C5 Tourer Estate - which one is best?

[NAM]

Hi chaps

My wife is getting fed up with my Xantia Estate and suggests that we upgrade. I'm not in a rush - she has done 168K (the car not my wife!), and drives like a dream but I feel that time is running out. I may be selling in the next 3-6 months so if I do I'll let the forum know.

Anyway - I really like the new(ish) C5 Tourer Estate. I can only find Diesel engines and the reviews seem to suggest the 2.0L HDI is the one to go for (suspension similar to my Xant - ie no springs) and more. I haven't driven one yet but like the look of it and wanting to keep with Citroen I just want to ask for your experiences - what to look out for etc. I do have one question - the particulate filter......Is this going to be a problem? I do around 8-10K miles a year - not that much on motorways so most on A roads getting to work and back each day (25 mile round trip).

Any comments appreciated!

Cheers, Nige

[DickieG]

I quite fancy upgrading to one of these one day if I can find the right spec, bear in mind that a 2.0 auto reduces fuel consumption by a fair old bit to the extent that it's little better than a 3.0 V6 auto, to me you either have a manual 2.0 or 3.0 auto.

[myglaren]

Check models carefully as unless I am mistaken only the top models have hydraulic suspension on the C5III.

[NAM]

Thanks for the quick replies. I was thinking about manual rather than automatic and I will check which models have hydraulic suspension. It wouldn't seem right to be in a Citroen without the traditional suspension!

[DickieG]

I will check which models have hydraulic suspension. It wouldn't seem right to be in a Citroën without the traditional suspension!

VTR+ and Exclusive.

[Citroenmad]

I will check which models have hydraulic suspension. It wouldn't seem right to be in a Citroën without the traditional suspension!

VTR+ and Exclusive.

Only the Exclusive has hydractive suspension, SX and VTR+ both have coil springs. Unless its an auto, all autos have hydractive.

The 2.0HDi manual would be the best bet, the 1.6HDi would be underpowered in such a heavy car and is not available with the Exclusive spec.

The most popular trims are VTR+ and then SX, so finding a 2.0HDI Exclusive is a little harder.

As for the particulate filter, so long as the car is not always confined to the town it should not be a problem.

If you would like no particulate filter and dont do many miles so are not worried about fuel economy then the 2.0 16v petrol might be worth a look, cheaper to buy too.

[KP]

if you mean best as in spec and comfort and easy top drive then something like this would be the best...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-Citroen- ... 3cc31f9ebe" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

However if its day to day use and easier life selling on in a few years then something like this would be good...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-Citroen- ... 3a70f16bdb" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Exclusives are always the easiet to sell on in a few years due to the options on them and people will hunt them out

as for the DPF, im sure they can now be turned off via a lexia or such like and then a blank exhaust section used to replace it if the owner wished to avoid MOT based issues and improve economy and power

[yeomills]

I have had my third C5 for 5 years and it is time to change. I like the low road tax and economy of the 1.6 but others have reported problems with power and turbo problems. Have members got a view on late model 1.6 models ?. Speed is not an issue I am no longer a boy racer and do not tow.
Regards Barry

[JohnD]

as for the DPF, im sure they can now be turned off via a lexia or such like and then a blank exhaust section used to replace it if the owner wished to avoid MOT based issues and improve economy and power

KP is right. DPF can be dispensed with. Not however by Lexia, but the file needs to be extracted and rewritten. Then it's only a matter of punching two or three holes in the filter canister. Visually, nothing is changed. I had my C5 done about 7000 miles ago and no faults or warnings have been logged. MOT next month will decide if smoke is increased. Certainly it's nice to know that limp mode and a fluid refill isn't just around the corner.

[Citroenmad]

I have had my third C5 for 5 years and it is time to change. I like the low road tax and economy of the 1.6 but others have reported problems with power and turbo problems. Have members got a view on late model 1.6 models ?. Speed is not an issue I am no longer a boy racer and do not tow.
Regards Barry

Im not aware of there being any changes to prevent the turbo problem, however its often caused by the low service intervals, service intervals being missed and/or the wrong oil being used.

I would buy a 1.6HDi without worrying, I would just service it as I do any car, at around 6-7K mile intervals.

[Lighty]

Seems to me that the 1.6 turbo issues are caused by too long service interval, and the DPF being blocked and causing too much back pressure / heat in the turbo. My solution is change the oil every 6000 miles, and drill 2x 15 mm holes straight through the filter. You will not have any problems then.

[Citroenmad]

Also its best to use the correct oil, Total developed an oil specifically for the 16V HDi units. Its called Ineo ECS and its the only thing I ever use in our 16v HDis.

[NAM]

Thanks for all this info - it really is helpful to get your views.

Nigel

[telboy5]

I have a 2010 C5 Tourer, currently on 42k miles and I have to say it's been one of the best and most reliable cars I have ever owned.

Admittedly, I have the twin turbo 3.0 diesel auto, remapped to 300bhp and 460flbt and currently achieving around 40mpg which I don't think is bad for such a powerful car. My best return was on a trip from Bournemouth to Northampton and back through a lot of traffic although still returned 47mpg!!!!

I'm kinda glad the motoring press are so German biased as the c5 tourer is still quite exclusive!!! I've had so many cars before this one ranging from the BMW 5 series, Merc E and C's, Volvo s60's and s80's and a lot from the VW stable and nothing comes close on ride comfort, build quality (yes I did just type build quality) and overall reliability.

Good luck with your search, if you get one, you won't be disappointed.

[NAM]

Wow nuff said.......I just need to find one with less than 60K miles. The ones I have seen so far have close to 100K - guess they are fleet cars. I know it doesn't make that much difference but I would like to keep it for a while.