Well I'll be damned... 1,525 days later and here we are. You are a man of your word. I'm sitting here with a grin on my face because of Citroen video 😁. Have moved over to an Audi A4 B9 since the last time I asked you for a review of this car. Cheers 🎉🎉🎉
had mine Mk1 C5 2002 estate for 19 years and now done 280,000 miles and never once broken down. But i do look after it ie service once a year at least Oil and filters, cam belt, etc, and as such it works
This is so rad to see our car go off to do some good. She served us well for what little we paid for it in Gib, we drove it all the way to Liverpool, toured Portugal and most of Spain in the year we had it. Thanks again Matt!
Hey Matt 🙂 Surprise surprise 🙂 Never in million years would I expect you to say such a nice words about Citroën C5 😉 I've had mine for 8 years 64 reg. and I've done 111 thousand miles on it. Just have had timing belt and major service done and that's about it. Reliable cheap to insure ( £221 a year) cheap to tax and it works all that time. You're welcome to review it any time 😉 even though I think that you've had enough of French for a while...😂😂😂 Anyway brilliant video as always 👍
Lol yeah, nice to hear Matt give Citroen a good word. Tbf he did give the C1, 107 and Aygo a good rating and they truly are reliable cars and cheap to run. My wife has had two mk2 C1s and they drive so smooth. Good standard kit too. Good vid, Matt. Andrew
Totally agree with your observations regarding maintenance. A colleague has a silver Xsara Estate. It has been to the moon and back and never lets him down. The 2.0 Diesel engine runs like it did on day one and apart from routine servicing it hasn’t cost him much. It isn’t just maintenance that’s an issue. Another colleague bought a brand new Mercedes Estate and had all kinds of issues, including a detached gear stick and a collapsed dashboard. He forgave Mercedes in a way no Citroen or Fiat driver ever would.
My parents owned a 2001 Citroën C5 for most of my childhood. It had been imported here to New Zealand by the previous owners and had a sticker on the back from the dealership in Sevenoaks, Kent, where it was sold new. It was a great car and I have very pleasant memories of it. My parents have since bought two brand new Citroëns, although they ended up keeping the old C5 until 2019.
I find French Cars really cool, I now live in Aachen Germany and I see a lot them here… maybe because I live next door to a Peugeot dealer!! I’ve actually thought about buying a BMW Mini yet I hear something many horror stories about them!! I’ve been driving since 94 and for the first time in many a year I don’t own a car. But that’s a superb free gift from Gibraltar 🇬🇮
During a family trip to menorca, the car hire company gave me a c5. I quite liked it . For the 5 of us, with all the luggage and beach stuff it was pretty good. Not unpleasant to drive, not bad on fuel. Struggling to think of anything else to say, I don't know how you manage to fill a whole vid!
I have Peugeot 308 GT 2l HDI with 142k miles on clock and it's absolutely faultless running sweet no issues whatsoever. Service cost me 50£ every year ( oil and filters) . Amazing on fuel (900+ miles) full tank (60l) as I tested it on my Europe trip in June 4700 miles in 2 weeks no problem. Peugeot (PSA) has got amazing Diesel engines 🙏 it don't drink oil whatsoever as I never topped it up either from service to service. No leaking or anything. People who say bad words about French cars probably never had one ..
I have said it before and I will say it again, I love your channel. Down to earth, real world car reviews for the ordinary man. Thanks for the great work. Seems like you have been doing more reviews recently...... so happy about that. Please keep going!
Not sure about the C5 but I used to have a Xantia 1.9TD. The comfort really was next level. Unfortunately it started falling to pieces after I’d had it for less than 6 months and it was only just 4 years old. Haven’t bothered with a French car since. Keep up the good work. 👍👍
As a fairly local to you owner of an XM, Xantia Activa, and a 2007 C5 with the 2.2 bi-turbo HDi engine, I'm surprised to hear you stick up for the hydropnematic Citroen's. I'm very glad to see you rate them, as I do too, clearly... I presumed your hatred of French cars would stick across the board, but I'm glad it doesn't!
Very generous of you Matt. You've mentioned your Ukrainian friend before. As a Ukrainian myself, please know that your efforts are greatly appreciated. God Bless you and yours, and your business. May all three be prosperous.
I'm English and I don't.Neither do the majority of us so stay in your own country and fight your own war like we did.Oh wait a minute in those days you were nazis of course!!
Before I’ve even watched this video I’ve got to tell you. I put 200,000 miles on one of these as a taxi. Great car and very useful and only real downside is they are heavy on front tyres and trims. Traded it in back in the day for a new Skoda octavia and wish I hadn’t it was fast but so uncomfortable and I was 30 then🙈
Hello Matt, last Citroen I had was a 1.9D Xantia after I sold a 1.4 D AX. The Xantia fell to bits, never got another. Thank you for taking the time to upload another video. Ged
I’ve had a C5, but the previous (first) generation. I quite liked it. Some things broke but not too many. The hydro active suspension is really superb. I don’t understand that Citroen hasn’t continued that. It was a truly unique selling point and a major one imo.
@@xkuryr There are quite a few resons why: These systems are expensive to make for Citroen and people have to buy them or they have to include in in their cars but have to put up the base price both things are risky. Reason Nr. 5 other than the current C5 Aircross and C5X which use a different system camera based I think the DS 7 Crossback also uses it it's not implemented in any other car. Sure they have the Spacetourer but fitting a badge engineering project with that suspection is way to expensive for a car knowadays, you gotta safe money everywhere you can. And the C3 (Aircross) and C4 are to small. Many people described the system as being to wobbly and "unsafe", back in the 2010's automotive reviewer where ragging because they wanted better handling and so they got it with the Hypneumatic III system used in the second Gen. C5 which owner of the first gen. C5 described as being to stiff. And so with their decreasing sales and new positioning in the PSA Group as being the Skoda and Seat equivalent offering a regular sterring wheel and a little more comfort that Peugeots that's where they headed.
