Citroen C5
Space costs money, the new Rolls Royce Phantom is nearly 20 feet long and costs £252,037. But if your budget won’t quite stretch that far then here’s an alternative. Save your self £245,000 and buy a used Citroen C5, unbelievable as it might seem it boasts the same size boot.
Introduced in April 2001 the C5 fills the gap left by the Citroen Xantia and XM. By making the car bigger than the Xantia and cheaper than the XM Citroen avoid the problems of offering a large, expensive and unpopular flagship car like sister company Peugeot have with the 607.
Whilst the C5 may not be the prettiest saloon car Citroen have ever made, in terms of space and comfort it is an impressive offering. Power comes from a range of 1.8, 2.0 and 3.0 litre petrol engines and 2.0 and 2.2 litre diesel engines.
If you’re a high mileage driver then the diesel derivatives are impressive with 50mpg from the 2.0 litre diesel and levels of performance that challenge all but the 3.0 litre petrol versions. If you’re covering less than 10,000 miles a year then the 1.8 petrol is the best buy. You’ll still manage close to 40mpg but save yourself £1,200 on the purchase price compared to the diesel.
With manufacturers trying to win the hearts of the company car drivers, mid range cars like the C5 have been offering higher levels of equipment than ever before. Even the entry level LX has remote central locking, air conditioning and CD player. Pay £600 more for a used SX and the car gets alloy wheels and onboard computer. The range topping Exclusive models has auto wipers, xenon headlamps and auto closing doors – until recently only to be found on S-class Mercedes Benz and BMW 7 series.
Ride and comfort are amongst the C5’s greatest assets. Citroen fit their unique Hydractive 3 system that adjusts the cars suspension in response to driving conditions. At high speed the car lowers itself improving aero dynamics and fuel economy.
Under the skin the C5 is a very safe car with 6 airbags and both ABS and Emergency Brake Assist as standard. In the 2001 Euro NCAP safety tests the C5 achieved an impressive 4 star rating, only one start off the maximum.
Running your C5 will also be reasonable inexpensive with servicing once a year or every 12,500 miles. It’s also worth remembering that all used C5’s for ale will still be covered by the original manufacturers’ 3 year/60,000 mile warranty and a confidence building 12 year corrosion warranty.
The C5 is a recent design and the dashboard lay out is clear and simple to use. The upholstery and trim handles heavy use well but don’t expect the kind of fit and finish you’d get in a German car. On the plus side you won’t be paying German car prices either with Citroen offering great deals on their new cars used C5 prices have been taking a tumble. If you buy privately you can pick up a 2 year old C5 for a touch over £6,000.
Buying from a Citroen dealer will guarantee the cars mileage and service history but expect to pay around £750 more than an equivalent private sale. To view a list of national stock visit www.citroen.co.uk
© Jason Dawe Productions Limited April 2003
Values Citroen C5 1.8LX hatchback
|
Mileage |
10,000 miles |
20,000 miles |
40,000 miles |
|
2001 ‘Y’ Trade |
£6,575 |
£6,150 |
£5,325 |
|
Retail |
£7,775 |
£7,350 |
£6,525 |
|
2001 ‘51’ Trade |
£7,000 |
£6,525 |
£5,650 |
|
Retail |
£8,195 |
£7,725 |
£6,850 |
|
2002 ‘02’ Trade |
£7,550 |
£7,025 |
£6,225 |
|
Retail |
£8,750 |
£8,225 |
£7,425 |
Add £1,200 for 2.0 Diesel 110bhp
Add £600 for SX version
|
|
Vital Statistics |
|
Model |
1.8 LX |
|
Engine |
4 cylinder 1,749cc |
|
Power |
117bhp |
|
Transmission |
5 speed manual |
|
Fuel consumption |
36.7mpg (combined) |
|
Acceleration |
11sec (0-62mph) |
|
Top Speed |
122mph |
|
5 Alternatives for the same money |
Year |
Mileage |
Retail price |
Trade price |
|
|
2000 ‘X’ |
30,000 |
£7,175 |
£6,150 |
|
|
2000 ‘X’ |
30,000 |
£7,350 |
£6,075 |
|
|
2001 ‘Y’ |
20,000 |
£7,175 |
£5,925 |
|
|
2001 ‘Y’ |
25,000 |
£7,175 |
£5,925 |
|
|
2000 ‘W’ |
40,000 |
£7,395 |
£6,050 |