New Car Time

[seefive]

Hi All

 

After months of reseaching, looking and dithering, I finally bought myself a new car this weekend

 

Pre-reg (13 plate) 3 week old C5 exclusive 160 technopack,at a cool £8k off list with options!

6 speed manual saloon, 2.0 hdi - I never thought I buy a diesel!

 

Looks superb in pearlescant black paint with optional 19 inch bad boy "Adriatic" wheels, also fitted with Autodab radio conversion (which was a bugger to ft apparently, due to the complex sat nav/telemetric system)

 

Loving all the toys, and the pretty colourful screen - fantastic car.

 

And all for the price of a mediocre VW Golf. I know which I prefer..

 

 

 

[Johndouglas]

That sound exciting!   Now and again I think about doing the same thing but I keep hearing such depressing reports about the latest C5s.   And fault reports seem to be reported a bit too frequently.      I've heard it said the the latest car feels smaller than the facelift models.   What do you think?

[coastline taxis]

worked on a few new reg c5 and common complaint is the suspension as the suspension system that made the c5 has now become a 1500 quid extra. other than that they all say they drive lovley.but but but taller people arnt happy about the reducedheadroom in the back

[seefive]

No complaints so far. although it's early days. Windows are smaller than the hatch, making it feel a bit more closed in, or cosy depending on your point of view. Boot is slightly smaller, but overall it feels really solid and quiet.

 

Electric seats , with driver memory, adjust every which way, including shoulder (seat back is articulated), so it's very comfy, with plenty of room front and back.

 

Also has H3+ suspension, which you can lock in sport mode (don't have to reset every time you start up). The  automatic handbrake is nice too - takes some getting used to, as does the fixed centre steering wheel.

 

It's a mature model now, so most of those early faults have hopefully been ironed out.

 

Will post any findings

 

[paul.h]

:) seefive, after you have done a few thousand miles a report would be nice for the jealous ones amongst us. Also, if you would be kind enough to fit a towbar and tow a caravan to see how it performs since towing is a requirement for many of us. Our last few cars have all been diesels and I prefer them to petrol - better fuel economy/lower tax/less gear changes but when filling up you need to wipe it off your hands.

 

The comment on smaller windows applies to a lot of cars now, must be the latest designers' idea. Our C4 is like this and with its new design of large headrests, teardrop shape door mirrors and tinted rear windows makes all round visibility difficult. I have to be careful at junctions and motorway lane changing and early on had a couple of near misses.

[qman3428]

I have a 2009 C5 exclusive which has just done 100,000 miles. Booked in for a cam belt change with new tensioners and while they are there a new water pump.

 

I had a new fuse box and windscreen trim under warranty and am on my third set of tyres and second set of brake pads. Fuel filters need changing regularly and I have also replaced the EGR as it reported a fault, the new one reports the same fault but has no effect on the car.

 

I have found the car to be comfortable (3+ suspension) reasonably economic at 40mpg with the auto box, quiet, smooth and reliable. I bought it 12 months old at half the list price and consider that to be the most economic way of buying a fairly new car (most depriciation on the first day).

 

My car has had the DPF removed and software upgraded, I have it chipped to 170bhp (from 136) and it is fitted with a K&N panel air filter. I am looking forwards to it doing 200,000 miles before I replace it.

 

Would I buy another one, you bet!

[Johndouglas]

 40mpg with the auto box,

Have you changed the oil in your autobox?   Judging from other posts, it's best to ignore Citroen's "sealed for life" statement and change the oil.

[seefive]

. I bought it 12 months old at half the list price and consider that to be the most economic way of buying a fairly new car (most depriciation on the first day).

 

, I have it chipped to 170bhp (from 136) and it is fitted with a K&N panel air filter. I am looking forwards to it doing 200,000 miles before I replace it.

 

Would I buy another one, you bet!

 

Hi there

 

Many thanks for the useful and poitive comments - I'm still abit nervous about the car, to be honest

 

I got 30% off list for a virtually new car, which takes some beating - a "once in a blue moon " deal, but half price after 1 year is certainly  very good. I bought the car in Lancs, 200 miles from home, but well worth the train fare. My local dealer doesn't understand words like "cash" and "discount"

 

How does the chipping affect your insurance?

[coastline taxis]

How does the chipping affect your insurance?

 

Them words there are one big pot of pi55 waiting to boil over my friend.

 

They will ask you have you altered it from the manufactures specifications. Well yes you have youve incresed the bhp, only a matter of time before they start to refuse to pay out.

[Parkesie]

That sounds like a great motor at a great price. On the chipping and insurance issue it's best to contact your insurance and ask them if it would have any effect on your premium and cover before you go ahead with it. Some insurers aren't bothered and it changes nothing just as long as its declared. Others will up the premium or refuse to insure. If you don't declare it as a mod it can potential be used as a way to wriggle out of paying a claim.

 

I'm running a 58 exclusive with all the toys aswell perfectly reliable car. It is slightly smaller than the mk1 and facelift cars,I'm 6'3" and fit comfortably in the back with the front seat in my normal driving position so it's far from camped in there. The finish and feel of the interior is huge leap from the older cars you'll be very happy to spend long drives in it.

[seefive]

Right, I have now had this car for 4 months/5,000 miles and here is my impression of it, for anyone considering moving fro a mk 2 to a mk3, as I did

Firstly, I would say it's a better looking car, subjective I know, but  just my opinion. 

 

Other positives

 

• Large colour screen is very clear and informative
• Sat nav works well, although the lack of post codes is a pain
• Live traffic system is excellent, and can be tailored and used in auto or on-demand mode
• MP3 CD player has whole-disc random facility, not on old car, and scrolling track information too, although it's format-fussy- careful with albums containing a dot in the title - won't read them! Also generates clock errors if you burn a downloaded album straight to MP3 - need to burn in audio format first, then rip back
• Autodab digital radio installation works great, but only after aerial upgrade
• Internal "mood lights" illuminate door handles - a nice touch
• Driver's seat has 2 stage memory
• Both front seats have shoulder adjustment as well as lumbar - very comfy!
• Auto handbrake is good
• Tyre pressure information available on demand
• Auto wipers work better, and have an old fashioned "intermittent" option
• Nice touches like fixed-hub steering wheel and dials with the pointers on the outside of the circle, leaving the centre clear - very Citroen

 

 

Now the not so good, cost cutting items

 

• No gas struts on the bonnet - just an old fashioned prop
• No xenons, although you do get cornering lights, and the halogens are not as dingey as I feared
• Internal storage is poor throughout, with an inaccessible cup holder( although the (small) passenger glovebox is air conditioned)
• NS door mirror does not dip on reverse, and rear view mirror is auto dip only - can't switch it off. No blind spot section on OS door mirror
• No washer level warning
• No synchro option on dual zone climate

 

So Overall

 

I am happy with the car - no problems, drives well and the diesel engine, once warm, is smooth and quiet, with no obvious turbo - just a smooth power delivery, akin to a conventional petrol unit.

The large 19 inch wheels give it a frim ride, and I would like to downsize these, but I probably never will due to the cost!

 

Hope this is of some interest