Did I buy a lemon? C1 1.2 PureTech.

[IAFYM]

I decided to get a C1 because I liked another 2015 C1 1.0 that belongs to a family member but this one is a 1.2, I don't know much about cars so just thought this was a slightly larger engine in it so I put down £500 deposit on the car (£4k cost in total - insurance money is paying for it) because it looked nice and seemed to drive nice when I took it on a test drive, the garage offer a 6 month warranty with used cars (not a main dealer). I have been reading that these engines are nothing but problems for people because of a "wet timing belt" system? Did I make a mistake buying this car? I don't think I can back out now and in any case if I did then I will lose the £500 that I can little afford. I can only afford this car because of the insurance money. The garage I am buying it from seem decent and reputable and have been around longer than I have been alive ( ).

I had no idea that there could potentially be an issue with the timing belt. The car has done 70,052 miles and has had 5 services and the garage are doing another service on it for me now and a pre-delivery inspection. As I say, I know nothing about cars and I'm really worried now. I just want a car that will last me at least 5 years?

Here is the vin, in case you can provide me with some more information about it? VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

Should I be worried about this car?

Thanks for any advice or help you can give me.

[Oldpug]

The Citroen/ Peugeot “Purecrap” wet belt engine has been a disaster, just Google it and you will find out.
There has been a number of factory recalls. Has this car had one?

As the cam belt runs in oil it can deteriorate, debris from the belt can block the oil pump causing low oil pressure, even engine failure

If you go ahead with this car make sure it gets a new Citroen Genuine cam belt. ( I think there is a new type ) Also I would advise that the engine sump is removed, cleaned out together with the oil pump, new oil filter of course.
. It’s very important that the correct grade of oil is used and changed regularly.

Best of luck.

[GiveMeABreak]

Should I be worried about this car?

Thanks for any advice or help you can give me.

Not necessarily.... This vehicle has the EB2F engine (lower powered version) and the timing kit replacement is 112k miles / 10 Years on this engine. However, it is essential that the timing belt is checked at each annual service (as would be done by a dealership) and that the annual service is correctly performed including using the correct grade and specification of engine oil.

[IAFYM]

Thanks for the replies. The car is otherwise immaculate. Was a really nice car, which is why I decided to get it. It was only after that I realised that there could be issues with the belt/engine.

I phoned up the dealer I bought the car from who said they would check with the garage they have it in with to look at the belt and check the condition of it. I also bought a little gauge thing online where you can test the width of the belt but I'm not sure how reliable or accurate they are?

Is it expensive to get the belt changed? I'm thinking that maybe I'll just get it changed anyway if it doesn't cost too much money.

[Oldpug]

You mentioned that you want a car to last you another 5 years.
So yes for peace of mind I would definitely get the cam belt kit replaced. As GiveMeaBrake has said they should be replaced by 10years and yours is over 9years.
If you talk to the supplying dealer nicely, persuade them to do the job at a very good price. When the old belt is removed it can really be inspected properly. If its in poor condition get the sump cleaned out.
Prices vary a lot. I think Citroen Main Dealers do fixed price deals. Small independent Peugeot/Citroen specialists are worth considering. Get some quotes before you talk to your supplying dealer so you can haggle.
What ever the cost the belt will have to be replaced soon. If it fails it will wreck the engine.

[IAFYM]

Yeah, I'm not expecting it to last me forever and I'd be more than happy with 5 years out of it.

I actually spoke to them today and they have just called me back and had the belt inspected and as there are signs of wearing on it they are going to replace it for me covering the majority of the cost of it. So I'm extremely happy about that. I will just make sure going forward that I get it inspected every year and I'll check it occasionally when I put oil in and whatever else.

Thanks for the help. I'm feeling a lot better about buying this car now.

[Oldpug]

Ha Ha IAFYM you posted your reply as I was editing my post.

Looks as if you have a good deal from the dealer, well done. Enjoy your new car.

[Huskyxantia]

Wet belt whom ever came up with this idea is a total knobb. Oil & rubber just as bad as water & electric .

[Oldpug]

Wet belt whom ever came up with this idea is a total knobb. Oil & rubber just as bad as water & electric .

I agree Husky,

[GiveMeABreak]

It looks like the latest generation of EB2 engines as will be fitted to the new C3 Aircross later next year have already been replaced with a timing chain instead of a wet belt.

[Oldpug]

I just can’t understand why Peugeot/Citroen got this wet belt design so wrong?
Peugeot had a wet belt engine in the early 60’s

My 404 in my Avatar had Kugelfischer Injection, the pump was driven by a small sedis belt inside the timing cover with the timing chain. It was made of a sort of plastic with wires running through it, never needed replacing.

[Oldpug]

[GiveMeABreak]

Very interesting.

I agree the current system is totally flawed and prone to failure / catastrophic engine failure if strict servicing, correct lubricants and regular checks are not undertaken. Quite a worry if one doesn't follow correct servicing procedures and intervals.

Hopefully the new design will remove the issues and makes a petrol more attractive as they are generally very good and powerful engines. Especially as we are gradually losing our beloved diesels from new vehicle line ups .....

[GiveMeABreak]

Very interesting.

I agree the current system is totally flawed and prone to failure / catastrophic engine failure if strict servicing, correct lubricants and regular checks are not undertaken. Quite a worry if one doesn't follow correct servicing procedures and intervals.

Hopefully the new design will remove the issues and makes a petrol more attractive as they are generally very good and powerful engines. Especially as we are gradually losing our beloved diesels from new vehicle line ups .....

I just had a new C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid as a courtesy car for my recent MOT for the day and this was an 8 speed Auto petrol Hybrid - but I put £10 of fuel in on the red (as I got it) and only drove 27 miles and was just above the red on return. I suspect this will be thirsty with the EAT8. I only noticed the electric mode kick in whilst in the car park, parking!