Need general guidance on C5

[Napoleon]

I'm starting to consider if I should buy a C5 estate (diesel?), but as usual with these sorts of things, I don't really know where to start to find out which one I should be looking at.

There seem to be so many variations of car these days, across all makes and models that it's like, to me, looking for a needle in the proverbial. I just don't get 'VTR/HDi' blah blah blah. All this stuff hidden in odd arrangements of letters!

So, what I'm looking for is an estate, like I said, probably about three years old, with lots of fancy gizmos. By that I mean a sunroof and electric windows! I'm a simple soul, see?

I could really do with some pointers from those of you who have been there and done it, and maybe are still doing it (ongoing owner). Any opinions/experience/links to reviews most welcome.

Cheers chaps.

[Citroenmad]

With a 3 year old C5 you will be looking at the newest 'Germanic' looking C5III.

Available in either saloon (not a hatch like the Xantia) or Tourer (sadly smaller than the original C5s). They have 1.6, 2.0 (in both 138 and later 160bhps) and 2.2 173s. There is also the storming V6 diesels it you fancy visiting the fuel pumps more often.

Trim levels, well you only get true Hydropneumatic suspenion on the range topping C5III Exclusive, and all automatics, regardless of trim level. SX and VTR+ cars have some funny bits of bent betal known as coil springs! I thought this was a big Citroen!!?!!

So spec levels, SX has air con and cruise but it has steel wheels which look tiny on a C5III and pretty cheap too. Though its not a badly specced car. The VTR+ is the most popular spec, its got alloys and a few goodies, satnav was optional, as was leather. Exclusive is the true Citroen model having hydractive suspension. The Exclusive has most toys which you could live without but might desire.

Anyway, im not hugely clued up on the C5III, but that might help you on your way to finding the one you want.

[Napoleon]

Ok, thanks.

Where does the 'C5 111' come in?

[Citroenmad]

Ok, thanks.

Where does the 'C5 111' come in?

C5I is the first C5, ran from 2001 to late 2004
C5II is the facelifted C5, quite a few improvements over the earlier cars, different engines but basically the same car
C5III is the all new C5, new body and platform to the previous C5s, its a very different car.

C5I:


C5II


C5III:

[Napoleon]

Hmm, no doubt about which one I prefer...

Still, there's more to it than looks. Reliability and a decent chance of staying with us for a good few years just as, if not more, important.

[Citroenmad]

The C5II, from 2004-2008, is a very good car for many ways. Its superb value, has the best engines in my opinion and also the best blend of fuel economy and performance. The early C5s are either not that powerful or juicey, the latest C5 is very heavy and performance is blunted.

Though if your looking at ones less than three years old it'll be the latest one, in Tourer form I guess. Id go for the 2.0 HDi 138 or larger.

[Napoleon]

How do I find out current prices for any car? There was Glass's guides and parkers, I think. Is this an established method of getting accurate prices?

[Citroenmad]

Hmm not really, they tend to undervalue cars really.

Your best to look on autotrader really, see wht the cars you like are being advertised for. Its a much more accurate guide. You will get a few which are too cheap for various reasons and ones which are priced too highly, however find the middle ground and thats what the car is worth.

No doube for a 2009 C5 Tourer in VTR+ 2.0HDi 138 spec with average mileage will be around £8-10K? That is without looking though ...

[Citroenmad]

Just had a quick search on autotrader. Citroen C5, Estate, Diesel, Up to 3 years old:

Cheaper end of the scale with above average miles, a basic spec (still some goodies though) 1.6HDi SX.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A higher mileage 2.0HDi 138 Exclusive, the best spec as it has hydractive suspension, though if your planning on keeping it a while, id be looking for lower milers:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And more what I was thinking about, a 2.0HDi 138 VTR+ with average miles:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Another
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Napoleon]

Some nice cars there, thanks for all the links.

No sunroofs in view - is that an Exclusive thing?

[Citroenmad]

I don't think it was even standard on the Exclusive, pretty sure it was an option.

[Napoleon]

Cool, You've been really helpful, CM, thanks.

[Citroenmad]

Cool, You've been really helpful, CM, thanks.

Not a problem

I can see a C5III Tourer being the replacement for my current C5II hatch. Though not for a good few years yet!

Happy searching!

[Peter.N.]

I have recently bought my first C5 and am very impressed with it, its an early one but was very cheap, mine is a 2.2 which is not particularly economical, the 2.0 Hdi 8 valve is a very durable and economical engine but I think that was only used until about 2005.

Peter

[cachaciero]

Frankly if one was looking at a C5 III at anything less than Exclusive trim i.e with springs and shocks then IMHO I would suggest looking at the Peugeot 407SW same car under the skin more choice on S/H market and Panoramic Sunroof seems pretty standard, harder to find one with the Navidrive system.
Of course if one has decided, as PSA obviously has that Hydro-pnuematic suspension has had it's day then there are other manufacturers that supply coil sprung cars which score higher on either technological advancement or quality of build or both, Toyota for one.

cachaciero