Replacement C5

[admiral51]

Okay a little vague in the title but my lad is looking at replacing his BMW ( sorry for the bad language ) for a C5.
He has picked one out that is close to us that seems to be okay but just wondered if people would be willing to look through the MOT and give me a heads up if they think there could be an issue that has yet to be addressed, my gut feeling is that there is something amiss.

Not sure if this link will work,fingers crossed

here

Thanks in advance

[bxzx16v]

I would say a 2.0hdi would be a better buy than a 1.6hdi myself, their a big lump of car to lug around .

Mark

[Stickyfinger]

What Mark says, esp true after driving a BMW.

[Peter.N.]

I'm afraid I would be a bit wary of the 1.6. OK if its been very well maintained but they are historically problematic, particular turbo failure if the oil isn't scrupulously clean. Have a look inside the filler cap and see if there is any sign of carbon granules in the oil and if you get one change the oil straight away.

They may have improved the later ones but personally I would go for the 2.0 anyway.

Looks a bit pricey too. https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from ... sacat=9800

Peter

[Michel]

Looks pricey, will need discs and pads soon, a tyre repairs and possibly gaiters on the driveshafts. It had a weeping steering rack as an advisory a couple of years ago and other bits and pieces - I'd want to see proof that these have been replaced and it's not just a "friendly" MOT that's just been done where they've "forgotten" to put those advisories on, if you get my meaning..

I'd keep the BMW personally!

[admiral51]

Thank you for all the replies, this one has now been removed from the list of maybe's.
I looked at the history before i posted and had a feeling something was not quite right, just needed those with more experience to put their hat into the ring.
Think he is looking at another couple, a little bit more pricey but will post links here if that is okay with you all.
Seems that all that helping his Dad working on Xantia's has got into his blood, another convert

[admiral51]

Right this one looks more promising, pushing him towards creating his own FCF account, whatever he tells you about me are all false:)

2010 C5 2.0 HDI

Currently has no MOT but looking at history nothing major on advisories, it should come with a 12 month ticket, anything to look closely at on inspection with the 2.0 HDI.
Assume its on springs as its a VTR+

All comments will be appreciated

[xantiagreen]

Cant remember how i came across the website or what the name is, I typed the reg of my xantia and it came up with previously advertised photos and price, did the same for the mondeo before i bought the xantia and the same, does anyone know what im on about. maybe worth checking when your buying a car if car has been advertised elsewhere at a cheaper price or different description i think it shows up.

[xantiagreen]

Its called cazana.com

[bobins]

Right this one looks more promising, pushing him towards creating his own FCF account, whatever he tells you about me are all false:)

2010 C5 2.0 HDI

Currently has no MOT but looking at history nothing major on advisories, it should come with a 12 month ticket, anything to look closely at on inspection with the 2.0 HDI.
Assume its on springs as its a VTR+

All comments will be appreciated

A tad overpriced, but nicely low mileage. Black would be a sod to keep looking clean though Obviously - check the steering rack pinion seal - if the steering rack hasn't been replaced yet, then it will need replacing in due course. On a test ride check for the tell tale clonk of worn drop links - easy enough to replace, but about £60 / pair (genuine) to buy, fitting extra. RNEG satnav is good enough for avergae use, but phone apps like Waze or Google Maps are far better these days. Check the two temperature controls on the aircon - the knobs (especially driver's side) can go intermittent. It may be possible to fix the knobs, but it's easy enough to replace the unit with a known working one. Rear crankshaft oil seal can leak - check for telltale oil at the bottom of the bellhousing. DMF can wear out / fail - check for rattling when driving. The Michelin tyres it's on are absolutely fine, but a change in tyre can give you much more precise handling.

[admiral51]

Thanks bobins.
I have a 1.6 2008 HDI that is now giving me aggro but i have not had any issues with the steering rack ( 111k) so was not really sure what to look for in that area.
Have seen lots of posts about the steering rack, is it more prone to the 2.0 and above and does it make a difference between springs and hpn?
Forgot about the DMF so thanks for that reminder

[bobins]

The steering racks on the C5 X7 are a case of when not if. They don't favour 1.6Hdi or 2.0Hdi (or any other variant !), nor steel sprung or hydropneumatic - they're all prone to it !! As so many have been replaced already it is entirely possible that they've already been fitted with modified or improved versions i.e. not Citroen originals, but ones that steering specialists have reconditioned or refurbished. It is possible to check for pinon seal leaks with nothing more complicated than a torch You need to shine it in through the driver's side wheel and aim for where the steering column enters the steering rack and areas below that. I can take a photo and annotate it to show you where to look if you want. You're looking for evidence of LDS fluid leaking. When they leak the fluid will run down onto the suspension components below the rack on the drivers side - so if there's any sign of dampness or LDS fluid in that area you've got a problem. Another way to check for a leaking rack on your own vehicle is to keep a very close eye on the LDS fluid level in the reservoir - that's very easy to do on a steel sprung model as the reservoir is quite small and the level is externally visible, but not so easy on an HPN model

Another point I forgot to mention - check both front windows go up and down without issue or horrible noises. The winder cables were prone (nay - guaranteed ) to failure.

[bxzx16v]

If your considering a steel sprung C5 X7 , I would definitely be looking at a Renault Laguna 3 with the 2.0Dci engine , I've had one and it was quite possibly the best all round car I've owned , reliable , powerful ,roomy and in estate form a good looking car . You can also forget any steering rack issues too . Hope I've not chucked a spanner in the works .
Mark

[Paul-R]

It's still French, innit?

[admiral51]

The more spanners the better
Thanks for all the advice going to see it tomorrow, it now has a 12 month ticket with no advisories, will be checking very carefully