@@chriskonte1909 I think what you’re saying is that since Citroën were using Peugeot platforms it became too expensive to adapt those platforms for their hypneumatic suspension. That makes sense but I still think it’s a bloody shame. That suspension was second to none.
I’ve owned a lot of Frenchies over the last 25 years and what you hinted at is what I believe to be correct, they are no worse than any other car out there but always used to get a bad press because buffoon owners would neglect services and then complain bitterly about how bad French cars were when in reality they’d never once lifted the bonnet. Alongside our ‘nice’ car we also run a Renner Twingo to do all the Donkey work like parking in Supermarket Car Parks with all the other goons and we love it, I service it myself and check it over constantly and it’s a great car.
Hm idk. If they really were as reliable as equivalent Japanese brands they would sell well globally. How often do you see a French car outside of Europe?
@@nintendokings supply chain and market dominance, import tariffs and taxes, already established brand loyalty etc etc. and weirdly the 2nd 2008 c5 won Japan's import car of the year
@@ciaranwebb6871 those things play a role. But it’s not like Japan got a free ride. Ultimately, Japanese cars are better than French cars. If they really were as good you’d see them on the road more
I use to work at a Citroen specialist and the a vw specialist. You are very true in what you said the public in this country are prepared to spend £1000s to keep there vw Audi on the road. But give them the same bill for a PSA group car and they will scrap it
You hit the spot with the last comments. Folk in UK do NOT look after them. I had both the BX and Xantia. serviced regularly (by someone who knew about the suspencion), they never let me down and both went well over the "100k" without issue. That is the secret to reliable.
My 2002 C5 is one of the best cars i,ve had. 1 owner since new,well looked after,and no problems the 3 years i have owned it🙂👍. But one of the best things about them is they nearly fint rust. Mine,and several more i know of,are as good as rustfrie even after all these years. And there all cars being driven on salted winter roads! Comfort,lots of room and reliable cars😁
In the 22 years I lived in France driving old French car's, I never found them to be problematic. Very Comfortable & Quirky yes but not annoyingly unreliable. I think you hit the nail on the head as to the reasons why the ones in the UK suffered so much. Good move sending it off with supply's to the Ukraine. Good Man.
All the vehicles I have owned I have had very few issues with, I put this down to the fact i had them serviced and maintained, so many of my friends skip basic service intervals, then question the car after it’s broken down. Just an observation through my life .
'If you look after them they aren't any less reliable than anything else' Never a truer word spoken! It's amazing how many 'unreliable' cars provide years of reliable service when they're looked after.
Enjoy the everyday car reviews, very good and inspirational to see what can be had and also done with a modest outlay or even, free! Making a fun video for starters. Thank you.
I had a red C4 Coupe. Quite liked it and it was stylish and quite sturdy. I do remember the seats and the overall comfort when driving were brilliant too. Will be interesting to see how future Citroen transpires with growing competition 👍
Enjoyed the ownership of a C5 V6 from new. A great car and was a pleasure to drive but as we all know there is a price to pay. Huge depreciation. It lost circa £20K in 5 years.
I quite like the look of the facelift C5, but then I have had loads of Citroens. I had quite a few Xantias, including a 2.0 turbo petrol estate and an Activa. I also had a 2.0 turbo petrol XM and a 2.1TD XM estate which was huge, and a CX Safari
The suspension sells this car. We bought 2007 C5 more than 10 years ago, and the suspesnion never really failed on us. My dad drove it for 5 years, when I got my license, I took it under my wing. have been driving from home to uni every week, and vice versa, which is 3 hours worth of journey to one direction. Still haven't been stranded in the middle of road. Of course, when I'm driving it a lot, I take to garage more often for check ups. But most repairs were only rubber parts replecament of front suspension, nothing major. Also I change oil every 10 000 kms (~6300 miles), so at least once in 6 months I do oil change. And it got not even best engine - 1.6hdi. Could be more powerful, but it does get job done. I did a bit of research on forums on 2.0 and 2.2 hdi engines, and many agree, that they're literally bulletproof engines. The biggest flaws are rear wheel trailing arm bearings and specifically for models 2004-2007 weak hot/cold air mixing flaps for climate control (the fix is straight foward, just glue together old ones with reinforcement, or buy new ones. But to reach them is annoying job) I think many problems lies in neglections in service and repairs, and that aplies not only to french cars, but all brands of cars. Oh, and I've been studying mechanical engineering at that said uni, so I'm saying that C5 is not bad car not from pure feelings of my own as owner, but also as an engineer.
Ah the double chevron Saxo vtr/vts will always hold tremendous nostalgia for me. They do not make them like they used to...mainly for legal reasons! But, handling wise, the looks. Tremendous fun for the money.
Great vid as ever. I'm becoming addicted to these. Just subscribed to Readly via your link. I had no idea that such a thing existed ! all the outdoorsy MTB and car mags I regularly or occasionally read. It's like Spotify for mags. Grateful for the info ! 😊
Any thoughts? What car disappeared from the roads fastest after it was discontinued - I nominate the Xantia. Soon after it was deleted, they disappeared. Why, very expensive repairs causing them to be written off, rust or unique parts that were unavailable?
My dad drives an automatic Xantia from 2001, and besides some rattles here and there it drives sooo comfortably! You barely even notice going over bumps, it's like driving a flying carpet
I ran a Diesel 2.0 as a cab a few years ago. Everybody was trying to put me off saying the suspension will give you problems. But in fact it was the electrics and ECU's which were troublesome. The comfort was amazing but then little problems started to surface. The suspension is supposed to adapt to your driving style and stiffen up on bends and at high cruising speeds. That stopped, then the self leveling HID headlight ECU failed which left the lights pointing down, so you couldn't see at night. I sourced a new one from Belgium. Then it started to go through injectors, one would go every couple of months. My mechanic couldn't get to the root of the problem but suspected the main ECU. Then one day it was running really rough, and yes, there was an ECU problem. We sent it off to a place in Birmingham who can repair them but they said it was irrepairable. A new ECU is a dealer job as the the electronic system has to be programmed to the car. A second hand ECU would have to go to a dealer as well. So the cost was well into 4 figures so I scrapped the car. If they were cheaper to repair there would still be a few around. As for future classics, a mechanic friend of mine has a couple of Peugeot 406 coupe's with the V6 petrol engine. I think they are around the year 2000 age wise. A wolf in sheeps clothing and no silly electronics to go wrong.
