Extended Test Drive / Hire Of C1?

[neuroboy]

Hi there. I'm new here.

 

I'm looking to buy my first brand new car - I'm nearly 40, but never really bothered with cars, even though I passed my test at 20 and do like driving... but always either been too skint or not had the need.

 

In fact, apart from a few car hires, I didn't drive at all for all of my 20's and most of my 30's. I have owned a couple of VW Sciroccos in the past 7 years, but only had them on the road a total of 3 years, and not had much luck, what with getting 6 points on my license, bashing into the back of my mates new Mondeo and ultimately getting my last beloved Scirocco written off by a thieving junkie scumbag. I'd love another Scirocco, but my insurance went sky high, economy was atrocious and I doubt I'd pick up such a great reliable bargain like I did before.

 

So I'm looking to getting a cheap, fun, economical runabout for the city, the occasional short jaunt up the M1 to see my sister, and twice-yearly trip to see my folks in Scotland.

 

I was originally looking at a Panda, but discovered my well proportioned 6 foot frame had trouble squeezing in, the worst aspect being the window pillar digging into my shoulder with the seat back in a driving position I liked. Gutted, as I would've loved a 100HP :)

 

I then considered forking out a bit more and going for a Grande Punto because they look great and are relatively cheap... but have read so many horror stories, especially on the Autocar customer reviews and Fiat owners forums.

 

But I've also had an eye on a C1 for a while - they look cute and sharp, run on peanuts and have a nice funky interior. I'm well impressed with the emissions and economy and the low tax and insurance group, plus have read very few negative reviews or user feedback.

 

So I had a test drive, and really enjoyed driving it for the 15 mins or so I did, though I felt the engine was a little noisy and the ride a bit stiff, but otherwise a great simple drive with plenty of style and character, and most importantly a really nice driving position with plenty of space for me.

 

I know they are cheap (though not as cheap as a Panda which you can get for £5K online!) but I'd really like to spend more time with one before committing myself. Ideally I'd like a weekend but even 4 or 5 hours would be great - time enough to pootle around town, throw it about some country lanes in the Peaks and razz up the motorway to show it off to me sis and her little ones, who'll love its smiley face.

 

So I'm wondering how I can do this as I cannot find anyone renting them out or offering an extended test drive in my local area. The only rental I can find is a 2 year contract hire.... a bit excessive for a test drive methinks!

 

Anyone have any ideas? I'm in Sheffield.

[ColinC1]

Quite a few learner cars use City bugs ( C!, peug 107, and Aygo ), so you could have a lesson or two :) (all city bugs have same mechanical parts)

 

More constuctively, If you have a local friendly dealer, they will give you a longer test drive, (thats what I did).

 

Its not at though its an automatic that need a long time to decide. Once you get the feel of the japanese gearbox with the light clutch and japanese engine, power steering, thats it.

 

As for price, usually Citroen do the cheapest deals on the C1, compaired to the 107 and the Aygo, with the lowest new price I have seen at £5800, thats for the C1 Vibe.

 

I have had mine for one and a half years now and its very reliable.

Only problem has been my door seals leaking (sorted now), but its quite a common problem.

[downsman]

Welcome to the forum :angry:

 

I'm 6 foot and test drove the Panda too. I found the centre consul dug into my leg, and there was less space than the C1.

 

If none of your local dealers will help you and no one is hiring one out it is hard to see how you can try one :)

 

It may be worth putting on your smartest clothes and trying again at the local Citroen dealer, make sure you have read up on the prices and options. If you can convince them you're a serious buyer, they may let you have a courtesy car for longer. Remember, they must get a lot of time wasters.

 

However, I'm sure you won't regret buying a C1, I find ours is the best fun/value car I've had since my old 2CV, and unlike that car you don't get left behind on motorways :)

[750Nig]

Hi Neuroboy, we bought ours from Stoneacre in Worksop, they let us have a 24hr test drive. Worksop isn't too far from Sheff if you don't get any joy from the city dealers.

Give 'em a ring first tho', just to make sure.

 

I'm 6ft and haven't found a problem driving the C1 - when the wife lets me drive it that is !

 

cheers

Nig

[Guest C1millstone]

Hi there. I'm new here.

 

I'm looking to buy my first brand new car - I'm nearly 40, but never really bothered with cars, even though I passed my test at 20 and do like driving... but always either been too skint or not had the need.

 

In fact, apart from a few car hires, I didn't drive at all for all of my 20's and most of my 30's. I have owned a couple of VW Sciroccos in the past 7 years, but only had them on the road a total of 3 years, and not had much luck, what with getting 6 points on my license, bashing into the back of my mates new Mondeo and ultimately getting my last beloved Scirocco written off by a thieving junkie scumbag. I'd love another Scirocco, but my insurance went sky high, economy was atrocious and I doubt I'd pick up such a great reliable bargain like I did before.

