Diesel or Petrol

[spacebiscuit]

Hi,

Long term Citroen C4 (2006 Diesel) owner which I eventually had to sell due to ULEZ, I then picked up a C4 Picasso (2010 Petrol). Neither car has given me any issues but I notice the difference in the fuel consumption and so now have my eye on a used DS7.

Initially I thought to go back to Diesel for improve fuel economy, but have been reading about AdBlue issues which can be expensive to rectify and I guess are more likely to occur on 50k+ second hand models. Should I avoid and go for a Petrol which are likely more efficient compared to my 2010 Picasso.

Not looking for speed - more interested in a comfortable ride to be honest.

Any feedback or advice welcome - be interested to hear from people who know.

Thank you!

[RichardW]

Whilst the diesels suffer AdBlue problems, the current petrols are equally awful The 1.2 Puretech with its wet belt is a nightmare, and the 1.6 Turbo, dereved from the THP prince engine, whilst chain driven, has a reputation for running troubles at higher mileages.

[spacebiscuit]

I take it the AdBlue issues are not particular to DS cars - its a technology that is used by all manufacturers if I understand correctly? Are all AdBlue cars going to eventually succumb to these issue and therefore it's only a matter of time if I buy a diesel with 50-60k on the clock.

Other option I was considering is a C5X but I guess it is the same issues with a different brand of car!

[Gibbo2286]

If you're not regularly doing long distances go for a used electric car and forget all that expensive stinky stuff.

[Sloppysod]

Whilst the diesels suffer AdBlue problems, the current petrols are equally awful The 1.2 Puretech with its wet belt is a nightmare, and the 1.6 Turbo, dereved from the THP prince engine, whilst chain driven, has a reputation for running troubles at higher mileages.

Yes the 1.2 Puretech wet belt issues are well documented so could you point to similar evidence regarding the 1.6 Turbo please. The old 1.6 used to suffer from oil flow issues due to owners 'stretching' the oil change intervals.

[spacebiscuit]

Are there any signs or flags to look out for that would suggest Adblue issues on a used DS. Can a seller mask the issue or it self evident?

[GiveMeABreak]

Adblue issues are not a given.

It depends on the vehicle model and the age of the vehicle as improvements have been made since about 2014 onwards with the tanks and the systems overall. My advice is if going for a diesel with the SCR system (Adblue) then make sure you put in some anti Adblue crystallisation additive when you fill the Adblue tank up (make sure you put in about 6 litres minimum when topping up - or consult you individual handbook for the specific topping up procedure as this can be important!

I've not had a single issue on mine in 5 years.

The 1.2 Petrols do and most likely will have a wet belt issue by the very nature of the system - even microscopic shredding of the belt is bound to be a given which can't be good for the turbo or the lubrication circuit. However, there is a company that has produced a metal chain replacement kit for these and is awaiting some approval, so that may be good news for owners in potentially avoiding this issue.

See the video here:



and a pinned comment (Pinned by Scottish Car Clan) by '@halftimealready5694' that I'll reproduce here to save going to YouTube directly:

Hi all, good news - I have actually been in touch with guy hoping to produce this chain conversion. He is currently awaiting EU approval of the kit. Once done, (he has no timescale sorry to say), but if all goes to plan, the kit will be cost €400 + vat, but will only be sold to businesses( garage/dealers for them to fit. He expects fitting to be done after the wet belt removal job and will take about 1 hour extra than the normal wet belt job. So it's wait and see at the moment but looking hopeful.
Hope this eases our minds a little, sounds maybe a bit dear, but the average cost of the wet belt job in total is about the same price, ( plus the labour),but you have the satisfaction your belt isn't going to shred any time soon. Sounds ok to me. Any further info will post to that effect

[spacebiscuit]

Model i had my eye on is 1.5 HDI DS7 - 2018 model

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so I have the 1.5 and although I have no issues at present, I think I should mention that there are also potential issues with the DV5 1.5 engines! But to be honest, which cars don't have issues?

This particular one concerns models prior to late 2023 what have the 7mm camshaft chain fitted. There have been some cases where the chain fails or starts to make a distinct clicking / ticking noise in the timing area. The solution is a replacement kit / repair to fit an 8mm chain and depending on any damage a complete kit. There is an extended warranty on these as far as I'm aware, but if you're considering taking extended warranty in any case, you should be covered in any case.

I've not had any issues at present and it doesn't seem to be as big of a problem as the Wet belt petrol vehicles.

It can be a minefield - but in reality there are no guarantees you won't have issues with any other brands / engines.

[spacebiscuit]

So if I understand correctly an Adblue fault would show on the display and would manifest as a drop in engine power if I understand correctly.

So probably hard to hide if fault is present?

I know the mid 2000's didn't have AdBlue by c4 gave me 15 years of trouble free service - was used more on local runs than long jaunts which I believe is bad for diesel - only issue I had was a clutch and shocks that needed replacing otherwise not a peep out of it. Only 80k on the clock when I had to give it up which also hurt

[PaulC5]

If you go for diesel and are worried you may at some point have adblue problems then just keep about £1000 in the bank for a repair to cover a new adblue tank and maybe another few hundred in case the NOx sensor fails. It just comes down to whether you are bothered by the possible but not inevitable cost and most diesels over the last 10 years will have adblue.

If a tank/injector problem then rather than loss in power, it will give a mileage left warning after which the engine will not run. If the NOx sensor then it may go to limp mode, it failed on our Cactus at nearly 3 years old so under warranty but has been ok since and now on 72k miles.

[cpw1]

I am currently thinking of buying a 2019 1.6 petrol DS7 Crossback that has FSH and currently sits at 88k. Any advice would be appreciated!

[GiveMeABreak]

Don't forget Stellantis Group are providing some extended warranty on Adblue Tanks. For further details see my post here:

Stellantis Urea Tank (Adblue) Compensation Scheme

[Djandree]

Hi

I have ds7 1.5 hdi 2018 with 48k on the clock so far. Using additive to adblue and have no problem whatsoever. Some electronic gizmos as usual with Ds. Most problem with adblue is caused by crystallization of adblue.. It can clogged urea injector or damage pump.
Have a look at this



https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DCh ... NY]&nb=[NB]

[spacebiscuit]

I took the plunge and went for the Diesel DS7 - love it so far and I'm already seeing the benefits over my petrol Citroen.