I’ve been driving Citroën Xantia for 10 years now. The one I am currently driving is a late 2000 registered 1.8 16v petrol. I bought it for around £1000 (I am in Denmark so that is my best estimate of the exchange rate) and it was a one-owner well looked after example. I have had it for over 5 years now and it is (and I am not lying) very reliable, has never left me stranded and still feels fresh and healthy and VERY comfortable. And there are so few of them left now that I actually feel a bit special driving it around 😃😂
An idea i got from a Mate of mine, if you were living with a left hand drive car in the uk, why not mount a camera on the right hand door mirror facing forward and the monitor on the top of the dash in the right corner to see round tractor other slow vehicles for overtaking. I had it on my right hand HGV DRIVING ROUND EUROPE AND IT WORKED VERY WELL!!👍👍
I did once go through a proper Citroen phase - an SM which was glorious (once I found a Dutch specialist using up to date injection and solid state ignition) and three XMs (2.1 diesel and 3 litre V6 petrol). They were incredibly comfortable but rotted, with really temperamental electrics and many parts were close to impossible to find. Nothing contemporary French has any appeal, hydropneumatic suspension I miss terribly.
At 4:16, when you were discussing future classics; run of the mill; cars people wouldn’t think of; etc, I believe my VW CC Black Edition GT would fit that description perfectly. Looks like a Passat but isn’t (much better in my opinion) and you don’t see many of them about. In fact, I am quite certain most people have no idea what a CC is. At least the people I have spoken to don’t. Another great video, thanks.
Last year for about 4 months I had a this car with a 2.0hdi automatic. I never liked it how it looks, but cheap running costs and good reliability with comfort took me over. I started loving it and appreciating what a car is in it's basic form. For the price it is a good runner.
Strangely enough, the only time I've driven a C5 I happened to visit Gibraltar, to refill the tank before returning it to Malaga airport, embarrassingly I had to ask the garage staff how to open the fuel flap as I couldn't find a button or lever, to be told to just push the flap, oh well. I was perhaps more embarrassed because I owned a C4 at the time back in the UK!☺ love the channel Matt .
I was given a 60k mile Mk1 3.0 V6 Exclusive Se and with a new set of coils it's my daily driver. I'm 24 years old so rather unusual but I adore mine and for getting everywhere in comfort and refinement I'm a big fan. Also quite the looks. If you want to see what ones like, give me a shout 😁
I had a 2013 tourer as a company car, hdi manual. The middle of the steering wheel not rotating took a while to get us to,and the only thing I found a shame (for such a large car) was how little ,pen,chocolate bars,phone,general paraphernalia a company car has, storage for said items.
My dad had a 1990 Citroen BX when I was growing up, I was always amazed when the car would sink into its arch covers and raise back up! Then it was set fire to in a car park. Ahh childhood memories
All old French cars are super comfy, the seats of even older models like the 405 (if you can ever find one these days) or a Citroen DS having owned a 405 i can attest to that. Any chance you may be able to find something like a 605, would like to see it reviewed.
At this sight I miss my old C5 Break. Same age as this one and he's never let me down. We parted after an old woman cornered too tight and scraped the left side front to back.
I used to have a 'P' reg Citroen ZX, it was about 8 years old when I bought it, and I kept it for about 6 years. I always maintained it, and it was one of the most reliable cars I've owned to date...
My dad has C 5 2005 in 2.0 petrol (quite rare, comsuption around 8 litres/100 km, very good engine actually). Brilliant car and mostly maintance free. No major repairs, just basic maintance. He bought for a good money and now it has 250k km :)
Hi Matt well that’s not what I expected I thought you was really going to rip it to pieces as daft as it sounds I can remember the TV adverts for both the Citroen Xantia and the Citroen xsara great video hope your well hope you like the white L405 best wishes ian
There are many excellent French cars, the Renailt Clio Cups/RS, Peugeot 205/309/405 GTI's, mainly built in the late 1980's - 1990's, I do agree though most people just don't look after them, but that can be said about most mainstream cars when they get past 3 years old.
Still driving a 2001 Xantia with 62k on the clock. Only things that have given bother in three years are failed drivers window regulator and an ABS sensor. Other than that just consumables.
French cars !. had a renault 21 , unreliable ( electrics ) but also a citroen BX . very reliable , but costly to maintain . Loved the BX ride quality especially as we had camping holidays at the time and enjoyed running probably too quickly over the rutted farmers field with the suspension set on "high".
My cousins grandfather bought a 3.0 litre v6 estate brand new that unfortunately got totalled and then moved on a 2.0 litre saloon which I think he still has I remember some supremely comfortable airport runs
Sitting chilling out on a friday night trying to sort my fantasy football team and i think may aswell go on youtube for a bit and i see another superb cheap car video by you, brilliant 👏👏👏
Can't see it getting classic status, but great to see the car is going to be put to good use on a well needed delivery of goods to The Ukraine. Nice one Matt.
Had the estate (break) version with the 2.0 petrol engine in it. Bought it very cheap with already 416K km. (258K Miles) on it. Used it for over six years with little to no problems and drove it past 525K km.(326K Miles) Best car I ever had. And cheapest by far! Loved it.
Had a C5 years ago when i needed a cheap car for a few months and a really good deal came up for one at the time, it was a pristine 2.0L petrol in Burgundy and the one thing I remember about it was the insane comfort, it's easily the most comfortable car I have ever been in and I like how you can essentially make it a SUV with the ride height if you want with the suspension, I didn't have any issues with it but long term given it's french I would assume thing would come up but if you get one for the cheap and it's been maintained it's worth every cent.
