1.6 hdi...

[Rob81]

Hello.

I have returned for a bit more advice...

I currently have a 2.2 2009 C5 exclusive. I love it but a recent change to my circumstances means I have a 90 mile round trip to work. I'm keen to reduce my fuel costs (the c5 only manages high 30's mpg) so I have been looking at alternatives. I've decided to get a berlingo or c3 picasso wirh the 1.6 hdi but having read the turbo failure horror stories wondered how best to minimise my chance of buying a dud. Am I right in thinking the turbo problems mainly occurred in the earlier engines and later ones are more robust? I know service history is imperative but would people advise against a higher mile example? Any other advice gratefully received!

Thanks,
Rob

[RichardW]

The turbo eating monster is the 16V unit, used up to 2011, after that they went to an 8V unit, which is much better in the turbo respect. Buying guide for the 16V unit here: http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 11&t=49995 - I wouldn't say avoid at all costs, but go in with your eyes open and be prepared to do a bit of work and they can be OK. I'd avoid a high miler unless it's had a clutch - the parts are expensive, and the job long and arduous (cost us around £800 for our C4 Picasso last month)

[Rob81]

Thanks for taking the time to write that Richard. I will narrow my search 2011 plate onwards with the 8v engine. Berlingos wirh aircon and (ideally) cruise control seem rare so I might find myself in a C3 picasso.

[Lighty]

Driving a C3 Picasso would be like going to work on a skate board after a C5

[SaabC5]

I'd just go the C5 2.0Hdi route. 1.6 too fragile, 2.2 too thirsty, 2.0 spot on. If you're doing a 90 mile commute a day why not be comfortable and still get 50+mpg which the 2.0 is more than capable of.

[Stickyfinger]

I'd just go the C5 2.0Hdi route. 1.6 too fragile, 2.2 too thirsty, 2.0 spot on. If you're doing a 90 mile commute a day why not be comfortable and still get 50+mpg which the 2.0 is more than capable of.

agree with this....or a Xantia and run it on Veg ?

[Bick]

Hi Rob i do agree with what everyone is saying with the exception that the 1.6hdi 16v is a fragile engine. Yes it has its known problems but this is mainly down to excessive oil drain intervals, incorrect oil used and the injectors coming lose and carboning up the engine oil. I have seen many 1.6hdi's with milage well in excess of 100k and have never had any problems. If the Picasso has a good service history and looks well looked after i would buy it and do some regular oil changes to clean the engine out. Also always check the injectors are tight and not blowing.

[Rob81]

Thanks for the advice everyone - it's been taken on board. The complication is that the new car needs to be not only economical but be perceived as economical by my wife (she authorised a motorbike if I get a more economical car!).

[Bick]

Hi Rob what bike you want?

[BenC5HDi]

Thanks for the advice everyone - it's been taken on board. The complication is that the new car needs to be not only economical but be perceived as economical by my wife (she authorised a motorbike if I get a more economical car!).

Citroen C1. I bought one for my missus, it's utterly brilliant. Basic, but brilliant.

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[daviemck2006]

I used to commute in a pug 107, 100 miles a day with absolutely no problems at all, returning over 60mpg, sometimes nearer 70. That's what to go for. Fantastic cars.

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[DHallworth]

I'm about to advertise our old 207 HDI GT. It's a 1.6 HDI that has been brilliant in our ownership. Averaged 63mpg when my other half used to commute from Glasgow to Edinburgh. The oil used during serving seems to make a big difference to these engines.

David.

[Rob81]

I was close to buying a C1 recently - my commute is 44 miles but quiet and smooth single carriageway A roads - I expect a C1 might be quite pleasant to use. It'd be frustrating to have the C5 sat on the drive all day though. I'd hoped to have something economical that could double as a family car. I used a 2013 berlingo multispace xtr for a few work residential courses last year. It was a lovely car and really surprised me. I could compromise some ride comfort for something as practical and economical as the berlingo (58 mpg over a week). My old Xsara Picasso was a great car and I'd hoped that the c3 picasso would be similar. I know people criticise the ride though - any experiences? In terms of a bike, I'm going to be boring and get the same model as I learnt on - an Er6n/f.

Any Idea if the pre 2011 8v 1.6 hdis are less troublesome? I have seen lots of well priced 2009/10 cars.

Thanks again!

[Lighty]

Thanks for the advice everyone - it's been taken on board. The complication is that the new car needs to be not only economical but be perceived as economical by my wife (she authorised a motorbike if I get a more economical car!).

Citroen C1. I bought one for my missus, it's utterly brilliant. Basic, but brilliant.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

I agree with this totally fab cars, utterly bombproof, will cruise all day at 90 mph and to top it all off ride extremely well on bumpy roads.

[Hell Razor5543]

Thanks for the advice everyone - it's been taken on board. The complication is that the new car needs to be not only economical but be perceived as economical by my wife (she authorised a motorbike if I get a more economical car!).

Citroen C1. I bought one for my missus, it's utterly brilliant. Basic, but brilliant.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

I agree with this totally fab cars, utterly bombproof, will cruise all day at 90 mph and to top it all off ride extremely well on bumpy roads.

I think it is likely Ben will end up with another C1, as he was having a ball driving this one back home.