Hello, New To Forum

[Nigel G1ZFS]

Hello all, and thankyou for allowing me to join the forum.

 

I'm in the rather embarrasing position of having crashed my Volvo 850 estate, its in the process of being written off (my fault entirely).

 

I work as an electronics engineer and supply my own car, I usually buy an estate car for a couple of grand and run it for two years or so, high mileage motorway stuff.

 

I've been looking at some citroens, hence I'm on here !

 

There are some very nice below two grand xantia diesel estates on auto trader, and one very nice looking C5 estate (Y plate, 65,000 miles from new, one owner) for £1995

 

What are the pitfalls with these cars guys ?

 

My mates keep telling me to leave well alone, suspension problems etc, but none of these mates have ever owned one, its all just hearsay.

 

I'm impressed by the reported fuel economy, with the price of fuel this is important to me, but so is reliability

 

Many thanks in advance for any help

[Guest Colin Hunter]

Hi Nigel. Welcome aboard!

 

As with any car, always buy the best and newest one you can afford. Both the Xantia and the C5 estates are excellent load luggers, and due to the self levelling suspension, shouldn't feel any different fully loaded to light. The Xantia is the last true "Hydraulic" citroen, which means that ALL the services are powered from the same engine driven pump, Suspension, brakes and steering. This means it is VERY important that the system is kept in good order. In the same way that engines need regular oil changes, the LHM (Liquide Hydraulique Minerale) fluid in the system should also be changed every few years depending on mileage, in much the same way that normal brake fluid should be. The normal (Non Hydractive) system on a Xantia is well within the ability of a competent DIY mechanic to keep in good order. Parts prices are reasonable and the four suspension spheres can be changed for less than the price of one road spring for a Volvo V40 for instance, and the whole 4 can be done in under an hour if all goes well.

 

The C5, on the other hand, has an electrically powered hydraulic suspension system and "Normal" servo assisted brakes. Not sure about the steering though as I've not had one. My Bro in law did though and was quite impressed with it. That was a 1.8 LX saloon. (Hatch)

 

The best ones to go for are the 110 HDi in both Xantia and C5, they will cruise effortlessly at the legal limit at about 2200 rpm and (In the Xantia at least) return 50 plus mpg on a run. An average of 45 or more is easily acheivable. The only drawback with the Xantia is that the 110 HDi is in group 13 insurance ( F**K knows why! ) but the 110 C5 is group 9. Have a look at Parkers website (http://www.parkers.co.uk/) for running costs. Avoid the HDi90 in the C5 as it is underpowered for the car and will struggle to equal the 110 on consumption.

 

Lots of people will tell you horror stories about Citroens suspension system. It must be admitted that if these cars are neglected they can go wrong big time. Good maintainance is GOD! What must be remembered, on the other hand, is that the concept is so good that Rolls Royce put it on the Silver Shadow! They also made some improvements to the system which Citroen then incorporated into their cars.

 

All told, I'd far sooner have a Citroen than a Volvo!

 

Cheers. Hope this helps. :D

[Randombloke]

I've been looking at some citroens, hence I'm on here !

 

There are some very nice below two grand xantia diesel estates on auto trader, and one very nice looking C5 estate (Y plate, 65,000 miles from new, one owner) for £1995

 

What are the pitfalls with these cars guys ?

 

Avoid early 2.2 HDi (50,000 mile DPF and fluid change). Avoid any 2.2 HDi without a correct service history for the cam belt, particulate filter and catalyst fluid.

 

IMO the best C5 for costs/comfort compromise is the 6 speed 2.0 HDi but they may not be in your price range.

 

The Xantia has no roof rails so for me is useless, but it is much less complicated and the 2.0 110 HDi may be very good for you. Personally I'm quite keen on the 2.1 but it is indirect injection, however it is 110 bhp and I have the Peugeot version of the same. The fuel economy is not quite as good as the HDi but they can be got for not a lot.

 

If you want some thing about the £2k mark and don't need roof rails I'd go for a very end of line 2.0 110 HDi Xantia.