When were you last in one? Two weeks ago! My mate's dad owns a diesel auto top of the range C5 from 2006 and we borrowed it to move some crap around. Really liked the old bus I have to admit
Hahahaha i just bought one from 2006 for 1500E with 2.0 HDI 100kw diezel, 6 speed manual its actualy not bed car at all,evwn my has abot 330thousends km,stil goes and drives great,its roomy,queit,specios,and well equiped,i got everything i need cheep ride,good fuel economy about 6,5liters combined,everything works,adaptive xenon lights with corner folowing,automatic lights,automatic whipers,all, windows and cruse control,ac works,even adjustment in suspension works great so for the money its great choice.
That Facelift C5 here is so common because its used as a cheap Taxi and is very economical. Great video as always Matt,i really love your channel too much that i rewatch your old videos! :D
Problem with Xantia's and C5's is that they are misunderstood and tumble quickly into undervalued scrapper/runabout where they don't get maintained and hence scrapped. Many many company cars were BX - then Xantia - C5 - the diesels when looked after did proper big mileages - another reason they fell into the scrapper arena - but in company hands most were dealer serviced on the dot hence the big miles and reliability
C5 is a great car. My wife owned two. Good on fuel, comfortable, few issues(one owned for nine years) and NO RUST, because they had French body treatment. Then she bought a Mondeo....way behind the C5. Really like your videos....but you are a car dealer...which is just a little better than an estate agent. Sorry, it has to said. Peace be unto you.
Another great video Matt. I particularly enjoy the ones where you buy a car you've never seen before and always keep my fingers crossed that it will turn out well. I was never really a fan of French cars until I bought my 59 reg semi-auto Pluriel 7 years go. There are very few on the road now (no quips please!) but I'd happily let you have the car to review if you wish to do so. Keep up the good work - you have a great channel.
Not ugly at all it's very stylish. And totally agree ppl have given french cars a bad rep because they don't look after them. Me and my family have had various Peugeots for years and not one, not one broke down
The multimedia stalk, the engine options and general vibe of the car remind me of my old 05 2.0 diesel Laguna. A surprisingly capable and comfortable car, even as it was falling apart slowly.
I am on my 4th C5 and I have never been let down with any of them. My current car is a 2,2 HDI 200 bhp bi-turbo estate and I think it is a great car. I have owned it now for 6 years and don't see the point in replacing it. Unlike you, I do not find the C5 to be an ugly car and especially not the tourer version. It has good fuel consumption and superb hydraulic suspension. I think now however, Citroen have lost the plot with their latest car so I guess I will eventually have to replace my C5 with a boring BMW or Mercedes.
i had an 2,0 hdi xsara , and im nw looking at one of these, is the boot the same size in the estate version c5 but with just a higher rear body/door, or is it longer in the boot?, also what do you think of the ride?
@@lazycarper The load space in the 2.2 HDI is longer than the Xsara estate that my son use to have. The ride with the hydro suspension is superb and the suspension always keeps the vehicle level.
@@martintaylor8543 thank you i think im going to get one any day soon, my reasons are i hope its a quiet ride, a gentle ride, comfy seats, basically im an old fart and if i could drive my sofa i would
My parents had the high spec estate with leather heated seats I was gutted when they gave it to my older brother. It was such a luxurious vehicle. I'd love to have one.
I'd much rather see one about the model series after this - the 2008-2016 model which was a much more effective design at least aesthetically. Are you able to do one on that?
Well I'll be damned... 1,525 days later and here we are. You are a man of your word. I'm sitting here with a grin on my face because of Citroen video 😁. Have moved over to an Audi A4 B9 since the last time I asked you for a review of this car. Cheers 🎉🎉🎉
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Ah it was you! I told you I would do a video one day! Have a good weekend :)
@@HighPeakAutos if we can do request 335i please
@@darrenquarterman2611 comment this everyday till he does it
@@HighPeakAutos
Pre Face-lift E46 325Ci Convertible M Sport Manual In Imola Red!!!!
had mine Mk1 C5 2002 estate for 19 years and now done 280,000 miles and never once broken down. But i do look after it ie service once a year at least Oil and filters, cam belt, etc, and as such it works
This is so rad to see our car go off to do some good. She served us well for what little we paid for it in Gib, we drove it all the way to Liverpool, toured Portugal and most of Spain in the year we had it. Thanks again Matt!
Good on you both for helping out in Ukraine.
Thanks for getting in touch and the donation. It’s being picked up next week.
Well done Christopher.
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@@simonbailey2151 No shame on you helping them and not your own!!
Hey Matt 🙂 Surprise surprise 🙂 Never in million years would I expect you to say such a nice words about Citroën C5 😉 I've had mine for 8 years 64 reg. and I've done 111 thousand miles on it. Just have had timing belt and major service done and that's about it. Reliable cheap to insure ( £221 a year) cheap to tax and it works all that time. You're welcome to review it any time 😉 even though I think that you've had enough of French for a while...😂😂😂 Anyway brilliant video as always 👍
Lol yeah, nice to hear Matt give Citroen a good word. Tbf he did give the C1, 107 and Aygo a good rating and they truly are reliable cars and cheap to run. My wife has had two mk2 C1s and they drive so smooth. Good standard kit too. Good vid, Matt. Andrew
I think the C5 is far better than it’s reputation and you‘re spot on with your theory about them being neglected. Keep them coming, good job 👍
Totally agree with your observations regarding maintenance. A colleague has a silver Xsara Estate. It has been to the moon and back and never lets him down. The 2.0 Diesel engine runs like it did on day one and apart from routine servicing it hasn’t cost him much. It isn’t just maintenance that’s an issue. Another colleague bought a brand new Mercedes Estate and had all kinds of issues, including a detached gear stick and a collapsed dashboard. He forgave Mercedes in a way no Citroen or Fiat driver ever would.
My parents owned a 2001 Citroën C5 for most of my childhood. It had been imported here to New Zealand by the previous owners and had a sticker on the back from the dealership in Sevenoaks, Kent, where it was sold new. It was a great car and I have very pleasant memories of it. My parents have since bought two brand new Citroëns, although they ended up keeping the old C5 until 2019.
