Citreon C5 1.6 HDi post-2008

Schnooks

Hi Folks

A few quick questions if I may.

Looking at changing the car soon and I'm afraid it will be economy/reliability over performance for the 1st time ever

I like the look of these cars, the 2008 one with the new shape. I think the VTR is 110 bhp? What is the non-VTR bhp? Should I only consider the VTR?

Anyone have any experience of these cars? Reliability etc? Strange how a 1.6 dsl still costs €330 in road tax?

I've never even sat in one, are they a nice drive etc? Performance very sluggish or nice and lively up to 60 mph?

Sorry for all the questions, any info greatly appreciated.

S

Eddie Smart

Hi Schnooks, you can find some answers and more here

http://www.whatcar.com/car-reviews/citroen/c5-saloon/1-6-hdi-110-vtr-nav-4dr/readers-reviews/59187

The Tyre Dude

The VTR and VTR+ are different trim levels, the + has a bit more kit. The 1.6 HDi is the same throughout the range until 2010 or so when they dropped the CO2 levels. Take one for a spin, the 1.6 engine is fine and well proven, and they are quiet, comfy cruisers. They are average for reliability, no worse than Mondeo or Passat of the same era but can through up electric gremlins like all cars.

I think they are a great left field choice.

Find one with a FHS and you won't of far wrong.

ltdslipdiff

2008 > Laguna OP?

-maccer-

I test drove a vtr+ at the weekend (estate). Very comfortable car, and engine seemed perfectly adequate to pull the weight of the car, had my reservations before I drove it. Interior was quite nice but was disappointed with the lack of Bluetooth.

I read all the owner reviews on what car and honest john and there seemed to be a large number of negative reviews. While wanting to convince myself to buy the car I couldn't get over the negative reviews. Would be interested to hear from some owners on here and see what they think.

crosstownk

The current C5 was launched in April 2008. Most 2008 models were tax band C. The 2009 models dropped to tax band B. It's easy to spot the difference - if 17" wheels are fitted it'll be band C car, 16" will be a band B. If you're looking at a 2009> with 17" wheels it's most likely a UK import and will be tax band C so be sure to check before you buy.

In 2008 and 2009 there were 3 spec levels available in Ireland - Ambiance, Dynamique and Exclusive. In 2010, the VTR replaced the Ambiance, the Dynamique was replaced by the VTR+NAV with Sat Nav added as standard. The Exclusive with the Hydractive suspension remained unchanged.

No major issues from a reliability perspective.

I've managed 1,200km from a tank in a 1.6HDi.

-maccer-

Thanks for all the info.The car I drove was 2009, tax band c, 17 inch alloys and a UK import. crosstownk do you own one of them, if so what year and what kind of mileage have you covered?

bazz26

I wouldn't get hung up on the tax band thing, its €225 v €330.

Mycroft H

The VTR is 110bhp (+intercooler) and the non vtr version is 90BHP. We've a 2006 110bhp model and it pulls along a C5 with no problems. Your looking at ~60Mpg at 100km/h on a motorway cruise.

Good engine, there is a bit of lag until the turbo spools up, but once it does it moves along very well.

Do try find one with the hydropneumatic suspension, they are class leading for comfort.

Schnooks

Thanks for all the info guys. I think I will test drive one and see whether I like it or not, I think I will. I think they are a nice-looking car, especially inn black, as well as having a great engine.

crosstownk

-maccer- wrote: »

crosstownk do you own one of them, if so what year and what kind of mileage have you covered?

I've had a three or four of them from new, each for a six month period or thereabouts and put between 15-20k on each of them and not a moments trouble with any of them.

BX 19 wrote: »

The VTR is 110bhp (+intercooler) and the non vtr version is 90BHP.

With the current C5 (X7 model, 2008 to date), the VTR version is also 110BHP.

-maccer- wrote:

was disappointed with the lack of Bluetooth

Bluetooth became standard on Irish spec C5's from 2009. I'm not sure about UK versions.

Matt406

Schnooks wrote: »

Thanks for all the info guys. I think I will test drive one and see whether I like it or not, I think I will. I think they are a nice-looking car, especially inn black, as well as having a great engine.

I've a 08 one for sale Schnooks - if you want to take a look PM me!

Schnooks

Thanks Matt but I probably won't be changing for a few months yet.

I have also been checking out the Saab 9-3 1.9 TiD online, they seem to be a nice car also with 120bhp. Is that engine the same as a Vectra? Is it any good? Anyone have any experience of this car or know anything about it? That Whatcar site doesn't sem to have any reader reviews on it.

Thanks in advance

bazz26

Schnooks wrote: »

Thanks Matt but I probably won't be changing for a few months yet.