 

So I'm looking to getting a cheap, fun, economical runabout for the city, the occasional short jaunt up the M1 to see my sister, and twice-yearly trip to see my folks in Scotland.

 

I was originally looking at a Panda, but discovered my well proportioned 6 foot frame had trouble squeezing in, the worst aspect being the window pillar digging into my shoulder with the seat back in a driving position I liked. Gutted, as I would've loved a 100HP :(

 

I then considered forking out a bit more and going for a Grande Punto because they look great and are relatively cheap... but have read so many horror stories, especially on the Autocar customer reviews and Fiat owners forums.

 

But I've also had an eye on a C1 for a while - they look cute and sharp, run on peanuts and have a nice funky interior. I'm well impressed with the emissions and economy and the low tax and insurance group, plus have read very few negative reviews or user feedback.

 

So I had a test drive, and really enjoyed driving it for the 15 mins or so I did, though I felt the engine was a little noisy and the ride a bit stiff, but otherwise a great simple drive with plenty of style and character, and most importantly a really nice driving position with plenty of space for me.

 

I know they are cheap (though not as cheap as a Panda which you can get for £5K online!) but I'd really like to spend more time with one before committing myself. Ideally I'd like a weekend but even 4 or 5 hours would be great - time enough to pootle around town, throw it about some country lanes in the Peaks and razz up the motorway to show it off to me sis and her little ones, who'll love its smiley face.

 

So I'm wondering how I can do this as I cannot find anyone renting them out or offering an extended test drive in my local area. The only rental I can find is a 2 year contract hire.... a bit excessive for a test drive methinks!

 

Anyone have any ideas? I'm in Sheffield.

[Guest PaulGP]

Hi there. I'm new here.

 

I'm looking to buy my first brand new car - I'm nearly 40, but never really bothered with cars, even though I passed my test at 20 and do like driving... but always either been too skint or not had the need.

 

In fact, apart from a few car hires, I didn't drive at all for all of my 20's and most of my 30's. I have owned a couple of VW Sciroccos in the past 7 years, but only had them on the road a total of 3 years, and not had much luck, what with getting 6 points on my license, bashing into the back of my mates new Mondeo and ultimately getting my last beloved Scirocco written off by a thieving junkie scumbag. I'd love another Scirocco, but my insurance went sky high, economy was atrocious and I doubt I'd pick up such a great reliable bargain like I did before.

 

So I'm looking to getting a cheap, fun, economical runabout for the city, the occasional short jaunt up the M1 to see my sister, and twice-yearly trip to see my folks in Scotland.

 

I was originally looking at a Panda, but discovered my well proportioned 6 foot frame had trouble squeezing in, the worst aspect being the window pillar digging into my shoulder with the seat back in a driving position I liked. Gutted, as I would've loved a 100HP :rolleyes:

 

I then considered forking out a bit more and going for a Grande Punto because they look great and are relatively cheap... but have read so many horror stories, especially on the Autocar customer reviews and Fiat owners forums.

 

But I've also had an eye on a C1 for a while - they look cute and sharp, run on peanuts and have a nice funky interior. I'm well impressed with the emissions and economy and the low tax and insurance group, plus have read very few negative reviews or user feedback.

 

So I had a test drive, and really enjoyed driving it for the 15 mins or so I did, though I felt the engine was a little noisy and the ride a bit stiff, but otherwise a great simple drive with plenty of style and character, and most importantly a really nice driving position with plenty of space for me.

 

I know they are cheap (though not as cheap as a Panda which you can get for £5K online!) but I'd really like to spend more time with one before committing myself. Ideally I'd like a weekend but even 4 or 5 hours would be great - time enough to pootle around town, throw it about some country lanes in the Peaks and razz up the motorway to show it off to me sis and her little ones, who'll love its smiley face.

 

So I'm wondering how I can do this as I cannot find anyone renting them out or offering an extended test drive in my local area. The only rental I can find is a 2 year contract hire.... a bit excessive for a test drive methinks!

 

Anyone have any ideas? I'm in Sheffield.

 

Hi there

 

I have just bought a new Aygo (my first brand new car ever) after months of research. I am 44 & had not driven for 15 years. I was in the market for an Aygo / C1 /107 - as you know - they are all the same. Toyota gave me a full day test drive - on my own. Pug will give you a 24 hour test drive. Citroen would not give me a test drive on my own - which put me off a bit. In the end I went for the Aygo ( I also hired one out for 3 days - cost £70.00 - very good idea).

 

Try around for a test drive or hire one out - I've had mine for 7 weeks now & am loving it - it is a great car. Whichever you go for - good luck with it.