Citroen C4 1.6 HDI automatic, anyone owned one?

[Browser]

We need to replace our manual '03 Punto diesel as (a) wifey has a prozen left shoulder and can't manage the stick at the moment and (b) the growing family don't readily fit in it any more. Our other car is Kia Sedona so we need something economical and preferably low road fund licence group and I'd seen the Citroen C4 1.6 HDI auto specifications and it looks like the best compromise, but has anyone on here owned or owns one and if so, what did/do you think?

 

[pauldavid]

We need to replace our manual '03 Punto diesel as (a) wifey has a prozen left shoulder and can't manage the stick at the moment and (b) the growing family don't readily fit in it any more. Our other car is Kia Sedona so we need something economical and preferably low road fund licence group and I'd seen the Citroen C4 1.6 HDI auto specifications and it looks like the best compromise, but has anyone on here owned or owns one and if so, what did/do you think?

Don't own up people, it's a trap.



If they find out who bought them untold public ridicule will ensue.




Might be best to just drive them to the earest public car park and abandon them now, don't forget the false moustache!

 

[smokeysmoo]

As with any used car check that everything works as it should. French cars were always known for electrical problems, but this has been addressed and continues to be improved on, but anything is a step up in this regards after owning a Fiat

Full service history is an obvious advantage, and also check if it's a FAP model, (Diesel Particle Filter), as these can incur expense when the system needs treatment, although it's also the DPF system that makes the HDi one if the cleanest engines in it's class.

I'm not 100% sure on the C4, but I had a Peugeot 407 auto, (54 plate) a few years ago, and that had a 4 speed auto which although was smooth to drive meant it wasn't hugely economical, later cars got a 6 speed box which improved things considerably.

They also do an EGC model, which is not strictly an auto, it's classed as a 'piloted manual', but for all intent and purpose it is an auto, (2 pedal set up). These can be a little jerky and do require 'learning' how to drive them, and they can also be a bit jerky, but there is a software download that improves this also. The EGC models are supposed to return better economy than a standard manual, but I'm not convinced yet TBH.

Hope that is of some help, and if you want you can always send me the registration of a prospective purchase and I can check if it does have a DPF and EGC box for you

 

[stevede]

Give the "what car do you drive" thread a check over. I'm sure someone on there posted they have exactly that model.

Regards

Steve

 

[Browser]

Thanks for the the replies folks, but I had a sit on one today and it ain't gonna be a goer, rear headroom is too restricted for son-of-Browser (12 yrs old, 5ft 11in tall and still growing). I've found teh ideal car, evern found the ideal spec, but they only started making it in 2010 and thuis the used price is well above what we've budgeted for (cheapest on Autotrader £8995 vs £4000-4500 budgeted). Plus which it's a Skoda Roomster 1.2 TSI DSG and, whilst living up to it's name and also having lowish tax band & good enough economy has rather 'questionable' aestheics from many quarters so it's looking like the long wheelbase Mercedes A-class might fit the bill, as there's more of them about at our price, we can live with the running costs and all four of us plus dog will fit quite comfortably in it.

 

[Black Sheep]

A friend of ours has a C4 and they're very happy with it, although they only have themselves and their 1yr old daughter to transport in it.

[edit]

was typing as you posted that the C4 isn't suitable

what about something such as an octavia estate? or is that not fitting the emissions / tax bracket you want to hit?

[edit]
With regards diesels with particulate filters in, the only time you get a problem is when you've been keeping the revvs low and doing short journeys.

We've not had filter problems on our 1.2 diesel SEAT due to the fact I drive down motorway slip roads in 4th which helps blow things through, we did have a recirculation valve jam, apparently the way to avoid this is to sometimes allow the revvs up into the red so that the valve gets activated / moves so it doesn't jam

 

[Over The Hill]

Wifes car is a pugeot 307 which has the same engine in it I think.
Nothing at all wrong with the engine and would recommend it. The 1.6 seems as powerful as her old 2.0 in her previous 3.06.
Watch out though as I think they do different BHP output for the same engine so you can get the 1.6hdi in 90bhp 110bhp and a de-tuned one of around 70bhp even. I would avoid the lowest - we have the 90bhp and it is very responsive and suits the car.

 

[Profpointy]

Depending on your annual mileage, and hence resulting fuel bills, bear in mind 2nd hand so called "executive" cars can be ridiculously cheap, and often automatic transmission. For instance ai bought a 10 year old Saab 70,000 miles in lovely condition for £2500 - it's been trouble free luxury motoring for 2 years. Nice to drive, 2.3 turbo petrol so reasonably quick but still suprisingly economical, leather seats blah blah. Probably cost someone £30k new. A more "sensible" car would probably have cost twice as much for much less. Of course if it goes wrong badly you probably have to scrap it, but still.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Automatic cars are good, I have one but that's because I'm too busy and important to change gear.

 

[ianrauk]

Automatic cars are good, I have one but that's because I'm too busy and important to change gear.

We are not worthy

 

[Browser]

Ahem, quite!

 

[TonyEnjoyD]

I have one.
Had a C4 grand Picasso for 3-years and now got the c4 Picasso same engine 1.6HDi which is excellent, loads of power for its size and really delivers.
Ok it's not a Maserati, but it handles well for its size, cruises along nicely and the turbo works very well when you want a it more.
Never had any mechanical problems and a couple of very minor electrical problems.
Loads of interior versatility and no prob getting a bike or two in with o e or two of the rear seats folded.

Due to Mrs EnjoyD, they have both been electronic EGS automatic gear boxes with flappy paddle override as well as manual setting.
The automatic shifting is s***. Never in the field of human endeavour has something gone so wrong as their attempt at an electronic box.
Picture the scene, your slowing on approach to a RBT, check traffic and you can see that you have space, time and power, you're doing 12-14mph and push the throttle a little to get out safely, the car surges....then decides to downshift mid roundabout with a gearshift lag of about a second - it's pants filler time.
Apart from these two EGS boxes, in 30 years of driving I have never failed to master the nuances of any car I have driven and been able to pkay the engine and box like a church organ.
After 5.5 years driving with these gearboxes, you would think I am at times attempting to gearshift by hitting the flappy paddle with my willie.

In their defence, I will say that in manual using the flappy paddles, I can make it sing, and it really has some voice, so f you do get one, as you approach any RBT, shift it into manual until you're past.

I pray to god that the wife gets another Make of car come October though.

 

[Night Train]

what about something such as an octavia estate?

I have a 2001 Octavia estate. Not a lot of leg room in the back. Even my 5'8" niece was 'kicking' me in the back through the driver's seat when she was sitting back there.
Later versions might have a longer wheelbase which would help.

The Berlingo has lots of leg and head room in the back.