That’s impressive
i still own and drive my 2002 C5 Estate, never once let me down and starts every time first time. 300,000 miles and 50mpg :)
I find French Cars really cool, I now live in Aachen Germany and I see a lot them here… maybe because I live next door to a Peugeot dealer!! I’ve actually thought about buying a BMW Mini yet I hear something many horror stories about them!! I’ve been driving since 94 and for the first time in many a year I don’t own a car. But that’s a superb free gift from Gibraltar 🇬🇮
During a family trip to menorca, the car hire company gave me a c5. I quite liked it . For the 5 of us, with all the luggage and beach stuff it was pretty good. Not unpleasant to drive, not bad on fuel. Struggling to think of anything else to say, I don't know how you manage to fill a whole vid!
I have Peugeot 308 GT 2l HDI with 142k miles on clock and it's absolutely faultless running sweet no issues whatsoever. Service cost me 50£ every year ( oil and filters) . Amazing on fuel (900+ miles) full tank (60l) as I tested it on my Europe trip in June 4700 miles in 2 weeks no problem. Peugeot (PSA) has got amazing Diesel engines 🙏 it don't drink oil whatsoever as I never topped it up either from service to service. No leaking or anything. People who say bad words about French cars probably never had one ..
I have said it before and I will say it again, I love your channel. Down to earth, real world car reviews for the ordinary man. Thanks for the great work. Seems like you have been doing more reviews recently...... so happy about that. Please keep going!
Thank you! I appreciate it
Are you sure about that? he's usually pushing Aston martins, Bentleys and footballer wives range Rovers.
@@asensibleyoungman2978 I can always rely on you for a negative comment. Makes me happy I’m me and not you. Your world seems very bitter and gloomy 😂
Always great stuff! Keep up the good work Matt. From Malta!
@@HighPeakAutos What's negative about my comment? I'm simply stating facts. You don't want us all to brown nose you, or do you?
Not sure about the C5 but I used to have a Xantia 1.9TD. The comfort really was next level. Unfortunately it started falling to pieces after I’d had it for less than 6 months and it was only just 4 years old. Haven’t bothered with a French car since. Keep up the good work. 👍👍
Same happed to me, had an AX then the Xantia 1.9D. Never went back to Citroen.Ged
I have Xantia 1,8 16v 2000 wagon silver A NICE ONE
As a fairly local to you owner of an XM, Xantia Activa, and a 2007 C5 with the 2.2 bi-turbo HDi engine, I'm surprised to hear you stick up for the hydropnematic Citroen's. I'm very glad to see you rate them, as I do too, clearly... I presumed your hatred of French cars would stick across the board, but I'm glad it doesn't!
Thanks for your help and support from Ukraine. Great content as always. Love your videos.
Very generous of you Matt. You've mentioned your Ukrainian friend before.
As a Ukrainian myself, please know that your efforts are greatly appreciated.
God Bless you and yours, and your business. May all three be prosperous.
I’m a Uky & I second that comment
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I'm English and I don't.Neither do the majority of us so stay in your own country and fight your own war like we did.Oh wait a minute in those days you were nazis of course!!
Before I’ve even watched this video I’ve got to tell you. I put 200,000 miles on one of these as a taxi. Great car and very useful and only real downside is they are heavy on front tyres and trims. Traded it in back in the day for a new Skoda octavia and wish I hadn’t it was fast but so uncomfortable and I was 30 then🙈
DOES THAT SUSPENSION CAUSE problems i want to buy one but the thought of that suspension worries me if it fails
I used to have a Xantia back in the day, absolutely the comfiest car i've ever owned. Car goes up, car goes down, car goes up.
Hello Matt, last Citroen I had was a 1.9D Xantia after I sold a 1.4 D AX. The Xantia fell to bits, never got another. Thank you for taking the time to upload another video. Ged
I’ve had a C5, but the previous (first) generation. I quite liked it. Some things broke but not too many.
The hydro active suspension is really superb. I don’t understand that Citroen hasn’t continued that. It was a truly unique selling point and a major one imo.
Citroen hasn’t continued with hydro active suspension because it was very expensive during the production of the car and service as well.
@@xkuryr There are quite a few resons why:
These systems are expensive to make for Citroen and people have to buy them or they have to include in in their cars but have to put up the base price both things are risky.
Reason Nr. 5 other than the current C5 Aircross and C5X which use a different system camera based I think the DS 7 Crossback also uses it it's not implemented in any other car.
Sure they have the Spacetourer but fitting a badge engineering project with that suspection is way to expensive for a car knowadays, you gotta safe money everywhere you can.
And the C3 (Aircross) and C4 are to small.
Many people described the system as being to wobbly and "unsafe", back in the 2010's automotive reviewer where ragging because they wanted better handling and so they got it with the Hypneumatic III system used in the second Gen. C5 which owner of the first gen. C5 described as being to stiff. And so with their decreasing sales and new positioning in the PSA Group as being the Skoda and Seat equivalent offering a regular sterring wheel and a little more comfort that Peugeots that's where they headed.
@@chriskonte1909 I think what you’re saying is that since Citroën were using Peugeot platforms it became too expensive to adapt those platforms for their hypneumatic suspension.
That makes sense but I still think it’s a bloody shame. That suspension was second to none.
It is the first gen
@@tedarcher9120
You are right l. It’s the first generation but the face lifted version. I had the one before that, so the original one.
I’ve owned a lot of Frenchies over the last 25 years and what you hinted at is what I believe to be correct, they are no worse than any other car out there but always used to get a bad press because buffoon owners would neglect services and then complain bitterly about how bad French cars were when in reality they’d never once lifted the bonnet.
Alongside our ‘nice’ car we also run a Renner Twingo to do all the Donkey work like parking in Supermarket Car Parks with all the other goons and we love it, I service it myself and check it over constantly and it’s a great car.
Hm idk. If they really were as reliable as equivalent Japanese brands they would sell well globally. How often do you see a French car outside of Europe?
