1988 Citroen 2CV from UK and Ireland - Comments

Where do I begin?

Dirt in the fuel line - rectified by adding a fuel filter.

Dozed engine mounts, any clamp involved in the exhaust system was thus shaken loose.

Actual exhaust had huge holes from rust.

Passenger door seal fell off, but this is due to a very dodgy restoration job.

Main wiring loom decided to short and melt a while back - I was quite upset and punched the door which now has a large dent.

Major rust problems all over (Blame Portugal).

Basically all problems with this car are due to the restoration before I owned it - it was not very thorough and this is evident in the reliability of the vehicle.

Difficult to start in cold weather.

I love this car, it has character, personality and is an icon. It is cheap, simple and fun especially in the summer with the roof back.

Essentially it is made from mechano and anyone with the most basic mechanical ability should be able to maintain one.

The engine never complains and can be run at high revs forever. Although not fast on motorways etc, it is so much fun to drive and drive hard. If mine was a better put together example it would be one of the best cars I've ever owned.

Practical sizewise - you can pack it full and remove all the seats for more space. There is little I can say that is bad about 2CVs.

My first car was a "Plums and Custard" 2cv Dolly. I called her Jools and she was the talk of the college. Everyone knew my car and I have a good sense of humour, hence the car. As I drove it over the first few months (missing gears, pulling the gear stick out the dash board, sinking her in a river, she was backed into twice, I went through 4 fog lights and put her in a hedge) and she just kept going. She was restored about a year before and my best friend ended you getting one. He had a perfectly respectible Citroen ZX, but gave it up for the rolling body of a Deux. We had some real fun with both cars and mine drove for 12 months without skipping a beat. 12 months after I bought her she needed a new clutch (due to my baaad driving) and I ended up working part time in a 2CV specialist for the summer to understand them better. I was paid in parts for the car so put a new front axle assembly on, built her a new engine, new back brakes, replaced and sprayed body work and I am happy to say she is still going, but in storage because I drive 3 hours a day to and from work and bought a Smart for2 coupe. Roll on the summer and jools will be alive and kicking again. BOOO HISS to all you 2CV haters... don't knock something until you've tried it! if you love these car's they will love you back.