Car scouting again - C4s any good?

[DIYspanner]

Another car written off - my sister's 1.8 Primera.

Have decided to go for a VW TDI, another Primera or a Citroen C4 because they already have a C3.

Any weak points on C4s to take into consideration?

 

[DaveHerns]

Diesels are the DV6 unit with known turbo oil feed problems. Automatic is a mechanised manual box and some people don't like the way it drives.

 

[DIYspanner]

Thanks for posting.

The search has now extended to Volvos. There's a 2008 S40 1.6 diesel (105k miles) nearby so that's on the 'to have a look at' list.

 

[mointainwalker]

Maybe you should think about buying in bulk, like you do with oil ?

 

[DIYspanner]

I've seen a 2008 Citroen C5 2.0HDi with 130k miles which looks decent in the photos.

Anyone know of problems with the engines? Are they as good as VW TDI engines?

 

[foxhole]

Volvo every time for me. Main problem with Citroen is the country of origin. A third of French vehicles don't pass their first MOT.

 

[DaveHerns]

The 2.0 Hdi engine is far better than the 1.6. However in a C4 you'll have DPFs and EOLYS fluid to worry about. I did in my C5 although it got to 90k with no problems

 

[Keithmac]

VW 1.9 TDI was practically bulletproof, the early 2.0l TDI had a few problems with oil supply etc so be careful.

 

[DIYspanner]

Have come across a Jetta TDI with a TIPTRONIC gearbox.

So, TIPTRONIC, good or bad?

Car is at 156k miles.

 

[DaveHerns]

At 156k the whole car must be on borrowed time. Get her another Primera, most reliable car I've ever had.

 

[Keithmac]

Work coleague has just sold his Audi A4 1.9 TDI Manual 230,000 miles on clock and still on original clutch..

 

[foxhole]

At 156k the whole car must be on borrowed time. Get her another Primera, most reliable car I've ever had.

My Primera was the most unreliable car I ever had, all the four locks failed, new clutch at 50k and again at 75k.

 

[DIYspanner]

Ended up with a 2008 Volvo S40 1.6D with FSH stamps. Actually quite a clean car and runs very well. Leather seats are very comfy!

Got Quantum LL 507.00, Mann filters and a Gates timing belt kit, inc w/p, to service it as all are due.

Thanks all for posting!

 

[Seafarer1966]

Good choice on the Volvo. Bodywork made from virgin steel and not melted down scrap like a lot of other manufacturers (Sweden has lots of iron ore reserves). The engine is the 110 bhp Ford/ PSA Group 1.6 diesel unit used in various Peugeots, Citroens, Mazdas, Volvos and in the Ford Focus (probably some other makes of vehicle also). I am on my second Focus 1.6 tdci and the engine is identical to what Peugeot call the 1.6 HDMI. Go forever if you keep on top of the oil changes. I change my oil and oil filter at every 5000 miles. I've always used Mobile Super 3000 X1 FE 5w/30 oil in both my Focuses (or should I say Foci?) which is a low SAPS oil with added detergent to prevent oil clumping in the turbo. My previous Focus 1.6 tdci went to 150,000 miles and ticked over like a sewing machine until it expired in a pile up.

 

[DaveHerns]

It does appear that doing oil changes "properly" the old fashioned way (via the sump plug ) is the key to engine life with this engine. Peugeot/Citroen issued an instruction to this effect. I suspect most garages were using suction extraction and leaving all the gunge behind.