Citroens who would have one?

[Alan Slade]

We set off at 8 a m on Boxing Day to travel to our son's in Bedford for an overnight visit, in our three and a half year old Citroen C4 Picasso (out of warranty) but only 20,000 miles on the clock. There we were, 63 miles into our journey on the M3 when.' ESP/ACR system faulty, take vehicle for repair ' appeared on the display and the engine went into a very slow limp mode. We left the motorway and called the AA who attended very promptly. The first task was to find the diagnostic socket. Once located, had to replace half of the trim removed trying to find it. The diagnosis was nothing to do with the ESP/ACR it was a faulty injector on cylinder 2. Car not repairable on the roadside so trailered back home behind the AA transit. Once home the car was deposited on the drive and we set off again in our old car (another Citroen) in much heavier traffic and finally got to Bedford about 4.30. Had a good time with the family. The next downer is the estimate for the repair is £608. We'll pi----d off. I promise never to buy another.

 

[t-tony]

That particular engine is a pain at times Alan, also used in many other cars. A local driving instructor had a Peugeot 206 with that engine and was always giving him grief. One day he said "That's it, it's going" and he came back with a ford Fiesta, ................ with the same engine in it.

Tony.

 

[Nodzed]

Last decent car made by Citroen

 

[t-tony]

Only one horse power then ................................

Tony.

 

[Nodzed]

Only one horse power then ................................

Tony.

Citroen Un Chevaux

 

[t-tony]

Tony.

 

[hard top]

I do like these though, bloke down the road has got one.

 

[G4FUJ]

That's much better Mike! Looks similar to the one used in the occasional "Maigret" (sp?) whodunnit.

I got rid of a Volvo C30 due to injector problems (Peugeot diesel). The little Peugeot 1.6 diesel is great when running OK, but like many moderns all the extra "enhancements" to meet ever more stringent emissions regs makes them less reliable. My local Indie said if you go for another, buy the 2.0 petrol. Then showed me a 240 Estate he was refurbishing
Swore I'd never have another French car (many years ago) after a 205 1.4 cabriolet I ran for a year gave fuel injection problems. Should have bought a one year older, carb, model. Mind, the failing FI was Bosch...
Even further back, when I worked for a local garage on vehicle recovery, the most common car I collected was the Xantia - majority for failed hydro suspension.

 

[Grumps]

To answer the original question.......No.

 

[Alan Slade]

To answer the original question.......No.

So, where to go next? It's not Citroen that failed, I have no brand loyalty left, it's a component made by Bosch (I believe) and the same injector is fitted to numerous makes of car. I don't seek to defend Citroen/Ford/Mazda/Peugeot and others that use them but parts that cost over £300 (ECP) shouldn't fail in 20,000 miles.

 

[Grumps]

I don't know Alan. French cars don't have a good rep. I appreciate that any car can fail at any time, after all they are mechanical objects. You say the part in turn was made by Bosch. So Citroen for example insist on a lower grade of part to keep costs down whereas maybe the German brands ask for top quality parts from the same manufacturers?? I don't know I'm just sumising. I personally wouldn't by a French car. We have had a couple in the past, one was a Citroen C2 and it was a great little car, the other a Peugeot 807 people carrier. Shockingly bad. I run and a ford focus daily and Jue is on her 3rd freelander now. All have been great so far.

 

[Nodzed]

Jue is on her 3rd freelander now.

Her 3rd Freelander Dave? I wouldn't buy her another one if she keeps breaking them ..............

 

[Nodzed]

I had an XM back in the early 90's and I loved it, comfy roomy great tow car etc trouble was our local main dealer had it more than I did, it had to go just too unreliable.

 

[Z Victor 1]

Citroen, not all bad! When I was a student I shared grotty two room digs with my mate Greg, no bathroom , toilet outside in the yard. It wasn't very smart until someone abandoned a Citroen in the nearby car park. We soon had the bench front seat away and were very proud of our new red leather three seat settee.

 

[Davyhoogy]

I had an 11plate c4 2.0 tdi which I done 90k in and it hasnt put a foot wrong. My mam has had it since i got the z3 and she loves it too.

 

[stevie_a]

I have only had one Citroen, got a 1995 Citroen Picasso for £400 as it was cheaper than the flight to London and back for me and my mates, when we got back sold it for £600

Hateful car

 

[Tfp]

French cars have always had a bad rep, worked for a Renault main dealer for many years and they were not very good, although I hear they're better now.

But I'm seeing far too many Bmw's of late throwing up fault codes which are costing packets to fix, some under warranty, not sure I'd want to own one out of warranty.

And Range Rovers?

I'd never own one out of manufacturers warranty, bought enough of people now who've said "I'll be glad to see the back of it" and "never again"

 

[Bumpa]

I drove past a Land Rover dealer once, early in the morning, and there was a Discovery on the forecourt with a large banner wrapped round it that said "Don't buy one of these - they are cr*p". I should think it got moved pretty smartly once the garage opened!

My son had a Citroen C3 that was OK as a car, but cost a fortune in repairs. Even the headlamp bulbs can't be changed by the owner. Such is progress.

 

[andyglym]

Skoda have a great rep, the cars that the AA and RAC get called out to the least (as of a few years ago). 1.2 petrol turbo 4x4 will be our next main family car, I'll keep the 2.0TD4 for work. Had a C4 Picasso as a hire car recently, performed well but a bit mad, get a few Hyundai and thus far they've all been great cars. Best so far was a Passat very closely followed by the (in this order) fiesta petrol, Focus Petrol, Golf Diesel. In last place by infinity x infinity I'd rather take the bus was the Renault Capture thing. Nasty car all round and just hideous to drive! Being chased by a lion would have more pleasure.

 

[Tfp]

Skoda have a great rep, the cars that the AA and RAC get called out to the least (as of a few years ago). 1.2 petrol turbo 4x4 will be our next main family car

It's a great engine that 1.2 four pot turbo, have it in our Fabia.

I agree about the Skoda dealers, they don't seem to play games like many others.