C8 phase 1 in 2026?

[selma_true]

Hello,

last year I bought an estate Xsara phase 2 with modest 150000 km on the clock. Nice little car but turns out I have a need for a bigger one. I've been eyeing C8 and 807, was wondering what the users think about those cars after extended use. So please share your insights on what to avoid, look for etc.
What I'm trying to find is diesel, no electric doors, with the earlier HDI engine lineup (production year up to 2005?).
Some specific questions that came up:
- Is the difference between 2.0 and 2.2 HDI big enough in everyday use that I should specifically look for one or the other? How's fuel economy between the two?
- Is there any real significant difference between the 807 and C8? I thought the C8 seems to have better equipment from the ads I've been looking at.
- Many cars at least in Central Europe have auxiliary heaters, which would be good. Is it possible to mount a controller/clock to it so it could be used to pre-heat the engine?

Cities banning entry with old cars is not really an issue in this case since it doesn't change anything from my current Xsara :--)

[mickthemaverick]

One for our Ryan (RpOthejester) to answer I do believe!!

[Rp0thejester]

I love my car!! Mines a 2.2 diesel 2006 model. Great for everyday use. Sliding doors are exceptionally useful in car parks. If you get one with a 'spoiler' fitted that's your roof rack sorted. Rear seats removable to turn it into a proper van. Don't really need the 2.2 diesel unless you're carrying a lot of weight all the time. If looking at getting one then get one with a service history and the lowest price possible. The engine is extremely difficult to work on as it's pushed back under the windscreen, so a turbo replacement would cost upwards of £1000, most of which would be labour cost to just gain access to it. As for fuel economy mine averages about 40mpg.

[selma_true]

Good stuff, thanks RpOthejester! All the cars I've seen here in central Europe have the spoiler/rack. About the seat, that's the one killer feature of this car. I used to have a 307SW with the removable seats and it was super useful. In C8 I imagine it'd be even more so since the car is pretty spacious.
I'll not obsess over 2,2 - 2,0 in that case, just need to find a unit that ticks my other boxes!

[Rp0thejester]

All 5 rear seats are removable, I have the middle row removed as my son is 6'2" and still growing so he needs the leg space. As for C8, 807, Ulysses and Phaedra. There all the same just minor changes in bodywork and interior.