C5 Mk1 Buying Help in Portugal

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aneesh84
Posts: 366
Joined: 31 Jul 2011, 22:29
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
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C5 Mk1 Buying Help in Portugal

Post by aneesh84 »

Based on all the responses in my previous posts, I have finally decided to go to a C5 2.0 8v Hdi preferable Estate. However, with the high prices of old cars in Portugal I want suggestions to finalise my buy. So I will be posting my queries/ options on this forum, and would make a final decision based on the feedbacks I receive. My budget is around 4000 euros.

1st option

http://www.custojusto.pt/Porto/8919569.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This one is 280.000 kms done. can be negotiated till 4100 euros. Last timing belt change was at 200000 kms.

Is the kms run a bit high?

is it worth spending around 500 euro more to get a car with below 200.000 kms?

How many kms is the life of these engines?

2nd option

http://www.custojusto.pt/Faro/Ligeiros- ... htm?xtcr=3&" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This one has run 800.000 kms but the engine was changed to a 2.0 hdi 16 v engine 3 years ago (200.000 kms ago).


I am still looking for other options.

Also I was told to avoid 2001 options and look for 2002 onwards where they changed the gear to have the lift up lever for reverse. is this really important? or if i get a good deal with low kms from 2001, should I go for it?
Xantia Estate 1999 2.0 HDI 110
C5 2005 2.0 HDI 138
Nissan Leaf 2018 40Kwh
Peter.N.
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Location: Charmouth,Dorset
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C5 X7 VTR + Satnav Hdi estate Silver
C5 X7 VTR + Hdi Estate 2008 Red

In the past: 3, CX td Safaris and about 7, XM td estates. Lovely cars.
x 1199

Re: C5 Mk1 Buying Help in Portugal

Post by Peter.N. »

I would go for the first one, the 8 valve engine has no DPF therefore potentially more reliable. I wouldn't worry about the mileage as long as it drives OK, mine has done 195,000 miles that's about 312,000 Kms and it drives beautifully.

Give it a good test drive, check that it doesn't smoke a lot, the if the clutch disengages very near the top of its travel its worn but not necessarily failing, check that it doesn't slip with you foot down hard at around 2000 rpm. Check that all gears engage smoothly. Look at the rear wheels and see if they are leaning in at the top, if so the radius arm bearings will need changing, another indication is the tyres wearing on the inner edges or the suspension creaks or squeaks.
Have a look round the coolant filler cap for signs of dry antifreeze, check the level although it will usually be low it should have antifreeze in it, you can check this by dipping your finger in and tasting it, it should be sweet. When you remove the filler cap on a cold engine there shouldn't be any pressure in it, there will be when hot.

The 2.0 Hdi engine should be good for 300,000 (480,000 Kms) miles or more if it has been properly serviced particularly if the oil has been changed regularly, preferably more often than specified.

The first one looks quite a nice car, if you can't find anything cheaper and it drives OK I would go for it. Both my C5s have been 01s and I dan't have a problem with anything about them, I did once drive one with the revised reverse gear position and it took me sometime to find it, I found it more awkward then the early one.

Peter
aneesh84
Posts: 366
Joined: 31 Jul 2011, 22:29
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
My Cars:
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Re: C5 Mk1 Buying Help in Portugal

Post by aneesh84 »

Peter, Thank you so much for such a lovely explanation. It will go a long way helping me and other new car buyers.

I have two other options:

Option 3: http://penafiel.olx.pt/citroen-c5-break ... -440191233" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have managed to negotiate it for 4250 euros. I know that you had said that kms is not that important but this one is just 150.000 kms.

Option 4: http://trofa-agueda.olx.pt/citroen-c5-2 ... -432422015" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

this one is 320.000 kms for a last price of 3250 euros.

What would be your pick! :-) Of course condition of the cars is important, but all these are quite far form my place, so once i finalise the price, then i will go and choose and take only if all other things are good.
Xantia Estate 1999 2.0 HDI 110
C5 2005 2.0 HDI 138
Nissan Leaf 2018 40Kwh
Peter.N.
Moderating Team
Posts: 11563
Joined: 02 Apr 2005, 16:11
Location: Charmouth,Dorset
My Cars: Currently:

C5 X7 VTR + Satnav Hdi estate Silver
C5 X7 VTR + Hdi Estate 2008 Red

In the past: 3, CX td Safaris and about 7, XM td estates. Lovely cars.
x 1199

Re: C5 Mk1 Buying Help in Portugal

Post by Peter.N. »

The Exclusive should be the nicer car, although the mileage is higher, providing its been well maintained it should be OK. I would suggest that you drive them both although that might be difficult. Another thing to check if they have dual zone heating, the Exclusive will and the other might depending on the spec, make sure the heater controls work properly on both sides, there can be a problem with the l/h one. If they have survived to a high mileage and they are still running OK they should last.

