2006 Citroen C3 Desire review from UK and Ireland

Continuous intermittent fault with the headlamps. The lights flash when the indicators are used. The column stalk has a fault, which causes the lights to flicker when it is moved or knocked. The headlights have been known to come on when the car is stationary and the doors are locked.

It has twice been back to the dealers regarding this fault, and they just claim there isn't a fault.. clearly I am imagining things and they give it the old Gallic shrug, which Citroen seem to resort to a lot according to web forums.

The car is poorly assembled and the finish is poor. The body is made of very thin steel, which dents at the slightest knock. Electrical gremlins abound, it is slow and not that economical for it's class 39mpg on average. The three year warranty appears to be symbolic.

At the 20000 mile service, the dealer quoted £184, then fitted new windscreen wipers without being asked, and asked for an extra £50. I told him to take them off and put the old ones back, 50 quid for two wiper blades... who do they think they are?

Depreciation is scary on this vehicle; its value has halved in my 12 months ownership. I will trade it in for a Ford Focus next year.