Life After C5?

[PICASSOCONVERT]

Just putting this post here so as not to interfere with the important work of technical matters and problems and fixes.

 

I've just done a 60 mile round trip in my 2003 C5 2.2HDi and, as it's a nice warm, sunny day and the traffic was light on the A1, I started to think about why I really like my car and what I would do when it dies.

 

I like my car because it was cheap to buy (under £5,000 at 6 years old), it's reliable (never broken down unlike the 3 "14 reg" vW/Audi group cars I have seen at the side of the road this week), it's supremely comfortable, it tows my caravan brilliantly, it's economical (currently telling me it will cover 650 miles on the current tank of fuel), I believe it's safe (never tested that one, thankfully), parts are not massively expensive (and I haven't needed that many), it's as kind to the environment as it can be (dear old DPF), it goes well (no shortage of power), it carries everything I want in the massive load area, and (in my opinion) it still looks good for a car designed over 10 years ago).

 

It's just that somehow I feel slightly uneasy. I think there's a little cloud on the horizon in the form of 2 permanently-lit orange lights and one little hyphenated word "anti-pollution". As regular readers of this forum will know, these are the symtoms of a termnial illness, referred to by one member as "the black death".

 

This diease can defeat the most experienced and qualified mechanics and gifted amateurs alike, so what chance have I, as a humble retired accountant, of tackling it head on and beating it?

 

At 11 years/94,000 miles my car is too youthful to die. The engine still performs brilliantly, blissfully unaware of the dark days ahead. Why, BSI, Instruments, Airconditioning, Radio post equipment, CD player, Parking aid, Alarm, Switch module at steeering wheel, DRiver's door module, Passenger's door module, Diesel additive function, Airbag, Display of autopc telematics, ABS, suspension, Righthand headlamp, Lefthand headlamp are all being reported as fault free by my new sweetheart Lexia.

 

Only the dreaded injection shows "Fault". The end is nigh...................................................

 

However, I will battle on. One poster said what is needed is a methodical approach to tracking down and eliminating the problem. This will be my mission - after all the new rear brake pads I fitted last November have seen hardly any use! In due course (probably end August) I will start a new topic in problems and fixes to report progress and ask for guidance.

 

If all fails a 2-3 year old a highish mileage Peugeot 508 estate seems the answer, and throw it away when it's seven years old.

 

David

[PICASSOCONVERT]

A quick update - one injection fault cured by methodical checking of the EGR vacuum pipes. Soon found that the length of braided rubber vacuum tube between the EGR valve and the plastic tube had split at both ends. For once an easy fix.

 

David

[plotsa]

I think another more updated C5 would be a good option for after

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

The link in your signature has been removed since advertising on the site is not allowed without permission from admin.

[Randombloke]

The 407 is junk, and I've yet to see any evidence that 508 is a better bet.

 

And seeing as the C5 MkIII and the 508 are related, you may as well have a well specified MkIII Exclusive with a much nicer ride, look like the last generation of C5 will be the last hydraulically suspended car, and no Citroen large estate either, the DS5 looks like junk.

 

Let's see. In six years I may look for a very end of line 2.2 170 Exclusive, if there are any left. Failing that a Vw/Skoda or Audi estate.

[citrophile]

.......and with the latest political crusade against the very diesels that we were all encouraged to have a few years ago, and the likelihood that they will be subject to punitive tax regimes, who knows what our options might be...!!!

 

Sad, very sad.........

[paul.h]

Probably due to the increase in fuel efficient diesels the tax income from car tax and fuel has fallen, so this may be an effort to get some of it back and the dpf and egr valves are meant to reduce the pollution problem.

[seefive]

Electric cars will be a reality in 5 years - they are very close to developing long range batteries now

[john h]

Electric cars will be a reality in 5 years - they are very close to developing long range batteries now

Cant see it, for a start too expensive, poor range prob drops alarmingly in the cold dark winter, not everybody will be able to park within charging range especially overnight at home, what happens if there is a power-cut. Hybrid possibly, pure electric doubtful.

