Citroën C5 Hatchback (2001 - 2004) 2.0 HDi VTR (110bhp) 5d (2004/04) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I commented that my last C5 made me look like an old man, or a family man. However that had tiny wheels and it was a lovely lillacy colour! This silver VTR looks much better and ive not had any negative comments. Possibly not the typical car for a 23 year old, but i like it.

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

They all like it, we have 3 C5s in the family, my friends really like it and its usually me who drives as its a much nicer car to go anywhere in than a small buzz-box!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, i probably will replace it with another C5. This is my second C5, my first C5 is still in the family (now with 128K miles and going very well) and we also have a facelifted 2.0HDI 16v 138bhp C5 estate. Im looking for a facelifted (54-57 reg) C5 hatch with the later 2.0HDi 16v engine to replace my current one.

What are you likely to buy next?

Citroen C5 - Facelifted shape

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

December 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes, I got it at a good price, it was the best I could find with its mileage (66K at the time), excellent condition and full service history.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Yes, this is my second C5, I wrote a review on here about my first, not exactly glowing but a change to a slightly later model in VTR spec solved most of my earlier comments.

What was the dealer like?

Very helpful, they even delivered the car to me.

What's it like to drive?

This VTR spec handles much better than my previous C5 SX. Much more direct, less body roll and I actually quite enjoy throwing it around (I got 10K miles from my last pair of front tyres, its not unuesed to a corner or two!). The C5 offers unbelievable refinement, its one of the quietest cars ive driven, easily competing with executive cars when on the motorway - while offering a nice slowing ride. Getting in it to do lots of motorway miles is a joy, set the cruise, climate, fold down the arm rests and set your ipod to shuffle and your there in no time - a real mile muncher. I drove down the the South of France last year with it and it was superb, couldn't think of anything id have wanted to be driving more, im going again in it this year.

What's it like to park?

I find it very easy now, though people who first drive it have problems parking, the front and rear of the car is not in sight, and its a very wide car too. I soon adapted and ive not had any problems with parking, nor have I picked up any dinks or scrapes.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Its been a mixed expereience relaibility wise, i think i bought it as things started to go wrong, ive had to replace the Comms2000 unit as the indicator stalk was playing up, working the headlights when i wanted indicators. Ive had a reoccuring problem with sticking front brakes (the handbrake), that is now cured after new discs, pads and cables. Other than that, over the 15K miles and one year since ive owned it its just needed general wear and tear items, and its still in fantastic condition.

What's most practical about your car?

It does everything I need from a car, im 6ft2 and like a spacious car, the C5 offers a very spacious interior, front and rear. The seats are very comfortable, the folding armrests add to the comfort. The boot is huge, easily takes a few weeks holiday gear or my two large dogs. Ive fitted it with a towbar so i can tag on my 3 bike thule bike carrier. The self levelling suspension makes carrying loads almost imperceivable and provides excellent comfort and added safety. Its a perfect all rounder.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cruise Control and Climate Control, However the self-levelling suspension with height adjust is great. I also like the auto lights and wipers - so long as the screen is kept grease free they work very well.