Citroën C3 (2002 - 2010) 1.4 HDi Desire 5d (2006/55) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Probably that I'm not materialistic about cars - certainly doesn't make a positive statement.

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

My daughter is embarrassed by it, says she can hear me coming before she sees me...My husband hates driving it, it's a bone shaker, my parents compare it to my mums fiesta which is still smooth, runs well and is reliable.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Never, it's expensive to run, eats fuel yet is cheap and tacky in its manufacture - bits of trim come away far too easily, eg, roof strips, bits inside the cabin, chrome coating on the door handles peeled off, the boot hood pull doesn't clip back where it should, the clips on the rear parcel shelf have come off and got lost,the bonnet doesn't fully close easily... just cheap and very tatty really, not a high quality finish whatsoever.

What are you likely to buy next?

I would still like a small car, so possibly a fiesta as Ford seem to be continually reliable and a higher level of finish, or perhaps a Toyota Yaris or a Nissan Duke - again a good reputation and recommended to me.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£3,800

When did you buy the car?

November 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes, found him on auto trader, it was the model and spec I was looking for and in the colour I wanted. I rang and told him I was travelling a long way, approx 100 miles each way, so if was as described would buy cash so was able to negotiate price before leaving home!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Had my previous vehicle written off.

What was the dealer like?

Very good, polite, good knowledge, good test drive experience, car was valets and polished. Very good impression.

What's it like to drive?

Ok to drive but very rattly! Not at all smooth, you feel every bump in the road, not at all economical on fuel, particularly for a small car - I think I'm lucky to get 29 mpg at most! It struggles uphill definitely a 2nd gear job and Doesn't exactly cruise on the motorway, it's an around town/local journeys kind of car.

What's it like to park?

Parking is the best thing about this car. Great size, very compact, easy to park in and around town in small spaces, I can park it anywhere.

Have you had any problems with the car?

After 3 months it started cutting out, broke down 3 times in a fortnight, lots of errors showing on the dash. Had to be recovered to a garage each time. I did a lot of homework myself, found these cars are notorious for windscreen seals on the boneset causing water to leak onto engine causing cut outs. I have since had to replace ball joints and cv boots twice, and coil springs. I call it a 'Friday afternoon car'... And no, I wouldn't buy one again or recommend it.

What's most practical about your car?

Great size, very compact, easy to park in and around town in small spaces, yet very roomy and spacious with excellent headroom inside like a tardis!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

None!