I have also been checking out the Saab 9-3 1.9 TiD online, they seem to be a nice car also with 120bhp. Is that engine the same as a Vectra? Is it any good? Anyone have any experience of this car or know anything about it? That Whatcar site doesn't sem to have any reader reviews on it.

Thanks in advance

The 1.9 diesel in the Saab is a Fiat Multi-jet engine. It is used in other GM cars as well as Fiat/Alfa Romeo and is a good solid unit. It was available in 3 different forms in the Saab 9-3, 8 valve 120bhp, 16 valve 150bhp and a twin turbo 180bhp. The 120bhp version is probably the most reliable version of that engine and the 180bhp.

Have you had a look at the Alfa Romeo 159? It uses the same engines bar the twin turbo version.

Schnooks

bazz26 wrote: »

The 1.9 diesel in the Saab is a Fiat Multi-jet engine. It is used in other GM cars as well as Fiat/Alfa Romeo and is a good solid unit. It was available in 3 different forms in the Saab 9-3, 8 valve 120bhp, 16 valve 150bhp and a twin turbo 180bhp. The 120bhp version is probably the most reliable version of that engine and the 180bhp.

Have you had a look at the Alfa Romeo 159? It uses the same engines bar the twin turbo version.

Thanks for that info Bazz26. I think I have found my car. It is the Saab 93 TTiD 180 bhp. Test drove a beautiful black 09 one today and it blew me away. It is from a reliable dealer, I know people who have dealt with him and all speak very highly of him. It has fairly high mileage (99k miles) but a full main dealer service history. The timing belt was done just 2k ago. It is spotless inside and out. I was amazed at the performance, yet that version can acheive over 50 mpg with easy driving and is only €225 road tax. I think I can get it for €12,600.

Do you or anyone else have any opinions on this car, given what I've described? I am on the verge of buying it, just would like to hear if there are any experiences good or bad with this car?

Thanks again for all the help here, it's really helped to point me in the right direction and is much appreciated .

The Tyre Dude

Latest JD Power rates the 9-3 right at the bottom of the heap for owner satisfaction in its class. Not sure how accurate that is but would give me cause for concern.

Schnooks

Hmmm that's disappointing TTD, what sort of stuff did they say?

I am going to buy this one anyway, too good a deal to pass up and I could not find a things I didn't like while driving it.

olewy

Re Saabs in general; Resale value and parts availability would be a concern for some.

Maynoothspur

Schnooks wrote: »

bazz26 wrote: »

The 1.9 diesel in the Saab is a Fiat Multi-jet engine. It is used in other GM cars as well as Fiat/Alfa Romeo and is a good solid unit. It was available in 3 different forms in the Saab 9-3, 8 valve 120bhp, 16 valve 150bhp and a twin turbo 180bhp. The 120bhp version is probably the most reliable version of that engine and the 180bhp.

Have you had a look at the Alfa Romeo 159? It uses the same engines bar the twin turbo version.

Thanks for that info Bazz26. I think I have found my car. It is the Saab 93 TTiD 180 bhp. Test drove a beautiful black 09 one today and it blew me away. It is from a reliable dealer, I know people who have dealt with him and all speak very highly of him. It has fairly high mileage (99k miles) but a full main dealer service history. The timing belt was done just 2k ago. It is spotless inside and out. I was amazed at the performance, yet that version can acheive over 50 mpg with easy driving and is only €225 road tax. I think I can get it for €12,600.

Do you or anyone else have any opinions on this car, given what I've described? I am on the verge of buying it, just would like to hear if there are any experiences good or bad with this car?

Thanks again for all the help here, it's really helped to point me in the right direction and is much appreciated .

I have one 93ttid aero & love it. It was written off yesterday when some clown rear ended me in a lorry. Can I ask where you're buying yours as I have a feeling I wont get what my cars worth from the insurers and I would like to have an example to show them what it will cost me to replace it. I'd go for it you won't regret it.

Maynoothspur

And by the way I can average 56.5mpg just driving normally.

Schnooks

Maynoothspur wrote: »

I have one 93ttid aero & love it. It was written off yesterday when some clown rear ended me in a lorry. Can I ask where you're buying yours as I have a feeling I wont get what my cars worth from the insurers and I would like to have an example to show them what it will cost me to replace it. I'd go for it you won't regret it.

Hi Maynoothspur, sorry to hear about your car, hope you are ok.

I got mine from Fergus Madden in Fivemilebridge out by Cork airport, here's his site -

http://www.fmautos.ie/contentv3/

Driving it for 2 weeks now and so far very pleased with it, love the peformance, comfort and look of it, and I like the way it drives with the active steering.

PM me if you need any info on what I paid etc.