@@nintendokings supply chain and market dominance, import tariffs and taxes, already established brand loyalty etc etc. and weirdly the 2nd 2008 c5 won Japan's import car of the year
@@ciaranwebb6871 those things play a role. But it’s not like Japan got a free ride. Ultimately, Japanese cars are better than French cars. If they really were as good you’d see them on the road more
At first I thought you were talking about French bulldogs and the true star of this particular video, which is clearly Kiki 😂
@@nintendokings africa south america , how often do you see audis & bmws in africa , south america ?
Good review Matt, I like your channel mainly because you cover the full spectrum of the cars we can all relate to.
Thanks
Well now I'm missing my C5 again! Easily one of the most comfortable cars I have ever owned. Never liked them much until I actually drove one.
I agree. I’ve got a bit more respect for them now. Id forgotten how comfortable they were.
I use to work at a Citroen specialist and the a vw specialist. You are very true in what you said the public in this country are prepared to spend £1000s to keep there vw Audi on the road.
But give them the same bill for a PSA group car and they will scrap it
You hit the spot with the last comments. Folk in UK do NOT look after them. I had both the BX and Xantia. serviced regularly (by someone who knew about the suspencion), they never let me down and both went well over the "100k" without issue. That is the secret to reliable.
I worked at the Citroen dealer in Hyde for 10 years and the C5 was the best thing they made! Proper unsung heros they are.
My 2002 C5 is one of the best cars i,ve had. 1 owner since new,well looked after,and no problems the 3 years i have owned it🙂👍. But one of the best things about them is they nearly fint rust. Mine,and several more i know of,are as good as rustfrie even after all these years. And there all cars being driven on salted winter roads! Comfort,lots of room and reliable cars😁
I'm from Portugal, like your videos a lot, they're very useful.
Oh, btw it's great to finally see the steering wheel on right side of the car😂😂
In the 22 years I lived in France driving old French car's, I never found them to be problematic. Very Comfortable & Quirky yes but not annoyingly unreliable.
I think you hit the nail on the head as to the reasons why the ones in the UK suffered so much.
Good move sending it off with supply's to the Ukraine. Good Man.
All the vehicles I have owned I have had very few issues with, I put this down to the fact i had them serviced and maintained, so many of my friends skip basic service intervals, then question the car after it’s broken down. Just an observation through my life .
'If you look after them they aren't any less reliable than anything else' Never a truer word spoken! It's amazing how many 'unreliable' cars provide years of reliable service when they're looked after.
Enjoy the everyday car reviews, very good and inspirational to see what can be had and also done with a modest outlay or even, free! Making a fun video for starters. Thank you.
Thank you!
I had a red C4 Coupe. Quite liked it and it was stylish and quite sturdy. I do remember the seats and the overall comfort when driving were brilliant too. Will be interesting to see how future Citroen transpires with growing competition 👍
Enjoyed the ownership of a C5 V6 from new. A great car and was a pleasure to drive but as we all know there is a price to pay. Huge depreciation. It lost circa £20K in 5 years.
Oh dear
I quite like the look of the facelift C5, but then I have had loads of Citroens.
I had quite a few Xantias, including a 2.0 turbo petrol estate and an Activa.
I also had a 2.0 turbo petrol XM and a 2.1TD XM estate which was huge, and a CX Safari
The suspension sells this car. We bought 2007 C5 more than 10 years ago, and the suspesnion never really failed on us. My dad drove it for 5 years, when I got my license, I took it under my wing. have been driving from home to uni every week, and vice versa, which is 3 hours worth of journey to one direction. Still haven't been stranded in the middle of road. Of course, when I'm driving it a lot, I take to garage more often for check ups. But most repairs were only rubber parts replecament of front suspension, nothing major. Also I change oil every 10 000 kms (~6300 miles), so at least once in 6 months I do oil change. And it got not even best engine - 1.6hdi. Could be more powerful, but it does get job done. I did a bit of research on forums on 2.0 and 2.2 hdi engines, and many agree, that they're literally bulletproof engines. The biggest flaws are rear wheel trailing arm bearings and specifically for models 2004-2007 weak hot/cold air mixing flaps for climate control (the fix is straight foward, just glue together old ones with reinforcement, or buy new ones. But to reach them is annoying job) I think many problems lies in neglections in service and repairs, and that aplies not only to french cars, but all brands of cars. Oh, and I've been studying mechanical engineering at that said uni, so I'm saying that C5 is not bad car not from pure feelings of my own as owner, but also as an engineer.
Ah the double chevron
Saxo vtr/vts will always hold tremendous nostalgia for me. They do not make them like they used to...mainly for legal reasons! But, handling wise, the looks. Tremendous fun for the money.
Great vid as ever. I'm becoming addicted to these. Just subscribed to Readly via your link. I had no idea that such a thing existed ! all the outdoorsy MTB and car mags I regularly or occasionally read. It's like Spotify for mags. Grateful for the info ! 😊
Thanks!
Any thoughts? What car disappeared from the roads fastest after it was discontinued - I nominate the Xantia. Soon after it was deleted, they disappeared. Why, very expensive repairs causing them to be written off, rust or unique parts that were unavailable?
My dad drives an automatic Xantia from 2001, and besides some rattles here and there it drives sooo comfortably! You barely even notice going over bumps, it's like driving a flying carpet
I ran a Diesel 2.0 as a cab a few years ago. Everybody was trying to put me off saying the suspension will give you problems. But in fact it was the electrics and ECU's which were troublesome. The comfort was amazing but then little problems started to surface. The suspension is supposed to adapt to your driving style and stiffen up on bends and at high cruising speeds. That stopped, then the self leveling HID headlight ECU failed which left the lights pointing down, so you couldn't see at night. I sourced a new one from Belgium. Then it started to go through injectors, one would go every couple of months. My mechanic couldn't get to the root of the problem but suspected the main ECU. Then one day it was running really rough, and yes, there was an ECU problem. We sent it off to a place in Birmingham who can repair them but they said it was irrepairable. A new ECU is a dealer job as the the electronic system has to be programmed to the car. A second hand ECU would have to go to a dealer as well. So the cost was well into 4 figures so I scrapped the car. If they were cheaper to repair there would still be a few around. As for future classics, a mechanic friend of mine has a couple of Peugeot 406 coupe's with the V6 petrol engine. I think they are around the year 2000 age wise. A wolf in sheeps clothing and no silly electronics to go wrong.
