Would You Buy A C8

[delart]

Hi I am after a people carrier and a C8 or a Ulysse looks perfect but with or the horror stories would you reccomend one? It would be a diesel and would do up to 50k a year. Opinions please?

[Johndouglas]

According to Parkers the C8 makes a reasonable buy.   A while back there was a topic running on the forum started by an owner whose cambelt had snapped at a comparatively low mileage.    It seems that hers wasn't an isolated case because other C8s had also experienced broken belts.   The 2ltr engine in the C8 is the same unit used in the C5 where it is regarded as being long-lived.   I believe the C8's fault was in allowing rain water to drip onto the front engine cover allowing the belt to get wet.  

 

The auto gearboxes don't appear to have a very long life before developing faults, so maybe a manual would be a better option.   I have no experience of C8s although there's an owner in the next road to me.   The guy has had it from new in 2002 and has just replaced it with a 2014 model.

[Gilbern Invader]

Can't go far wrong with an 807 or a C8, they have a poor undeserved reputation but our 2003 vintage has 203K miles and still has the original engine, injectors, turbo etc. Check everything electrical works, no warning lights. Check the pollen filter housing (& tubular wing brace) is in place above the master cylinder, it is a pain to remove and refit so it is often ... well forgotten by the garage. If you can see the master cylinder it is missing and water will drip onto the engine through the intake. Check the rubber drain tubes on either side of the bottom of the windscreen are not blocked otherwise water will drip onto the fusebox and engine ecu....If no evidence of a new cam belt factor replacing it into the price. Oil needs to be changed annually, if the mangement light comes on when cruising below 50 the swirl flap diaphragm needs changing, part is £30. Particulate filter will need removing and rinsing with a hose, top up the EOLYS tank. Check the joint on the rear washer pipe behind the drivers side rear light, can come apart and spray the air bag wiring etc, use small tie wraps to secure. May not hear the reversing sensor, it is behind the nearside rear lights with a coil of wire long enough to reach the dashboard, needs to be repositioned by the rear side window so it is audible.

[delart]

Thanks guy's, Gilbern Invader just to confirm are you saying that if the parts mentioned are removed that's what causes the cam belt and if refitted all is well?