Peter
aneesh84
Posts: 366
Joined: 31 Jul 2011, 22:29
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
My Cars:
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Re: C5 Mk1 Buying Help in Portugal

Post by aneesh84 »

Thanks Peter, I will check out the cheaper one first its about 300 kms from here so i will first make sure all are okay before making the drive. Although the heater is not so important here, the AC is much more important.
Will keep an eye for other deals, and keep posting here till I finalise one.

By the way when do you know that the injectors need replacement. They last till 480.000 kms? I tend to drive around 20.000 kms a year and want to keep the car for 5-7 years at least, if possible more. Its not a cheap market for old cars, so once I buy one I want to maintain it and keep it. Thats why I wanted to make sure that the 320k km model (option 4), if in good condition, can still be kept for long!
Xantia Estate 1999 2.0 HDI 110
C5 2005 2.0 HDI 138
Nissan Leaf 2018 40Kwh
Peter.N.
Moderating Team
Posts: 11563
Joined: 02 Apr 2005, 16:11
Location: Charmouth,Dorset
My Cars: Currently:

C5 X7 VTR + Satnav Hdi estate Silver
C5 X7 VTR + Hdi Estate 2008 Red

In the past: 3, CX td Safaris and about 7, XM td estates. Lovely cars.
x 1199

Re: C5 Mk1 Buying Help in Portugal

Post by Peter.N. »

The heating tends to stick in the hot setting so I would check it. I have never changed an injector on a 2.0. Hdi so can't advise you but I would suspect that as with the XUD they are capable of lasting the life of the engine, the fact they they are available cheaply on ebay would suggest that they don't often fail.

I always buy high mileage cars as they are cheap and proven, my 406 with the same engine had done 188 k when I bought it, now its on 215k and had never missed a beat. I had two XM 2.1 TDs that had done around 300,000 when I sold them and you often see 406/C5s for sale with similar mileages.

Peter
aneesh84
Posts: 366
Joined: 31 Jul 2011, 22:29
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
My Cars:
x 28

Re: C5 Mk1 Buying Help in Portugal

Post by aneesh84 »

I checked with option 4, and was told that it was always serviced in Citroen Official Workshop, had timing belt changed at 265000, that is about 55000 kms ago.

Was told "not a trace of smoke". Everything works perfectly, electrics, AC, heating etc.

http://trofa-agueda.olx.pt/citroen-c5-2 ... -432422015" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

From these pictures, can you make out if the tyres are worn inside, any hint of radius arm wearing out?

On monday I will go in my Xantia to test everything, and if all goes well will bring home the C5!
Xantia Estate 1999 2.0 HDI 110
C5 2005 2.0 HDI 138
Nissan Leaf 2018 40Kwh
Peter.N.
Moderating Team
Posts: 11563
Joined: 02 Apr 2005, 16:11
Location: Charmouth,Dorset
My Cars: Currently:

C5 X7 VTR + Satnav Hdi estate Silver
C5 X7 VTR + Hdi Estate 2008 Red

In the past: 3, CX td Safaris and about 7, XM td estates. Lovely cars.
x 1199

Re: C5 Mk1 Buying Help in Portugal

Post by Peter.N. »

Looks a nice car. If you do have to replace the radius arm bearings its not the end of the world because of the value of the car there. It cost me about £70.00 for the parts to do mine but if I had to pay labour it probably would have cost as much as I paid for the car - but that's here, you are there. Can't see enough of the tyres to tell but if its been well maintained they may have been replaced. Its the rain and salt that causes the problem here, they may not suffer from it there. You could always ask if they have been replaced.

Peter
aneesh84
Posts: 366
Joined: 31 Jul 2011, 22:29
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
My Cars:
x 28

Re: C5 Mk1 Buying Help in Portugal

Post by aneesh84 »

Yeah the conditions here are much different. No rain no salt! I am now learning more how to fix things myself. On my current Xantia, I fixed a lot of electric problems thanks to this forum. An old radius arm for the Xant costed me 20 euros at the scrap and 10 euros paid to a mechanic who is a friend.

Will tell you how it goes. If you plan to come to Lisbon, or Portugal for vacations, will receive you in my C5. Do let me know.
Xantia Estate 1999 2.0 HDI 110
C5 2005 2.0 HDI 138
Nissan Leaf 2018 40Kwh
jgra1
(Donor 2021)
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My Cars: 2010 C5 X7 2.0 hdi 160 exc auto
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Re: C5 Mk1 Buying Help in Portugal

Post by jgra1 »

nice city ;)
KP
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Re: C5 Mk1 Buying Help in Portugal

Post by KP »

Jeepers we get quite cheap C5's over here then, about 1/4 of the price for some semi decent ones :)
aneesh84
Posts: 366
Joined: 31 Jul 2011, 22:29
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
My Cars:
x 28

Re: C5 Mk1 Buying Help in Portugal

Post by aneesh84 »

Lucky you!
Xantia Estate 1999 2.0 HDI 110
C5 2005 2.0 HDI 138
Nissan Leaf 2018 40Kwh
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