New Owner Of C3 (have I Made A Mistake?)

[Aislynn]

Hi there

 

I have just purchased a 2002 C3 SX (privately). However, I have come across one major and a few minor problems.

 

The major problem is that on reading the handbook, I do not have the confidential card (and no way of getting hold of it). The handbook says that to rectify this will be major and costly. Does anyone know how costly this is and any alternative?

 

The minor ones are:

 

1. Central locking will only open first thing by using the key in the driver's door. To open the other doors I can then use the remote. Locking is fine. After using the car for the rest of the day it usually then opens with the remote. Is this a battery problem?

 

2. Condensation in the headlight. I have read a few posts about this and it does seem a problem with the C3. Any updates?

 

3. The bonnet release lever is floppy - still works, but is this an expensive fix?

 

4. The bonnet strut catch is broken - not a problem but at garage prices is it worth it?

 

All in all I quite like the quirkiness of the car, but I am wondering whether it will be more trouble than it's worth and although I have only had it a short while and will probably lose money whether it is better to 'cut my losses.'

 

Thanks for any help/ideas.

Aislynn

 

.

[stimulator]

major item. this card is required if you need a new key, you should have had two blipper keys with the car. If it's lost it NOT a big deal as a dealership can get the codes off the main dealership computer for a small fee.

 

 

1) The most likely cause of the door is a stick door motor. Maybe fixable by a quick squirt of WD40 , but you need to take the door panel OFF for access.

 

2) No problem with either of my headlights and condensation. Usual casue is the incorrect fitting of the rear socket cover. You may be able to dry it out using a hirdryer and a silica gel pack. If not replace the headlight

 

3) Sounds like it needs adjusting at the catch end, have alook for a screw that grips the cable inner with the bonnet open

 

4) Think that that is just a plastic bit the pushes in, buy a spare and self fit

 

The car if like mine is great and will serve you well, don't judge it by the inheritted faults from the previous owner, maybe you should have got him to fix them

[Aislynn]

major item. this card is required if you need a new key, you should have had two blipper keys with the car. If it's lost it NOT a big deal as a dealership can get the codes off the main dealership computer for a small fee.

1) The most likely cause of the door is a stick door motor. Maybe fixable by a quick squirt of WD40 , but you need to take the door panel OFF for access.

 

2) No problem with either of my headlights and condensation. Usual casue is the incorrect fitting of the rear socket cover. You may be able to dry it out using a hirdryer and a silica gel pack. If not replace the headlight

 

3) Sounds like it needs adjusting at the catch end, have alook for a screw that grips the cable inner with the bonnet open

 

4) Think that that is just a plastic bit the pushes in, buy a spare and self fit

 

The car if like mine is great and will serve you well, don't judge it by the inheritted faults from the previous owner, maybe you should have got him to fix them

 

 

Thanks for the reply. I was just worried by the handbook warning saying that 'if you don't have the code you could incur large bills as major adjustments need to be made.'

 

In hindsight I should have looked more closely at the car - although the condensation problem and the central locking are fine when car is warm so would have been hard to spot although I still would have probably bought it with the floppy bonnet release and broken strut. It's just worrying when you have several niggles together and wonder whether you have made a mistake! The confidential card I would not have known to look for, but I will now!

 

Any further help much appreciated!

[raveydavey]

The headlight issue is a pain but easily fixed by refitting the cover at the back of the light properly. Once done run round for a few hours with the lights on and it will burn the moisture off - or park the car facing into the sun on a hot day.

 

The bonnet catch failed on my C3 and was fixed under warranty. The dealer had the parts in stock (shock horror!) so I'm guessing it's a fairly common fault? It's been fine since.