Possible Purchase!

[Jassyblue]

Hi guys. I haven't got a Citroenn yet  but I'm looking at buying a 2002 Citroen C3 Auto.  Looks in very good condition but is there anything I should be looking for that might be a fault?

 

Looking forward to getting involved with the group :) 

 

Jassyblue

[coastline taxis]

Try to keep away from the auto boxes. dont get me wrong there great for round the town but they are really expensive to put right when they go wrong and you are very limited to where you can get them repaired.

[paul.h]

On the C3 section in the technical section there is a pinned post of common problems to have a look at. Does it have to be an auto and do you want a diesel or petrol ?

[Jassyblue]

Hi guys.  Yes, it has to be an auto.  Had a fall last year which means I find it difficult to change gears.  Don't want an auto but its a necessity!  Would like a diesel but they seem to be very few and far between in my area.  The car I'm looking at is a petrol auto.  Its done just over 70,000 and the garage have agreed to change the cam belt on sale.

[paul.h]

The timing belt interval is every 10 years or so many miles if sooner, so it should already have been changed - if not the service history should be thoroughly checked in case other things have not been kept up to date. Replacement should also include the water pump, the tensioner and whilst the aux belt is off, this could also be changed with its pulleys. I did our 1.4 petrol C3 a few years ago and the parts were about £300 to do all this - so a garage may not plan on doing all of it, possibly just the timing belt and tensioner (approx £60).

 

In the road test make sure the auto box works since repairs can be expensive. The rest of the C3 is quite simple to look after.

 

The handbooks can be seen on the service.citroen site (documentation de bord, select language and then the car) from approx year 2007. Whilst not for year 2002, it should give you a good idea about the car before going to see it.http://service.citroen.com/ddb/

[seefive]

hmm

 

It cost me £2k to repair a C5 AL4 auto box, and it still slipped a bit

 

Nasty,but better than the Honda Jazz - £8k, no kidding.

[Jassyblue]

Thanks for all your input.  Bought it today!  Truly lovely car, but under no illusions.  Its 12 years old so expect the odd problem - will probably be on this site for help and information! :)