Advice On Buying A C5 Tourer

[nickengland]

Morning.

 

I'm looking at buying a C5 Tourer sometime in the next couple of months, and need some advice.

 

Will try to buy through the AA Approved dealer network for a little more piece of mind, but I guess any reputable dealer will do.

 

Am looking for around a 2010 diesel model, and my budget is going to be around 5k.

 

Would prefer to buy a manual. What are the automatic gearboxes like on the C5?

 

We own a C4 Grand Picasso, which is brilliant, but having read so many rubbish reviews on the laggy auto boxes on them, we went for a manual, and are very happy with it.

 

Does the C5 autobox have the same sort of issues as the C4? In all honesty I'd prefer a manual and a proper handbrake.

 

Would like to go for the Hydractive suspension. From what I read these are now only available on the Exclusive versions from the 2008 and onwards models? Am I right there?

 

Do they come with manual boxes and hydractive suspension?

 

What are the things to look out for generally when buying a second hand one?

 

I did have a read through that pinned post, but some of my questions weren't answered.

 

Many thanks.

 

Nick

 

[milleplod]

My '09 Exclusive Tourer is an auto, but I'm sure I've seen manuals, presumably with proper Citroen suspension, advertised....albeit they could be a bit thin on the ground. I love the autobox - can't say I've ever noticed any 'lag' at all, it goes like stink when asked to! Things I'd check would be that the high-level brake light works as there's a wire that breaks between roof and tailgate - not a major issue, but a faff to sort it out - and also the rear washer, mine failed at more or less the same time as the brake light, the corrugated pipe had cracked. Listen for noise from the front end, more specifically what seems to be very noticeable road noise - on anything but very smooth surfacing, some cars, mine included, are very noisy indeed - its an annoyance more than anything, one that some people can perhaps live with, but its driving me barmy and there doesn't seem to be a simple fix! The sound system is fairly rubbish too, and not easily upgradeable.

 

No doubt there's other stuff, but they're on my 'I wish I'd known that first' list! :)

 

Pete

Edited March 9, 2017 by milleplod

[MikeLane]

....and don't forget to check the steering rack for oil leaks!

[andrew99]

"Would like to go for the Hydractive suspension."

 

I have a 2008 (58 plate) C5 Tourer - with the standard suspension. It's fine - very comfortable. No need for over-complication. One fewer thing to go wrong ! 

 

Agree about the leaky steering rack - it was a pain to get it replaced.

 

Apart from that - 115,000 miles on the clock, going fine.

[Roger W]

I had an '09 VTR Estate before my '62 Exclusive Estate. In my view the Hydractive is way ahead in comfort and road holding. In 28 years of Citroen suspensions in their various incarnations I have never had a suspension problem except with the bi-metal corrosion in the rear arms of the '09. The '09 was the only non-fluid model and bought at the time because there was a long delay on 2 litre diesel exclusives and I needed a quick deal as my son had my '05 Exclusive. After the electrics were sorted under warranty, a common failing with the early versions, the only other fault was the steering rack at 4 years. The '62 had the heater motor replaced after about 4 weeks from new. Since then it has only needed servicing. I would have replaced it last September as usual after 4 years  but they stopped making them! I've looked at various alternatives but have decided to keep it. As a long distance tourer it's brilliant and the kitchen sink can come as well.

[paul.h]

On the C5 technical section there is a pinned topic of common problems to have a look at.

[Routemaster1]

Bear in mind that on the C4 Picasso, only 2.0L models (both petrol and diesel) were fitted with a full auto box. All 1.6 HDis that had an 'auto' gearbox (until the new model in 2013) actually had an EGS 'piloted manual' gearbox. This is the one which most people have issues with.