Is it crazy to want a 2CV?
Discussion
Keep having fantasies about buying a 2CV. Don't know a busting amount about them. Anything to look out for? Major pitfalls or things to avoid?
Thinking maybe a latter model might be cheaper to buy. Not sure when they sold them to, E reg or later I guess.
Or am I just being utter bonkers?
Thinking maybe a latter model might be cheaper to buy. Not sure when they sold them to, E reg or later I guess.
Or am I just being utter bonkers?
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Saturday 17th December 16:55
Have a look at this for some insight from a long-term owner/enthusiast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF3JxIfdnis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF3JxIfdnis
forsure said:
Have a look at this for some insight from a long-term owner/enthusiast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF3JxIfdnis
Is it sad I knew that link had to go to Mr Hubnut as soon as 2CV was mentioned.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF3JxIfdnis
I will be honest I am having hankerings to get something similar.
Been looking at Austin Sevens myself of late too but still look at 2CV but the prices are a little out of my range for a seldom used toy for the nicer examples.
I had a hankering for a 2CV for many years and just before lockdown in 2020 finally got hold of one. And absolutely love it, it never fails to make me smile.
Things to look out for - well, I’d say rust and rot are the number 1 enemy of a 2CV. The original chassis by now would probably be past its best, so many cars around now have replacement galvanised chassis. But again, these are of variable quality with some being better made than others.
Pretty well all parts for the car are available (maybe even all parts, I’d not stick my neck out on that one though) and 99% of jobs are not beyond a home mechanic to do (but some jobs would still be quicker and better left to specialists). I am no expert or willing mechanic by any means but have tackled standard servicing/tapper adjustment, changed the fuel pump, and other similar things and actually enjoyed them. However when the drivers side kingpin failed, I got a specialist to do the job!
A good book to start with is The Essential Buyers Guide by Mark Paxton. (Available from Amazon). I bought the book and was mildly terrified with what could be wrong with just about any car, however my urge to get one was stronger than my fear of leaping into the unknown.
Previous poster has suggested Hubnut on YouTube, there is plenty of very helpful 2CV bodgery content there and is well worth watching. It gives you a good sense of what to look out for, how to fix things, and the overall ownership experience.
When I started looking for a 2CV I had a fixed idea in my mind what I wanted; but learned that buying on condition from a long term enthusiast owner would likely get a better car than a superficially shiny car from someone who was after making a quick buck.
So my ideal square headlighted drum braked yellow car ended up as a round headlighted disc braked white car.
I suppose the thing is that if you’ve got the itch and want to scratch it, you could always give it a go and if you don’t like it you would likely be able to sell it on without (much of) a loss if any.
Things to look out for - well, I’d say rust and rot are the number 1 enemy of a 2CV. The original chassis by now would probably be past its best, so many cars around now have replacement galvanised chassis. But again, these are of variable quality with some being better made than others.
Pretty well all parts for the car are available (maybe even all parts, I’d not stick my neck out on that one though) and 99% of jobs are not beyond a home mechanic to do (but some jobs would still be quicker and better left to specialists). I am no expert or willing mechanic by any means but have tackled standard servicing/tapper adjustment, changed the fuel pump, and other similar things and actually enjoyed them. However when the drivers side kingpin failed, I got a specialist to do the job!
A good book to start with is The Essential Buyers Guide by Mark Paxton. (Available from Amazon). I bought the book and was mildly terrified with what could be wrong with just about any car, however my urge to get one was stronger than my fear of leaping into the unknown.
Previous poster has suggested Hubnut on YouTube, there is plenty of very helpful 2CV bodgery content there and is well worth watching. It gives you a good sense of what to look out for, how to fix things, and the overall ownership experience.
When I started looking for a 2CV I had a fixed idea in my mind what I wanted; but learned that buying on condition from a long term enthusiast owner would likely get a better car than a superficially shiny car from someone who was after making a quick buck.
So my ideal square headlighted drum braked yellow car ended up as a round headlighted disc braked white car.
I suppose the thing is that if you’ve got the itch and want to scratch it, you could always give it a go and if you don’t like it you would likely be able to sell it on without (much of) a loss if any.
I spent thousands of miles behind the wheel of a 1987 2CV in my youth (my mum's) - brilliant cars. You have to drive completely differently than any other car as they're:
Biblically slow
Are made of nothing more than sheet biscuit tin
Liable to roll more than a drunken sailor
But;
The brakes have the best pedal feel of any car I've driven
You learn how to drive strategically (overtakes need planning ahead, knowledge of the road and super quick gearchanges using the umbrella handle).
Handle brilliantly despite being on 125 section tyres have surprisingly good grip, wet or dry.
Are frugal to run.
Are great fun in the sunshine with the full roll back roof.
