2001 (02) C5 2.2 Hdi Estate Auto: 180k Miles, But Full Service History

[Guest Colin Yates]

Hi all,

 

First off, great forum! Very friendly, and suprisingly unbiased :lol:

 

I am considering purchasing a C5 HDI 2.2 (automatic) estate on an 02 plate. Problem is it has around 180K miles, but it has a single owner with full main dealer history....

 

It looks very tidy (from the photos) and everything works (all the electronic gadgets etc.).

 

The guy wants about £1500 for it.

 

Essentially, I am looking for a car which will comfortably and economically (and reliably!) do 100 miles motorway driving a day. Being a big block (6ft 2, and too many stones :)) the C5 fits nicely. My current Picassa 1.6 (petrol) just isn't efficient enough (about 300 miles/tank).

 

What do you think? Would you go there, or run away screaming? Other contenders are C5s with 110K on the clock, but not estates, and lower specs..

 

Many thanks,

 

Col

[paul.h]

Welcome,

if you are going for the best fuel economy/lowest costs, do you need an automatic and 2.2 ? The 2.0 hdi manual hatchback will use the least amount of fuel and will also be in a few lower road tax brackets. the 2.0 hdi will also not have an exhaust particle filter/eolys fluid which need replacing about every 75k miles depending on model year - the 180k mile car you mention may be due for this expensive replacement.

[72dudes]

I agree with Paul.h, a 110bhp 2.0 HDI manual is your best bet and has fewer things to go wrong, arguably.

 

If you're dead set on the 2.2 HDi auto, it would be worth ringing the main dealer where it has been maintained and ask whether the particle filter/fluid/ecu change has been done at least twice, (maybe even three times). They may be able to provide a complete print-out of the history. Also make sure you drive the car first to check for warning lights and messages (specifically "anti-pollution fault", "filter blocked", "fuel additive low" etc. Also make sure the suspension moves up and down through the 4 heights with no problems. If any of these manifest, run away screaming!

 

Actually much of this can be used when looking at any C5, but if you find a good one, it will be an amazing car.

 

P.S. Don't expect much more than high 30's/40 MPG from a 2.2 auto. The manual is better, low to mid 40's, whilst the 2.0 HDi can get mid to high 40's.

There was also a 2.0HDi auto available - most were LX's and a few VTR's but they're rare.

[Guest Colin Yates]

Thanks both. Good advice.

[techbod]

some think the diesels are good ( would I buy one ) nope

[seefive]

some think the diesels are good ( would I buy one ) nope

 

Agreed

 

Since diesel is now an outrageous 12% dearer than petrol, I'm more convinced than ever that petrol is the better option

 

Less maintenance hassle, more reliable and not much difference on fuel cost. I get 38 mpg on a motorway run in my 2 litre petrol. I've heard of auto diesels doing less than that.

 

You pays your money...