Whats Citroen reliability like?

[bigdavy]

I am considering getting a new C4 Picasso as a replacement for my Renault Scenic 06 plate that is being returned to motability due to serious faults and reliability issues. Although i really like the new C4 pic, i am concerned about buying another french car with dubious reliability. I would like to ask any Citroen owners what reliability has been like and whats their experience of Citroen customer service?

[justderv]

Hi

Not sure about the C4 picasso, I used to have the original Picasso (based on the Xsara), we bought one when they'd been out for about a year, can't really think of any problems in the 3 years we had it. Since then I've had three C5's and again no real problems apart from the climate control fan unit packing up on one, this was replaced under warranty.

Only thing I would say is that the C4 picasso has only just come out, so there may be 'teething' problems which haven't appeared yet...however, they have 3 year warranties so the only real concern will be finding a good dealer who will treat you properly.

I've used Springfield in the past and can't fault their service, their Darlington dealership has now changed hands so we will see whether the service goes up or down!

HTH
Iain

[bigdavy]

Hi Thanks for the reply,
I think you are spot on, so much comes down to the dealer, the renault one i've been dealing with has been poor although i know a big part of the problem has been renault uk themselves. The fact the new C4 Picasso is so new and untested is the only thing putting me off slightly, my local Citroen dealer seems to have a good reputation so we'll see how the test drive goes this week.

[astral83]

I have a C4. One year old and 19,000 miles. Did have an engine temperature sensor go at about 7,000 miles but thats about it. No problems with Citroen service so far but then I suppose it depends what dealer. The only thing I would be worried about is the C4 Picasso is new out - might have a few little niggles but then again its under warranty.

Wouldnt neccessarily believe the poor press on French cars. We had a Renault Laguna for 7 years with no problems whatsoever. Just replaced it with a brand new Civic and thats been in the garage since we got it due to a problem with the paintwork so just goes to show problems can happen with any car not just French.

[greathorwood]

Have had an pre-facelift 04 plate C5 LX Estate with the 110hp diesel since new. Has never let me down in 45,000 miles of reasonably hard driving. Only really niggles in that time - heated rear window keeps losing the odd element, and the notorious C5 'squeaky brake' problem keeps cropping up.

The multiplex wiring and hydropneumatic suspension (or whatever they call it these days) haven't given any problems as such, but perhaps don't inspire quite so much confidence as they should... There have been one or two electrical glitches that the car has needed a 'reboot' (ignition off then on) to sort, and the display for the suspension sometimes gets confused about which level it's at and doesn't display a level at all (suspension itself seems to be fine though).

Citroen customer service at Sportif Aylesbury has been pretty good, bordering on very impressive at times.

On the whole - big, good value, comfortable car, cheap to run and reliable. If I wasn't getting a very good deal on a Merc I'd probably buy it now the finance is up, as the guaranteed value is pretty low.

[bigdavy]

Thanks for the replys, I test drove the new C4 Picasso today and was very impressed indeed. The only concern is the 'brand new model' teething troubles confirmed by a friend who works at a multi-franchise dealer who told me out of 7 sold this month all 7 have been back for some kind of repair. He reckons it's all been minor things but I have asked him to get more info for me. In comparison the brand new Nissan Quashqai, which i'm also considering, they have sold a total of 60 since January, only one has been back for a sticking window switch, some difference!