Citroën C3 Picasso (2009 - 2017) 1.6 HDi 16V VTR+ 5d (2009/09) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Practical, active, budget-conscious but not entirely boring...

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

Very positive reactions - lots of interest from owners of small family hatchbacks and midi-MPVs, Scenic and old Picasso owners in particular. People seem to like its looks, like travelling in it and marvel at us getting an average 55mpg in everyday use.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, though there will probably be a new model out before we change again - we plan to keep this one to 100,000+ miles (about 2016 by my reckoning). It ticks pretty well all our boxes - space, style, value, enjoyment.

What are you likely to buy next?

Either another used C3 Picasso, another proven compact MPV such as Meriva or Roomster, or possibly a Ford B-Max if used prices are sensible.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,500

When did you buy the car?

September 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Struck deal and end of month. Salesman knew we were serious punters and had other cars in mind elsewhere. Car was already well priced in local marketplace before we started negotiating. Also got a two years' extra warranty cover for price of one - the manufacturer warranty had just expired on our three-year-old ex-Motability purchase.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looks; good internal space vs compact dimensions; diesel fuel economy.

What was the dealer like?

Small Evans Halshaw (Ford) dealership in Glossop. Professional and courteous mature salesman who understood our requirements and was ready to deal - assessed our trade-in while we looked at our target car and was ready with a fair trade-in allowance when we starting talking detailed terms. Car was well prepared and came with a full dealer service as part of the deal. Salesman followed up a couple of weeks later with a 'hope you're enjoying your new car' note - nice touch.

What's it like to drive?

High driving position and huge wrap-round screen give excellent vision. Light controls: steering effort is low at town/parking speeds and the lock is fairly tight, but there's sufficient feel at faster speeds; clutch is light though gear-change could be more positive. Good brakes - feels safe. Rolls a bit when cornering but seems sure-footed. Acceleration isn't what it's about but it's adequate - and it pulls strongly in fourth, which reduces down-shifting on hills. Probably happiest between 45 and 60mph - country A- and B-road speeds - when revs stay below 2000rpm, fuel economy is best, and engine and wind noise aren't intrusive. Starts to get noisier at 75mph or so - could probably do with a long 6th gear for more relaxed motorway cruising.

What's it like to park?

Easy-peasy - fairly short body, not difficult to judge where the corners of the car are, big mirrors, good steering lock and lots of power assistance.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Car has done 4,000 miles in just over two months including a 1,000-mile holiday trip to Cornwall in the first 10 days of ownership. So far all's well although radio reception is poor in some areas despite re-tuning some stations.

What's most practical about your car?

The slide/fold rear seating and flat load area - so much easier to use than in many hatchbacks/MPVs.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

It's got to be the huge digital speedo - almost as good as a head-up display and leaves no excuses for speeding!