Citroën C2 VTS (2004 - 2009) 1.6i 16V 3d (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Don't really know. Cheapskate? Boy-racer? Canny buyer who can see a bargain? Frankly, I don't really care. I like it, it makes me smile and that's all that matters to me. Oh, and it isn't costing me a fortune like my previous BMW did!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My dad (70+) had a go and really enjoyed it, he could see why I bought one and I could see the grin on his face! Lots of people have said it looks good but you do get "but it's a Citroen..." a lot, like it's going to explode or something. If you must be a badge snob buy something else but you're missing something!

Would you buy this car again and why?

I'd consider it certainly, have to be a nearly new one now though as Citroen have dropped it. The new DS3 isn't really a replacement, it's expensive in comparison!

What are you likely to buy next?

Maybe looking at a DS3 but at around £15000 for something akin to my VTS and over £17000 for the top of the range they're now in the realms of some really good opposition. Mind you, Minis (never!) and Alfa Mitos (maybe) can be even more. A Suzuki Swift Sport is about the closest competitor these days.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£10,945

When did you buy the car?

March 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

The cashback offer made the car 9995, which I think was great value. I've specced mine up with curtain airbags and the digital climate control, auto headlights and mirrors option. Add black paint and I was up to 10945. Still a bargain I thought. I LOST way more than that in depreciation on my previous car!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

£2500 cashback put the car under £10000, for a brand new, well-specced, hot(ish)hatch. Bargain?

What was the dealer like?

Very good. They had a used one in which I asked to test and they just gave me the keys and told me to take a couple of hours. They asked if I minded delivery being delayed slightly but this moved it onto an 06 plate instead so I wasn't overly bothered. A little haggling over finance sealed the deal, handover was quick and courteous and I've only seen them since for servicing.

What's it like to drive?

Easy! 3500 is enough to make good progress and gives me mid 40s mpg. Push it harder and it comes alive. Handling at first seemed a little fidgety but trust it. Standard stability control helps and if you do manage to crash it you were probably being an idiot! I do regular 400+ mile motorway journeys and even at motorway speed (4000rpm/75 mph) it'll show just over 40mpg. Buzzy it is but then again it's a sports hatch not a motorway cruiser but it's something it handles fairly well. Supportive seats mean no aches even after 4 hours driving.

What's it like to park?

Easy again. Good view out allied to car's small size means I've never had a problem.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Not really. A recall was issued for the engine temp sensor and mine was replaced at service. Ironically, it failed the next day with spurious warning of an overheating engine (it wasn't)! Dealer took the car straight back in and fixed it. other than that, 4 years, 70,000 miles and scheduled services only. Beware clutches though. C2s/C3s have a weak point where gearbox seals can allow oil to weep onto the clutch plates causing intermittent clutch slip. Mine might be heading this way now. My girlfriend's C3 did this (after only 30k) and her Citroen dealer (different to mine!) wouldn't have this and wanted £700 to fit a new one even thought the car was in warranty. Told them where to go. Gearbox needs stripping down to fix it so having new plates fitted at the same time doesn't cost a whol

What's most practical about your car?

It's been fine for me as most of the time I'm the only one in it. Will take 3 people and luggage (1 seat folded) but not 4, unless they travel REALLY light! Note it only seats 4. Space in the rear is OK, I'm 6ft and can sit behind my driver's seat, something I always try when looking at a car. Probably wouldn't want to spend long journeys there though. Run my young nieces and nephews around at times and there's plenty of room for them in the back. Space in the front is great and the higher roofline means loads of headroom for all.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I specced the climate control which also adds auto lights, auto wipers and heated mirrors. Brings a bit of luxury and was worth the £400.