Citroen C5 Review (2001 to 2004)

Quick Summary

The Citroen C5 is a big departure from the usual upper medium sector fare. If you want a sporty drive you should really opt for a Mondeo or a 406. If you value space, clever technology and a ride better than a Bentley then a used Citroen C5 makes a lot of sense. It'll be interesting to see what advancing age does to the C5's residual values, but right at the moment they're holding reasonably firm. Fortune favours the brave. Good luck.

Overall:

Models Covered:(5dr hatches and estates 1.8, 2.0, 3.0 petrol, 1.6, 2.0 90, 2.0 110, 2.2 138, 2.2 173 diesel [LX, SX, Exclusive, Exclusive SE, VTR, VTX, VTX+])

CINQ WITHOUT TRACE?

This could be history in the making. What we have here is a used car model guide that deals with a large Citroen and contains no close juxtapositions of the words 'catastrophic' and 'depreciation'. Does this mean a new found market respectability for the Citroen C5? Yes and no. Partly because it, in effect, replaced two separate ranges, the Xantia and the XM the C5 mops up buyers from both, so that could well explain its rehabilitation. Part of it must also be attributed to the fact that the C5 is a very respectable offering in its own right. With low mileage used examples now appearing, can we recommend a C5 over, say, a Mondeo? Read on.
Used Citroen C5 for sale

History of the C5

The C5 was launched at the tail end of 2001 and ushered in a new era for Citroen. Whereas Citroens had traditionally spelt nightmare for the home mechanic, perhaps times have finally embraced the French company's logic. Given the electronic sophistication of today's offerings, all cars nowadays are pretty much beyond the technical competence of your average home mechanic. The playing field, like the C5's suspension, has proved to be self-levelling.Replacing the Xantia range was always going to be a tougher task than superseding the unloved XM series, but the C5 looks to have pulled it off. Three petrol engines and three different diesel units gave buyers plenty of choice and the car was marketed as being chock full of '100% useful' technology. Citroen was the big winner in the UK sales charts in 2001 and early signs indicated that the C5 was being sold in respectable numbers.Late in 2004 a facelifted C5 went on sale. An entry-level 1.6-litre HDI 110 replaced the 2.0-litre 90bhp unit and the 2.0-litre 110bhp was upgraded to 138bhp. A double chevron grille was introduced with 'boomerang' style front and rear lights. Interior quality was also improved and Citroen's directional Xenon headlamps became available. The 173bhp 2.2-litre twin turbo engine was introduced in Summer 2006 just after the arrival of the VTX edition models aimed at the company car market .
Used Citroen C5 for sale

Citroen C5 Road Test

On the move, you monitor each state of affairs via a multi-function screen built into the top of the fascia. There's the choice of 'normal' or 'sport' modes, though drive the car hard and you'll find that it switches automatically to 'sport' mode anyway. Where you notice Hydractive 3 most however, is on bad roads or in hard cornering. The worse the surface, the better this car feels (nothing, but nothing at any price rides speed humps better). Its real party piece however, is reserved for sharp corners. As you enter the bend, you expect the car to start rolling in the normal way – except that it doesn't. In fact, all the way through the turn, the body stays absolutely flat. It's a rather weird feeling.Comfort then, is this car's number one priority. It's not seeking to deliver as sharp a driving experience as you could expect in a Mondeo or a 406 – though in fact, it's not that far off. Certainly, the engines are up to the job. These are sourced from the Peugeot/Citroen empire and include some familiar favourites. Most buyers will choose between four engines lifted from the old Xantia (1.8 and 2.0-litre 16v petrol units, and 90 and 110bhp 2.0-litre HDi turbo diesels) but the 3.0-litre V6 has undergone some serious surgery and there are two powerplants that are distinctly innovative.First up is the 2.0 HPi petrol engine. With an all-alloy construction and direct injection, this is the first of a new generation of petrol powerplants that will gradually roll out across future Citroen and Peugeot models. Even more impressive however, is the 136bhp 2.2-litre HDi turbo diesel, one of the finest four cylinder diesel engines in the world. On the move, it won't take long to find out why. Under hard acceleration and at cruising speeds, it's actually quieter than its petrol counterpart. It's fast too – though not particularly so in the 0-60mph benchmark increment (10.9s). Through the gears however, it's almost faster than the 210bhp 3.0-litre petrol V6. Yet at the same time of course, getting on for twice as frugal (57.6mpg on the extra urban cycle).
Used Citroen C5 for sale

Buying a Citroen C5

Insist on a service history. The complex suspension system is pretty reliable, but make sure that it's been checked out because replacement parts for it are pricey.
Used Citroen C5 for sale

Citroen C5 Typical Pricing

The C5 range opens at £3,100 for a 1.8LX hatchback on a 2001 Y plate. Opt for a 2.0SX and the asking price rises to £3,300 or £3,500 if it's specified in HPi Exclusive form. Diesel lovers will warm to the 2.0-litre HDi engines, the 90bhp LX opening proceedings at £3,500. 110bhp under the bonnet, again with LX trim, will also be around £3,500. Should you want the 136bhp 2.2-litre HDi diesel hatch, you'll need £4,300 for a clean example in SX trim.Estates have proved a big hit and a 2.0-litre HDi 110 LX on the 2001 Y plate retails at £4,300 or £4,500 if the slightly plusher SX trim is specified.
Used Citroen C5 for sale

Citroen C5 Parts

(Approx - based on a C5 V6 - ex Vat) Clutch assemblies are about £205, brake pads around £45 and an alternator around £175. You'll pay around £220 for a headlamp, around £245 for a radiator and around £110 (exchange) for a starter motor.
Used Citroen C5 for sale