[PICASSOCONVERT]

Thanks for the comments. I have managed to clear my car's faults (touch wood) and so hopefully the question of a replacement is not urgent.

 

Randombloke's idea of one of the last C5s is a good one. Looking at the VW route, a friend of mine in the north east has a 57 reg Skoda Octavia 4wd diesel estate which has been reliable so that's another option.

 

Most of my model planes are electric-powered these days so we might all be driving milk floats in ten years time. The Mitsubishi Outlander would suit me most of the time - until I hitched up my caravan I suspect. I bet the replacement batteries will be expensive.

 

David

[Sixchannel]

The 407 is junk, and I've yet to see any evidence that 508 is a better bet.

 

And seeing as the C5 MkIII and the 508 are related, you may as well have a well specified MkIII Exclusive with a much nicer ride. Looks like the last generation of C5 will be the last hydraulically suspended car.....

Not according to The Caravan Club survey. The 508 pretty much beat it every regard, which I found astonishing. However, just having changed from a trusty old X plate 2.0HDi Xantia to a "steel sprung" Mk3 C5, there are times when I was wishing I had spent a bit more and got an Exclusive, as the standard ride is not a patch on the hydraulic one. Bad move, Citroen!!

[picnmix]

I have the same dilemma, I drive a C5 2005 mkII 2.0 HDI VTR and my wife had a C5 2008 mkIII 2.0 HDI VTR until recently.

 

We traded in the mkIII a few weeks ago as more problems were looming even at a fairly low 54,000 miles.  We already had an ABS brake problems (fault with wiring which runs from passenger's footwell) and air conditioning gas loss due to pipes failing fixed both under Citroen used car warranty.  The power steering was still leaking after new pipes and seals (£550) failed to cure and it started cutting out with a message Low Oil Pressure (once dangerously on a dual carriageway) - the oil level and pressure were fine I think it's a known problem which would have required a new fuse box and the paint started to have a problem when washed at panel & door edges water would get between the paint and clearcoat and leave a dark patches - quite odd.  I was also aware that the DPF might cause me trouble in the near future, although the same could probably be said for any newish diesel, but was a little worried that with the much stricter MOT emission test for a 2008 or later cars it could be more likely perhaps more difficult/expensive to fix.  

 

The ride and comfort in the mkIII were good I thought although this model was on steel springs and it's a fine looking car but what annoyed me (I'm 6'1") I kept nearly banging my head getting in - the roof line is quite low and one has to get in over quite a sporty raised seat edge. My wife was never that confident with the length of the car so is now happier with a Toyota Auris.

 

I know my C5 mkII will not last forever and having tried the mkIII and personally found it wanting I don't know what my next car would be.  For me it needs to be roomy and comfortable - perhaps a Skoda Octavia but I know I'd never be quite as happy as I am with my C5 mkII !

Edited September 5, 2014 by picnmix

[paul.h]

The mark 3 leaking steering rack is included in the technical section Common problems pinned post. Rather than leaking pipe seals it may be the column input shaft seal that leaks, possibly due to rust on the shaft damaging the seal and a replacement rack is the repair.

[Sixchannel]

And that would cost his much appx?

Never having had an real probs with my Xantias since 1993 (they just wore out!), I'm beginning to get the feeling that these C5 Mk3s are not cut from the same cloth.

More comfort inside (better seats for one thing), quieter, but poor ride compared to my Xantias and, after nearly 2000 miles now,I get nothing like the book figures, especially on the Mway cruise with Cruise control set at 70.

Is it a general consensus that they are unreliable cars that are expensive to repair/maintain?

I am at 43k now - what is the general expectation of what goes wrong with them between now and say 60k?

Moderator - if this post needs moving, please do.

Cheers

Ian

[Parkesie]

I like my mk3 its up at 110k now, only cost outside normal servicing has been a steering rack.

And that only set me back £250 doing the work myself.

Edited September 6, 2014 by Parkesie

[paul.h]

The steering rack column shaft seal leak might be preventable by applying grease to the shaft so it does not rust.

