Mk2 C5 buying advice

[Ciaran]

Series 2 C5 VTR, 2007, 120k miles, the 136Bhp 2.0 HDi engine, timing belt just done, needs a new turbo but seller has agreed to fit before sale, overall looks alright.

Any horror stories I need to be aware of (apart from the fact it's a C5 )?

Any thoughts appreciated.

Ciarán

[citroenxm]

Well actually (IF its an X7 which on an 07 it should) rare for a turbo needed on a 2.0 16v though not unknown..

VTR - its not actually a Citroen. It should have springs and dampers making it a Peugeot in disguise and no hydraulics around.

Wiper motors in which there is two for each arm can pack up.. they are handed motors too around 165 quids each..

Other then that, ive not heard much of them... mum has an X7 C5 Exclusive with hydraulics. Even with 138bhp still goes quite well!!

[robert_e_smart]

X7 is very nice. I liked mine until the oil pump started to go on it. Sprung cars are actually very good compared to the hydraulic cars. Window winders take after xms. I had to re cable 1 of mine.

If its the older car, check rear tyres for uneven wear. My dad's had to get the rear arm bearings done at similar miles. With all of these modern manuals, be weary of the dual mass flywheel. Look for signs of rusty powder around clutch. Also knocking and vibration on changing gear and taking up drive. Otherwise these are pretty good cars. Ohh check the indicator stalks, it's a fancy thing that combines wiper stalk too, not like xms etc with individual stalls.

It's worth sticking a code reader on too if there are any warning lights of doom.

[White Exec]

Dual mass flywheels can be grizzly and hugely expensive things, with a life far less than a clutch - which they ruin when slop in the flywheel springing develops. One symptom of a DMF beginning to go is the inability to manage a hill start without using high engine revs.

Fortunately, 4-part "conversion" kits are available, consisting of a normal sprung clutch kit + solid flywheel (an SMF kit) from many of the major clutch folk, including Valeo, Blueprint, Borg+Beck...

There is a good deal of controversy about whether these kits should be fitted, or not. Interestingly, Valeo offer their conversion kits specifically for vehicles undergoing intense use - eg taxis. Says something.

[Ciaran]

Hi guys,

Many thanks for all the advice.
The car in question is thankfully not for me, well mainly anyway.

It's not an X7 unfortunately, but seems to be the last of the previous model - the same as your folk's red one Robert.

Paul I didn't realise that 'VTR' in the X7 guise is indicative of the fact it's a Peugeot with springs, this one definitely has hydraulics, TBH I'd be walking away if it hadn't.
It's interesting to note with the X7s though, I see a hell of a lot of VTRs about, disappointing to learn they're all sprung versions!

I'd completely forgot about the spectre of dual mass flywheels, the joy of never having owned a car that had one. Cheers for the heads up on that guys, if there's the slightest sign it's on the way then the whole transaction will be swiftly binned!

Will keep you updated

Cheers

Ciarán

[robert_e_smart]

Hi Ciaran,

Is this a TBZ replacement?

Desi has a low mileage petrol PRE facelift C5 that used to belong to Roger's uncle. I think it's a black Exclusive, and mightn't cost the earth either.

[Ciaran]

It is indeed Rob, long story, I'll Email you.

Regarding that one Desi has, you don't know what engine and year it is at all?
Could well be worth a look.

Thanks

Ciarán

[robert_e_smart]

It's a 2002 2 litre petrol. Hopefully it's the old engine that was in the XM and Xantia v and not the HPI engine. He has it a while too.

[Ciaran]

Thanks Rob, Will give him a shout

Ciarán

[robert_e_smart]

I sent you some e mail links to ROI S60 and 80; petrols are cheap down there because of their extortionate tax rates, a years tax costing more than they are asking for their cars!