Anyone drive a Citroen C3?

[Nubbedy]

I am about to buy my first ever brand new car. I have been really fancying the Citroen c3 desire 1.4i, and at the moment there are some really good deals on.

The problem is I have just looked at some reviews on a website and they have all been quite negative, mentioning problems with steering, computer failure and poor after sales service. I have a test drive booked for tomorrow, but just wondered if anyone could give me their opinions of the car - negative as well as positive (if it really is useless I don't want to buy it!)

Hoping someone can offer some advice, thanks.
Sara.

 

[SammieG]

I have a citroen C3 -1.2i Desire. I have had it for two years and I absolutely LOVE my car!

I have had a number of superminis.. 2CV, Nova, Corsa, Punto, and the C3..
the C3 is by far my favorite car that Ive had. Its high specification, roomy - I love the driving position as it feels like you are in a people carrier, as the driving position is high!) - It feels like a solid car - the doors sound good when you close them.

Mine has been incredibly reliable, absolutely no problems whatsoever. The after sales service I have had has been great. I had to take it in for some trim that was coming loose, and they just replaced it, and it was as good as new again.
It only has a service about one month after you have bought it (free) and another service after two years which was done yesterday. Both were great.

I cannot think of anything negative to say about this car - apart from there is very little leg room in the back. Thats fine if its mainly kids in the back of the car, but you might struggle with 4 tall adults in the car on a long journey.

Have fun!

 

[LarryFmScotland]

Unfortunately the two most unreliable cars Ive had have been Citreons. The first a BX had the rocker arm drop into the engine, ouch, pretty expensive. And the second a Xanthia had lots and lots of probs, it was costing a bunch to keep going each month, so I had to let it go even though I liked it as a car.

Cheers Larry.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

They are reknown for being unreliable, smelly, and cheap. but that's just the French all over!

Seriously, Citroen even to the French is classed as an unreliable car, its the cheapest of the three froggie car makers, but you pay for that cheapness.

If you buy French, so long as you know that the cars will be plagued with electrical problems, that as they get older, the engines rattle and that the resale value is less than Tony Bliars credability, then you will be allright with one..

 

[Captain-Ste]

i have a citreon C3 desire!


a luffily little car!

 

[Tron[ADS]]

It doesnt matter how good a car may be....If it were French, I would never buy it.

The only experience I have had of French cars is a Talbot Horizon that my mate had years back, and it had about the worst gearbox known to man.

I understand that Citroen Saxo's have become popular with 17 year olds these days though.

Sorry, a tad unconstructive there.

 

[Goofyish]

I have a Citroen Picasso and for the first two or so years it was fine (apart from warped break disks and a few safety recalls).

It's now done just oave 42,000 miles and it's beginning to generate rattles and squeeks. It even failed it's last MOT and needed a new ball joint!

Although from a practical aspect it's a great car, from a reliability and build quality it does not fill me with confidence.

I had a Honda Civic before and even after 65,000 miles it was as good as new and never had anything wrong with it

 

[KayleeUK]

Guys

Please do not turn this thread into a thread about the French. The question is about the car, keep it on topic or the thread will be closed.

Thanks

 

[Nubbedy]

Took it for a test drive this morning but I didnt like the feel of it. I expected it to be different (currently driving a Zafira or BMW 316) but it was way too light for me - not enough oomph!

Thanks for your comments though but its back to the drawing board.

 

[SammieG]

well youve kind of got to compare like for like.. ther is no point comparing the C3 to anything other than a supermini.. as thats all it is..
its not a family car, its not a premium car, its a supermini.

I absolutely LOVE my car -I love the fact i can nip into little spaces, and the feeling of space within the car.

 

[Nubbedy]

Trouble is, thats what I need - I need to be able to nip into those little spaces! However, I also need a family car as well. This car hunting is not all it's cracked up to be.

As you say, the car is what it is - a supermini. I loved the little features especially the tray / drawer thing under the driver's seat - how handy is that?! Also loved the price with the current deals - however it just didn't 'bite' me today when I drove it. May look at c4 now though!

 

[Cyrano]

Had our Citroen Picasso for over 3 years now and by far our favourite car and manufacturer over Ford, Opel, Vauxhall and Renault.
Would definitely consider the C3 as a second car

 

[Tron[ADS]]

How about taking a look at the new shape Suzuki Swift, which is in a similar class. From what ive seen, its getting very good reviews, its decently priced, and comes with Japanese reliability (ive had 2 Suzuki's over the years, and they were faultless).
And now that Suzuki have edited out Christiano Ronaldo from the television advert for it, its even more worth a look.