Citroen C5 II (2008-2017). Buyer's Guide
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When faced with the choice of a used mid-range car, we automatically look at cars from Germany or Japan. However, it is worth considering the Citroen C5 II. This is an interesting model, which is clearly cheaper than its competitors. What should you pay attention to when buying?
The Citroen C5 II debuted in 2008 as the next generation of the model, which broke with the brand's typical form. Citroen C5s were no longer hatchbacks but sedans. The fans of the brand did not like this decision - they criticized these cars for the lack of art and just a boring design. Appearance is an individual matter, but, you see, the second generation even today looks good.
A more classic exterior is one thing, but The manufacturer nevertheless applied a number of solutions that are unique on the scale of the market in the C5.. One of them is the third generation hydropneumatic suspension. Since production of the C5 ended only in 2017, we remember driving this model well. Comfort is huge, but not every driver will like this type of suspension. Body movements are quite significant, the car dives sharply when braking and lifts its nose when accelerating. Citroen C5 is for those who value comfort above all else and drive calmly - dynamic driving is not for him. Except on the tracks.
Citroen C5 II appeared in three body styles:
- С
- Tourer - combi
- CrossTourer - station wagon with increased suspension
The Citroen C5 is quite large for a D-segment car. The body is as much as 4,87 m and only the Ford Mondeo and Opel Insignia of those years can boast of similar dimensions. This is felt not only in the cabin, but also in the trunk. The sedan holds 470 liters, while the station wagon can hold up to 533 liters.
Inside, we also see unusual solutions - the center of the steering wheel always stays in one placeonly the wreath rotates. On a very massive dashboard, you can see a lot of buttons, but there are no shelves, handles and storage compartments.
There is nothing to complain about in terms of equipment and quality of materials. We get what we get here as in competing models, and the upholstery and dashboard are solid.
Citroen C5 II - engines
Citroen C5 II - heavy car, even by the standards of this class. As a result, we should rather move away from weaker engines and look at those that offer more torque. For petrol engines, a 3 liter V6 is best, maybe 1.6 THP, but the first burns strongly, and the second can cause trouble.
Diesel engines with a capacity of at least 150 hp would be a much better solution. The list of available engines is quite large.
Gas engines:
- 1.8 km
- 2.0 km
- 2.0 V6 211 HP
- 1.6 HP 156 km (since 2010)
Diesel engines:
- 1.6 16V HDI 109 HP (make no mistake!)
- 2.0 HDI 140 km, 163 km
- 2.2 HDI McLaren 170 km
- 2.2 ICHR 210 km
- 2.7 HDI McLaren V6 204 km
- 3.0 HDI McLaren V6 240 km
Citroen C5 II - typical malfunctions
Let's start with engines. All gasoline engines are quite reliable and easily repaired. The exception is 1.6 THP, developed jointly with BMW. A common opinion about this engine is high oil consumption and rapid wear of the timing drive. However, it all depends on the instance - if the previous owner checked the oil consumption every 500 or 1000 km, he could be satisfied - so can you after the purchase.
With a clear conscience, we can recommend all diesel engines in the Citroen C5 II. 2.2-horsepower 170 HDi can be more expensive to repair due to double replenishment. Later this engine developed more power with only one turbocharger.
Offered in 2009-2015, the 2.0 HDI 163 KM has a good reputation, but the injection system, FAP and electronics in it are quite complex. The timing is on a belt, which is enough for about 180 thousand. km.
The V6 diesel is expensive to repair, and the 2.7 HDI isn't the most durable engine available. After 2009, this unit was replaced by the 3.0 HDI, which, although more durable, turns out to be even more expensive to repair.
Corrosion rather bypasses the Citroen C5 II side. However, there are other, typically French problems - an electrician. When buying a C5 II, it is worth finding a workshop that specializes in French cars. – “ordinary” mechanics will have problems with possible repairs.
Repairs themselves are not expensive, but only if you find a good specialist.
Most of all, the Hydroactive 3 suspension can cause concern, but first of all - it is durable and may not cause problems even for 200-250 thousand. km. Secondly, the replacement cost is low, for such a run - about 2000 PLN. Suspension spheres (alternative shock absorbers) cost PLN 200-300 each, the same as regular shock absorbers.
Citroen C5 II - fuel consumption
The greater weight of the Citroen C5 should result in higher fuel consumption, but as AutoCentrum user reports show, fuel consumption is not great. Perhaps the drivers of such comfortable cars also just drive more calmly.
Even the most economical diesel V6 is content with an average of 8,6 l / 100 km. In the case of petrol engines, the V6 is already close to 13 l / 100 km, but the 2-liter fuel consumption is around 9 l / 100 km, which is a good result. Weaker gasolines burn not much less, and there are practically no dynamics in them. However, the newer 1.6 THP allows for some overclocking and proves to be the most economical.
View full fuel consumption reports on AutoCentrum.
Citroen C5 II - used car market
The Citroen C5 II is as popular as the Opel Insignia or Volkswagen Passat. As many as 60 percent of the offer are real estate options. Only 17 percent. it's gasoline. The average price of cars with engines from 125 to 180 hp is about 18-20 thousand. PLN for copies from the beginning of production. The end of production is already prices in the range of 35-45 thousand. PLN, although there are more expensive offers.
For example: 2.0 2015 HDI with less than 200 miles. km costs PLN 44.
More detailed price reports for used C5 II can be found in our tool.
Should I buy a Citroen C5 II?
The Citroen C5 II is an interesting car that - although it suffers from a few quintessentially French electronic ailments - is reliable and relatively cheap to repair. Its biggest advantage is the price, which in the case of newer models is much lower than, for example, the Volkswagen Passat, and in addition offers the comfort known from the largest limousines. At the expense of driving, so dynamic drivers should refuse it, or at least check how it rides on a test drive.
What do the drivers say?
The average score of over 240 drivers is 4,38, a very high score for this segment. As many as 90 percent of drivers are satisfied with the car and will buy it again. Most of the vehicle's components were rated above the segment average, including in terms of uptime.
Suspension, engine and body were pleasantly surprised. However, the electrical system, transmission and braking system cause nasty failures.