A most enjoyable and remarkably funny critique of a French car - this could become a humorous sub niche for you Matt - having a laugh at French cars.
you liking Citroen I bet that hurt but knowing your dislike of Citroen I admire you for honest review my opinion of you has gone up very impressed
In about 2002 my friend bought one new, it creaked like an old ship from the start.I always liked the ride and thought it looked good.
The Xantia was a great looking car. Really liked its styling!
I'm a fan of Peugeot's 405s&406s. I love the new 508 but too expensive. I recently watched a review of a C6 2.7 TD.
I’ve been driving Citroën Xantia for 10 years now. The one I am currently driving is a late 2000 registered 1.8 16v petrol. I bought it for around £1000 (I am in Denmark so that is my best estimate of the exchange rate) and it was a one-owner well looked after example. I have had it for over 5 years now and it is (and I am not lying) very reliable, has never left me stranded and still feels fresh and healthy and VERY comfortable. And there are so few of them left now that I actually feel a bit special driving it around 😃😂
An idea i got from a Mate of mine, if you were living with a left hand drive car in the uk, why not mount a camera on the right hand door mirror facing forward and the monitor on the top of the dash in the right corner to see round tractor other slow vehicles for overtaking. I had it on my right hand HGV DRIVING ROUND EUROPE AND IT WORKED VERY WELL!!👍👍
I did once go through a proper Citroen phase - an SM which was glorious (once I found a Dutch specialist using up to date injection and solid state ignition) and three XMs (2.1 diesel and 3 litre V6 petrol). They were incredibly comfortable but rotted, with really temperamental electrics and many parts were close to impossible to find. Nothing contemporary French has any appeal, hydropneumatic suspension I miss terribly.
Interesting!
cool! im only 12 but nice car!
Thanks!
😭
You said you were 14 in another comment 🤔
@@elysalcedo man's getting younger
At 4:16, when you were discussing future classics; run of the mill; cars people wouldn’t think of; etc, I believe my VW CC Black Edition GT would fit that description perfectly. Looks like a Passat but isn’t (much better in my opinion) and you don’t see many of them about. In fact, I am quite certain most people have no idea what a CC is. At least the people I have spoken to don’t.
Another great video, thanks.
Last year for about 4 months I had a this car with a 2.0hdi automatic. I never liked it how it looks, but cheap running costs and good reliability with comfort took me over. I started loving it and appreciating what a car is in it's basic form. For the price it is a good runner.
Strangely enough, the only time I've driven a C5 I happened to visit Gibraltar, to refill the tank before returning it to Malaga airport, embarrassingly I had to ask the garage staff how to open the fuel flap as I couldn't find a button or lever, to be told to just push the flap, oh well. I was perhaps more embarrassed because I owned a C4 at the time back in the UK!☺ love the channel Matt .
I was given a 60k mile Mk1 3.0 V6 Exclusive Se and with a new set of coils it's my daily driver. I'm 24 years old so rather unusual but I adore mine and for getting everywhere in comfort and refinement I'm a big fan. Also quite the looks. If you want to see what ones like, give me a shout 😁
Great review as always pal
Owned two mk1 C5 estates and loved them both, very comfortable and economical.
I am a Citroen fan. My favourite was my old c5. 1.6 diesel hdi. Never gave trouble comfortable and efficient. Great car.
Ah the pictures of the xantia took me back to being a kid and the cars that were on the road!
I had a 2013 tourer as a company car, hdi manual.
The middle of the steering wheel not rotating took a while to get us to,and the only thing I found a shame (for such a large car) was how little ,pen,chocolate bars,phone,general paraphernalia a company car has, storage for said items.
I haven't heard the name Xantia for years... that was a seriously popular car back in the day. Great blast from the past.
My dad had a 1990 Citroen BX when I was growing up, I was always amazed when the car would sink into its arch covers and raise back up! Then it was set fire to in a car park. Ahh childhood memories
This is a car that completely passed me by, I forgot they existed. I quite liked the Xantia though, had an estate until my ex drove it into a flood.
All old French cars are super comfy, the seats of even older models like the 405 (if you can ever find one these days) or a Citroen DS having owned a 405 i can attest to that. Any chance you may be able to find something like a 605, would like to see it reviewed.
I've got a Citroen ZX from 1997 and it's super comfy. It rides better over bumps etc than my 2020 Octavia.
At this sight I miss my old C5 Break. Same age as this one and he's never let me down. We parted after an old woman cornered too tight and scraped the left side front to back.
I used to have a 'P' reg Citroen ZX, it was about 8 years old when I bought it, and I kept it for about 6 years. I always maintained it, and it was one of the most reliable cars I've owned to date...
Just bought one 2006 it drives supurb. I don,t understand the complaints really
My dad has C 5 2005 in 2.0 petrol (quite rare, comsuption around 8 litres/100 km, very good engine actually). Brilliant car and mostly maintance free. No major repairs, just basic maintance. He bought for a good money and now it has 250k km :)
I dare you to do a Peugoet Partner / Citroen Berlingo review
Hi Matt well that’s not what I expected I thought you was really going to rip it to pieces as daft as it sounds I can remember the TV adverts for both the Citroen Xantia and the Citroen xsara great video hope your well hope you like the white L405 best wishes ian
There are many excellent French cars, the Renailt Clio Cups/RS, Peugeot 205/309/405 GTI's, mainly built in the late 1980's - 1990's, I do agree though most people just don't look after them, but that can be said about most mainstream cars when they get past 3 years old.
There is a C5 just up the road to me , it's in excellent condition for its age , well done for sending the C5 off to help out with a very good cause 👍
Still driving a 2001 Xantia with 62k on the clock. Only things that have given bother in three years are failed drivers window regulator and an ABS sensor. Other than that just consumables.
