I THINK they all have FAPs.. but Im not 100% certain..

The picasso will NOT give you the same comfort, though will give you more space, and the ones Ive seen do seem to be a bit more "Plasticy" then the Xantia.. Im personally not impressed with them.

Paul

Post by **RichardW** » 31 May 2011, 20:32

They're built down to a price for a target market - families. Once you have had one with a small child, you won't go back to putting them in car seats in ordinary cars! My wife also really likes the sit up and beg driving position as it's easy on her not brilliant back.

2.0HDi only 90 BHP in the Xsara Picasso. I think by 2005 this had been phased out and replaced with the 1.6 HDi in 90 and 110 format. 110 has DPF, both probably DMF. 2.0 HDi manages without either. Most live hard lives and will be at the end of the their 7 year / 100k mile deswign life by the time they get chopped in! Ours will be 9 years / 100k next summer, and likely to get punted and replaced with a C4 Picasso.....

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 31 May 2011, 20:41

Ah I thought the S1 Picasso had both 90 and 110bhp units...

Well, I wasnt sure... either.

Paul

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 01 Jun 2011, 07:49

RichardW wrote: My wife also really likes the sit up and beg driving position as it's easy on her not brilliant back.

tooooooo much infomation there Richard

regards malcolm

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 01 Jun 2011, 17:05

Do you live in France full time? Is your Xant a LHD and will your next car be LHD?

Anyway, sticking with Citroens made in and around 2005 you have a fairly wide choice. Xsara Picasso, C4 hatch, C4 Picasso and C5.

The Xsara Picasso is a good car but its appearing dated now, still a very good family motor though. Available with the 2.0HDi 90 and 90 & 110 1.6HDi engines. The 2.0 doesnt have a FAP filter but the 1.6 might - im not sure on that as some 1.6HDis do not have it. However treat the clutch right and the DMF should last. Dont confine the car to short runs and the FAP should be quite trouble free too.

The C4 hatch is a lovely car, 1.6HDi in both 90 and 110 powers. These have a DMF but not sure about the FAP system, they might. The early ones ive driven seemed a little flimsy and I prefer the C5s to drive - I was expecting more from the C4 but it is quite comfortable.

C4 Picasso is again a nice thing, they sell well and so there is a lot of choice. 1.6HDi is the only model to go for in my opinion, as the 2.0HDi 138 is fixed to a EGS gearbox which is slow to change, lumpy and lacks a creep function of a real auto, makes parking a bit of a pain. The 2.0HDi 138 can not be had with a manual gearbox in the C4 Pic, well not unless its a very late one anyway.

C5, well I do get along well with these, a great replacement for your Xantia in my opinion. If your really not wanting a FAP filter then the only choice is a 2.0HDi 110 (I wouldn't get the 90) which is 2001-2004 in the C5I OR you can get a C5 1.6HDi in 'Design' trim level which for some reason seems to lack a FAP system, other C5 specs in 1.6 have it. The 2.0HDi 138 is excellent, it has a FAP as do all other 16V diesels (apart from the 'Design 1.6') however the fap filter fluid does last longer than the early 2.2HDis which is where the FAP system got its demanding reputation from. Look after it, dont pootle around town for all the cars life and get the fluid topped up when it wants and is should be plain sailing - certainly hasnt put me off. The 1.6 HDi is supposed to be good, economical in the C5. Its a 5 speed not a 6 like the 138 2.0HDi but its refined and provides decent pull despite its small size. You do see a few 1.6s with turbo issues, but that is often down to the silly long (20K) service intervals where the small turbo oil feed pipes get blocks. FInd one with 10K servicing and it should be good. I like the 2.0 138 for its extra go and refinement that the 6 speed box offers. I pootled home from work yesterday and got 65.3MPG on my 14 mile commute. My average is around 50mpg over the last 5000 miles. Which I think is excellent for a large car and the way I drive it.

Few choices there