2003 Citroen C5 Break 2.2 HDi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Quality spec car for a knockdown price

Faults:

There have been NO faults to date, though there is a slight clunk from rear suspension, and there is a slight delay on switching beams on the headlights, which is a little annoying.

I miss not having a rear screen wiper, and assumed a car of this high standard would be sure to have them, I was surprised to find that it is not even an optional extra whatever model you have (except estates). I feel Citroen should include this facility on new models, and possibly do a mod to existing models.

Average mileage comes out around 39 per gallon, which is good for this size and weight, but on a motorway run, mileage is considerably higher.

Following a minor rear end shunt making a tiny (1 inch) split in the bumper, and a tiny dent in the tailgate which I had not spotted, the repairs came to £568 ,though fortunately I was not paying! But be warned, repairs are expensive.

With reference to the above repair, which was carried out well, being undetectable, I was very upset after driving home from Derby to Lichfield, to find that the rear lamp clusters had not been replaced into their housings, so that no rear lamps were visible! I could have been rear ended again because of this negligence, but fortunately, this oversight was discovered, and I replaced the clusters myself.

General Comments:

A VERY comfortable car with nearly every extra imaginable, shame about no rear wiper.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd May, 2003

2nd Nov 2005, 02:49

Point about the rear wiper, I feel Citroen have not included this because the aerodynamics of the car makes it unnecessary. This is similar too many quality saloons, and quite unlike most hatchback designs where turbulence in wet conditions will somehow deposit all kinds of muck on the rear screen, including the ZX 16V which I previously owned (and by necessity had a rear wiper/washer)

10th Nov 2005, 09:44

I believe also that the lack of rear screen wipers is inexcusable in a car of this calibre. I do not accept the aerodynamics theory. I miss a rear wiper every time it rains.

2003 Citroen C5 Exclusive 2.2 HDi from Belgium

Summary:

Mine was offered as an excellent bargain

Faults:

Looking forward to counter check with all the reported reviews.

General Comments:

I tested a 2.0 Diesel Break.

The change in gears is slightly further than I anticipated with the exception of reverse gear.

I ordered the C5 2.2 Break engine in Exclusive version, but refrained the temptation for the GPS installation because it also offers an alternative to watch DVD or TV only when car is not in motion. I follow vital news on BBC and would prefer it as well on the tv senders, hence a separate installation is a wiser move with more options linked to this separate installation.

Will also get extra film tinting on all windows to keep my travelling dogs cool and preserve their privacy from peepers behind.

Had to get used to the parking sensors.

Will do so in one thorough test with a large mirror adjacently placed by the rear pylon when I get my new car delivered in May, 2003.

I drive an estimated 135000km to 19000k yearly, both for leisure and as a partime BDM in Maastricht.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th April, 2003