Have removable seats so in the unlikely event you break down can sit comfortably at the roadside while the AA rock up.
Do it.
Biblically slow
Are made of nothing more than sheet biscuit tin
Liable to roll more than a drunken sailor
But;
The brakes have the best pedal feel of any car I've driven
You learn how to drive strategically (overtakes need planning ahead, knowledge of the road and super quick gearchanges using the umbrella handle).
Handle brilliantly despite being on 125 section tyres have surprisingly good grip, wet or dry.
Are frugal to run.
Are great fun in the sunshine with the full roll back roof.
Have removable seats so in the unlikely event you break down can sit comfortably at the roadside while the AA rock up.
Do it.
I had a Dyane 6 when I was 18-21 years old.
Absolute comedy car in terms of handling, gear change, ride, whacky features (such as removable rear bench seat) but not something I'd ever consider owning today except as a novelty. Mechanically really simple.
As stated above, horrifically slow by today's standards and pretty unpleasant on the motorway. Very good on fuel.
As a fully mature man who has owned half-decent cars since, I don't have fond memories of it. I wish I still had it today though, if that makes any sense?
I went from that to an Austin Metro which felt like a supercar in comparison
Absolute comedy car in terms of handling, gear change, ride, whacky features (such as removable rear bench seat) but not something I'd ever consider owning today except as a novelty. Mechanically really simple.
As stated above, horrifically slow by today's standards and pretty unpleasant on the motorway. Very good on fuel.
As a fully mature man who has owned half-decent cars since, I don't have fond memories of it. I wish I still had it today though, if that makes any sense?
I went from that to an Austin Metro which felt like a supercar in comparison
Going back a bit....
I replaced a 3 series (E30) with a 2CV.
The 3 series was dull dull dull - except on a wet roundabout.
Loved the 2cv and the world was a more friendly and better place to be when driving one
Top tip - remove the rear seats - less weight and you might crack 0 to 60 in under a minute.
Mine would crack 70 mph, but the smell of burning that resulted suggested 65 (indicated) was a more sensible speed
BUY ONE
I replaced a 3 series (E30) with a 2CV.
The 3 series was dull dull dull - except on a wet roundabout.
Loved the 2cv and the world was a more friendly and better place to be when driving one
Top tip - remove the rear seats - less weight and you might crack 0 to 60 in under a minute.
Mine would crack 70 mph, but the smell of burning that resulted suggested 65 (indicated) was a more sensible speed
BUY ONE
One of the best cars ever. Corrosion will obviously be the killer on anything at the more 'affordable' end of the market these days. In the past finding one with a rotten chassis that was still good elsewhere was a good way to go. Restoring a rotten bodyshell is no fun. In many ways they highlight where modern cars have gone wrong. Just about everything is tech laden s
te now when all that is needed is basic reliable transport.
te now when all that is needed is basic reliable transport. I had a Dyane left hooker when I was a lot younger. Great fun and would love another. Surprisingly good off road as well! I slid off the road in mine on ice and into a ditch, it just bounced out undamaged before stopping. Being used to land rovers you'll feel right at home - slow, noisy, leaky with a rubbish heater.. 
I bought one about a month ago, so far haven't driven it much due to salt on the roads, but when i did drive I absolutely love it.
I have fast cars too 4c, Tesla Model 3 .... but the 2cv so far has always given me a smile .... just do it, but have a look on 2cvgb owners club and the facebook 2cv pages, a lot of knowledgable people there.
Here's mine
Pete
I have fast cars too 4c, Tesla Model 3 .... but the 2cv so far has always given me a smile .... just do it, but have a look on 2cvgb owners club and the facebook 2cv pages, a lot of knowledgable people there.
Here's mine
Pete
I bought my wife one for £390.
Before handing it over I ran it for two weeks, as it turns out without a fan belt (meaning the battery couldn't charge). It only stopped after a prolonged run at night with the lights on.
After a couple of years we had to scrap it due to rampant rust. On the way to the scrap yard it caught fire - it just didn't want to die.
Before handing it over I ran it for two weeks, as it turns out without a fan belt (meaning the battery couldn't charge). It only stopped after a prolonged run at night with the lights on.
After a couple of years we had to scrap it due to rampant rust. On the way to the scrap yard it caught fire - it just didn't want to die.
We had one for some years and it earned my undying respect for being one of the cleverest bits of design on wheels. Others have mentioned the important bits, floorpan corrosion being the biggest potential problem but replacements are available as is practically everything else you may need. Pro's are brilliant steering and brakes ( buy only a disc braked car ), versatility and economy plus smiles per mile bonus. The one thing that always worried us most was that it has the strength of a fag packet should you have the misfortune to be involved in a serious accident.
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