Buying A C5

[Guest Xeroi]

Hi, I'm new to the Citroen Forum.

I've owned a few Citroens over the years...a GS, BX, ZX and a Visa GTI!

I'm planing on replacing the gas guzzling 3 litre Omega this year and I really like the look of a C5.

I want to get a diesel and I'd really appreciate any advice on what to look out for.

I've read the 1.6 and early 2 litres had a particle filter that can be troublesome on cars that do low mileages. I don't know what a particle filter is! But my round trip to work and back is 9 miles, so that worries me a bit! Every couple of months I drive from one end of the country to the other which is why I'd like a diesel. Does anyone know what year the 2 litre C5's didn't have a particle filter to worry about?

I've seen quite a few around with 100k+ on them, is that an issue? If it has a fsh do they go on a lot longer? Any advice would be appreciated and thank you in advance!

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

There are 3 versions of C5, the mark 1 was to mid 2004, the mark 2 (lights revised plus other bits inc improved handling) to early 2008 then the completely new style from early 2008 to now. The mark 1 versions only had the exhaust particle filter on the 2.2 hdi and the mark 2 and new C5 diesels all have one as well as all other makes of diesel. If you want a low cost one with good fuel economy then the mark 1 2.0 hdi may be the best choice. They seem to easily go over 100k miles and are often used as taxis. In this month's (April 2013) Car Mechanics mag there is a review of the mark 2. Many on this forum think the 1.6 hdi engine is a bit underpowered for such a heavy car (although at 110 hp it is the same as a mark 1 2.0 hdi) and if not given frequent oil changes can be prone to turbo failure so may have a higher maintenance cost off setting reduced fuel consumption. There may also have been a 90 hp mark 1 diesel.

 

A look on the C5 subforum will give you an idea on what things to look out for but they tend to be reliable cars so main thing is to make sure everything works, the ride is quiet (no squeaks from the back suspension and rear wheels do not lean in at the top) and smooth and suspension goes up and down with no leaks of oil on the struts but a slight dampness on the fronts is normal.