[Parkesie]

New rack was suitably greased dont worry. Even with the 18 inch wheels on mine and the ride comfort is excelent with the right tyres on. Had bridgestone run flats on when i got it and they were bloody awfull.

[WakeyTiger]

Hi from a newbie!

 

I've just got rid of a 2009 C5 Tourer 1.6 VTR+ NAV with 85k on the clock.  I was looking at other cars, including a 5-series, A4, Passat etc. etc.  

 

However, then I was looking at a Land Rover dealership in Wakefield, and saw they had a 2012 C5 Tourer 2.0 VTR+ NAV with 25k on the clock, full leather, electrics, panoramic etc. etc.  so I went for that!

 

Absolutely LOVE C5's, no idea why you don't see more Tourers on the road either, they are brilliant cars for the money.

 

In short - GET A NEWER C5!

 

PS - The old one was fine too, after an EGR valve change at 80k - as it kept dying on the motorway, which was scary!  Something to watch out for, but if you get a reconditioned EGR fitted it can save you loads.

[Sixchannel]

WakeyTiger

After 15 almost trouble free years of Xantias, I got my first C5 in July - a 2010 2.0 VTR+NAV Tourer on 42k. Apart from the poor ride (old-fashioned springs and shocks) its a good, if a bit quirky, car. After Xantias, i like Quirky. My other option at the time was the soul-less Ford Mondeo Titanium Tourer.

 

What to replace it with in the future when the time comes? Probably a "Last of The Line" C5 2.0 EXCLUSIVE Tourer. I think they still made them in 2014 but have stopped now in favour of the DS5.

I do regret not have searched harder for a low miler Exclusive at the time - I do miss that wonderful ride of the hydraulic suspension. Its still the class of the field IMO and why Citroen should drop it baffles me.

So - round about 2018 I shall probably be looking for one. Lol!

[paul.h]

WakeyTiger, welcome to the forum.

Thankyou for your comments on the 1.6 hdi egr valve and cutting out which I have now included in the C5 Technical section Common Problems pinned post.

[WakeyTiger]

Cheers folks :)   Feeling the love!

 

Regarding the suspension - the ride on my new (2011) model feels much stiffer than the 2009 one, and the car is definitely a little lower too, is this 'standard' - does anyone know?   

[Drummer1]

Well I have just recently acquired a 2007 C5 2.0HDi Exclusive automatic. Miles a bit high maybe (128k) but it has a full dealer history from new.

Everything works perfectly and I'm getting it serviced this Saturday by an independent garage. Overall I'm happy with it even though I realise that it could go bang at any time.

Superb comfort, economical and has everything I want in a car......except Bluetooth for the phone. Grrrrrr!!!

[Lex Andrews]

I've got a 58 plate 2.2HDi C5 Exclusive Tourer. Compared to my '98 Saab 9-5 2.3lpt SE, the rides stiffer. The C5 doesn't like tabletop speed bumps as when it comes off some of them it jolts. Fuel consumption is only slightly better than the Saab, approx 38-40mpg to 35-37mpg. I have noticed though when the car is loaded with 2 HX 02 cylinders and 6 CD cylinders, so a nice amount of weight. The fuel consumption is better! Bluetooth in the car is nice but it would be better if the phone contact details were in the center of the speedo not on the radio display and it had Audio streaming. 

[paul.h]

When I changed from Saabs to Citroens I gained all my weekends back since I found the Citroens to be far more reliable and did not need to spend the time fixing them.

[MikeLane]

I get the feeling that Citroen is now firmly under the thumb of PSA. Looking at newish Citroens on the road they are mainly C1, C3, C4 and DS3. Hardly any C5s (or Cactuses (Cacti ?)). I suppose it's all down to manufacturing costs - hydraulic suspension being much more expensive and complicated to install than springs. So bye bye to individualism! (Remember all those who said that Citroen's suspension was too dodgy - and then along came the BX???)

Edited August 23, 2015 by MikeLane