Hi, New To Citroen And C3's

[ClaudetteC3]

Hi,

 

I'm new to Citroen's but picked up an old but relatively low mileage (just under 78,000) C3 today. She's got the usual age related bodywork scratches, but otherwise quite clean with a full MOT and nothing major on advisories (back box going so need to look at that in time).

 

Wondered if you have any top tips on what to look out for. Forewarned is forearmed and all that.

 

Thanks,

 

 

[Johndouglas]

Hello & welcome to the forum.   A smart looking car & nice colour.   Did you say which engine was in it?   Replacement of the rear box shouldn't be too much of a job.   I recently changed daughter's 306's rear box.   Half an hours work and around £35 for parts.

[ClaudetteC3]

Thanks :) Yeah had a rear box done in the past, want to get her up on the ramps of my regular garage to see how she looks underneath too.

She seems to handle well - I'm getting used to a loss of power (she's a 1.4 petrol), I have just left a 2 litre Alfa so loving the saving on fuel, tax and insurance but not so much the slower climb up my hill to my house! I'll adjust. :rolleyes:

 

I've been playing around with a Turtle Wax stick and some polish today, she has had a dog leaping in and out I think given the scratches on her rear. My dog sits in the car (he has a fear of cars so travels in the front foot well). So that's helping to blend them a bit - not sure how long it'll last but figured it was worth a try. Also got some de-greaser for her engine bay and window cleaner so she's shining a little more tonight. :wub:

 

I have noticed some condensation in her drivers headlight unit - are they sealed units? I'm wondering if this will need replacing or if perhaps it'll dry out.

 

Hoping to have more time to have a look and clean her up a bit over the week.

[Johndouglas]

They are sealed units in the headlamps.   Often when they get damp internally it's because the cover at the back of the unit hasn't been replaced correctly when changing bulbs.    When we get some good hot weather, remove the cover and let it ventilate for a couple of days.

[ClaudetteC3]

Thanks :) Will try that, and check the cover.

[paul.h]

A few things here to look at http://www.citroen-owners-club.co.uk/citroen/topic/20273-common-problems-rev-27102015/

 

I would get a copy of the Haynes manual if you do your own maintenance. We had a 2003 C3 with the 1.4 petrol 75 bhp engine and it was an easy car to maintain and low cost.

[ClaudetteC3]

Thanks! :) Having come from an Alfa I hadn't thought to look for a Haynes manual (they don't do alfa's).

Will be nice to be able to do a few bits myself again.