French cars !. had a renault 21 , unreliable ( electrics ) but also a citroen BX . very reliable , but costly to maintain . Loved the BX ride quality especially as we had camping holidays at the time and enjoyed running probably too quickly over the rutted farmers field with the suspension set on "high".
I’ve had 2001 C5 with V6 and automatic. It was quite a sweet car to drive. Except motorway because it was quite loud
My cousins grandfather bought a 3.0 litre v6 estate brand new that unfortunately got totalled and then moved on a 2.0 litre saloon which I think he still has I remember some supremely comfortable airport runs
Sitting chilling out on a friday night trying to sort my fantasy football team and i think may aswell go on youtube for a bit and i see another superb cheap car video by you, brilliant 👏👏👏
Thanks!
Can't see it getting classic status, but great to see the car is going to be put to good use on a well needed delivery of goods to The Ukraine. Nice one Matt.
Couldn't agree more!
Ah the Citroen Xantia I too had a green one and felt great every time I used the keypad to start it up. Great car.
Had the estate (break) version with the 2.0 petrol engine in it. Bought it very cheap with already 416K km. (258K Miles) on it. Used it for over six years with little to no problems and drove it past 525K km.(326K Miles) Best car I ever had. And cheapest by far! Loved it.
Had a C5 years ago when i needed a cheap car for a few months and a really good deal came up for one at the time, it was a pristine 2.0L petrol in Burgundy and the one thing I remember about it was the insane comfort, it's easily the most comfortable car I have ever been in and I like how you can essentially make it a SUV with the ride height if you want with the suspension, I didn't have any issues with it but long term given it's french I would assume thing would come up but if you get one for the cheap and it's been maintained it's worth every cent.
When were you last in one?
Two weeks ago! My mate's dad owns a diesel auto top of the range C5 from 2006 and we borrowed it to move some crap around. Really liked the old bus I have to admit
Great cause, helping our friends in the Ukraine, well done and a good honest review too.
Hahahaha i just bought one from 2006 for 1500E with 2.0 HDI 100kw diezel, 6 speed manual its actualy not bed car at all,evwn my has abot 330thousends km,stil goes and drives great,its roomy,queit,specios,and well equiped,i got everything i need cheep ride,good fuel economy about 6,5liters combined,everything works,adaptive xenon lights with corner folowing,automatic lights,automatic whipers,all, windows and cruse control,ac works,even adjustment in suspension works great so for the money its great choice.
That Facelift C5 here is so common because its used as a cheap Taxi and is very economical.
Great video as always Matt,i really love your channel too much that i rewatch your old videos! :D
Problem with Xantia's and C5's is that they are misunderstood and tumble quickly into undervalued scrapper/runabout where they don't get maintained and hence scrapped. Many many company cars were BX - then Xantia - C5 - the diesels when looked after did proper big mileages - another reason they fell into the scrapper arena - but in company hands most were dealer serviced on the dot hence the big miles and reliability
Thats true
Always like your honest opinion on the cars. Thanks
Great to hear that you are able to say some nice things about French cars... Keep going you are getting greater.
C5 is a great car. My wife owned two. Good on fuel, comfortable, few issues(one owned for nine years) and NO RUST, because they had French body treatment. Then she bought a Mondeo....way behind the C5. Really like your videos....but you are a car dealer...which is just a little better than an estate agent. Sorry, it has to said. Peace be unto you.
Another great video Matt. I particularly enjoy the ones where you buy a car you've never seen before and always keep my fingers crossed that it will turn out well. I was never really a fan of French cars until I bought my 59 reg semi-auto Pluriel 7 years go. There are very few on the road now (no quips please!) but I'd happily let you have the car to review if you wish to do so. Keep up the good work - you have a great channel.
Superb review Matt ! This is a car you have to enjoy it's comfort on the inside and forget about the outside.,
Another great video and nice to see a citreon c5 on here. Can you do a video on a skoda fabia mk2 1.2 tsi please would be nice
Not ugly at all it's very stylish. And totally agree ppl have given french cars a bad rep because they don't look after them. Me and my family have had various Peugeots for years and not one, not one broke down
My dad had one of these when I was younger. It's was actually quite comfy and ended up really liking it lol
Love the little Frenchie :X:X kept me smiling throughout the video :)
The multimedia stalk, the engine options and general vibe of the car remind me of my old 05 2.0 diesel Laguna. A surprisingly capable and comfortable car, even as it was falling apart slowly.
I am on my 4th C5 and I have never been let down with any of them. My current car is a 2,2 HDI 200 bhp bi-turbo estate and I think it is a great car. I have owned it now for 6 years and don't see the point in replacing it. Unlike you, I do not find the C5 to be an ugly car and especially not the tourer version. It has good fuel consumption and superb hydraulic suspension. I think now however, Citroen have lost the plot with their latest car so I guess I will eventually have to replace my C5 with a boring BMW or Mercedes.
i had an 2,0 hdi xsara , and im nw looking at one of these, is the boot the same size in the estate version c5 but with just a higher rear body/door, or is it longer in the boot?, also what do you think of the ride?
@@lazycarper The load space in the 2.2 HDI is longer than the Xsara estate that my son use to have. The ride with the hydro suspension is superb and the suspension always keeps the vehicle level.
@@martintaylor8543 thank you i think im going to get one any day soon, my reasons are i hope its a quiet ride, a gentle ride, comfy seats, basically im an old fart and if i could drive my sofa i would
Coolest part here mate was your stunning little dog what a little beauty 😍 keep videos coming and let's see more of your little pooch in the reviews 👍
An underrated car in my opinion, i used to have a 2.2 VTR as a company car, super comfy & drove very well.
My parents had the high spec estate with leather heated seats I was gutted when they gave it to my older brother. It was such a luxurious vehicle. I'd love to have one.
Love the Frenchy mate,much better than kids... he's not asked "are we there yet" once.
I'd much rather see one about the model series after this - the 2008-2016 model which was a much more effective design at least aesthetically. Are you able to do one on that?