Which to use? Xsara Picasso or C3 Picasso?

[SwissTony]

Hi all,

I'm travelling to Biscarosse, south of Bordeaux on the Atlantic Coast of France at the end of May. We will be 2 adults and two kid, both 12 years old.

I have got a C3 Picasso, 1.4 petrol, 2011 with 62k miles on it, and a 2003 Xsara Picasso HDi with 127k on it. Both are in regular use, serviced properly, and have newish tyres on.

I can't work out which to take. It's a matter of internal space more than anything. The Xsara "feels" bigger, but I'm not sure it is. It's also had new suspension all round - front springs, struts ,top mounts, rear shocks and bump stops, plus a new clutch. Still some rattles and it's not anywhere near as quiet as the C3 Pic at autoroute speeds. It also needs an aircon regas and the driver's door issues of a badly behaving window and a new door check strap.

The C3? Seats aren't as comfy, and it won't be as economical. It needs a gearbox oil change and the sump removing and resealing as it leaks. These obviously need doing before we go. It does have integrated Bluetooth and decent speakers. The Xsara has Bluetooth but needs new rear speakers..

Which should I take?! Aaargh!!

Swiss

[mickthemaverick]

It's a no brainer for me Tony. I'd take the Xsara everytime, easier to fix the window and regas the aircon than the gearbox oil leak and more economical too! With 2 twelve year olds you won't need rear speakers and you probably won't notice the rattles with the ongoing curiosity from the back!! Good luck!

[SwissTony]

The French have decided it for me - we will have to take the C3. The Xsara is too old to go into Paris due to the clean air laws.

[mickthemaverick]

The French have decided it for me - we will have to take the C3. The Xsara is too old to go into Paris due to the clean air laws.

That's a pity, time to sort the oil leak then!!

[SwissTony]

The French have decided it for me - we will have to take the C3. The Xsara is too old to go into Paris due to the clean air laws.

That's a pity, time to sort the oil leak then!!

Fortunately I have a friend with a workshop and a lift, so it won't be too much hassle. It's due an oil change anyway and the sump hasn't got anything in the way of removal. Just needs sealing again.

Needs the gearbox oil changing as I replaced the left suspension arm and ball joint for the MOT, lost a bit of oil and had to refill with the GL5, when it really should have GL4..