A superb classic that will never be bettered
Rebuilt engine at 100,000 miles.
Replacement gearbox 180,000 miles.
Replacement (British) chassis at 80,000 miles.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th April, 2012
I have a new Audi A8, and Nissan 350Z, but nothing, can give more pleasure than the 2cv!
These cars require some serious looking after - but as long as properly and regularly serviced, the mechanicals are pretty bullet proof.
Rust is the real problem - but unlike just about any other car, there is absolutely no body part that is not easily available and relatively easily replaced - including the chassis itself.
In 23 years, most thing have gone wrong! - but the major mechanicals lasted well over 100000 miles before rebuilds.
The chassis was replaced at 15 years, but had been well looked after, the replacement is galvanised and should last forever.
The seats need rebuilding every 50000 miles or so.
I bought this car new in 1987, and sold it in 1998 when I had my first company car, a Volvo estate.
It was one of three new 2cv's I had in the 80's. I had so much fun in these cars, they are so much greater then the sum of their parts.
I bought it back off eBay in 2006, at 19 years old, and interestingly saw one of my other 2cv's for sale about the same time. How many mid '80's "boxes" are still on the road? I have spent some money bringing it back to its former glory.
You either love them or you don't understand them, and if you don't understand them, you either haven't tried, or you have no heart.
Comfort, fun (let's face it, how many other cars can you ever have the real challenge of getting the very most out of on public roads), character and versatility.
Change the doors, wings, bonnet and boot lid in seconds if you have a small bump. They are far stronger than people think they are - and whilst they offer little protection compared with modern cars, they are many times safer than a motorcycle, and are more real world fun.
Drive flat out all day without ever feeling you are going to break it, and get out relaxed at the other end.
The gear change is a delight to use, roll back the sunroof and have a wonderful summers day out. Will go anywhere in the winter and is mechanically so simple (not just air cooled, but both cylinders fire at the same time, so no distributor, and nothing remotely modern to go wrong).
The only real let down is the heavy steering - the body roll is no problem at all once you are used to it, but the steering does build up your muscles if you drive enthusiastically over long distances regularly. However it is front wheel drive, and first designed in the 1930's - only the war delayed production to the late 1940's.
How many cars designed in the 1930's were still in production in the '90's? These sort of facts simply don't happen by chance.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th April, 2010
I can only agree! After 8 years owning a Kermit Green Dyane, every other car seems to be fitted with unnecessary features.
I had a new gearbox with new discs fitted at around 125,000 miles, and then sold it as there were only lap seat belts in the rear and I needed three-point ones for the growing children.
Fantastic cars, and only slated by those who have never owned or driven one!
(BTW, I still own a Citroën…)
Oh yeah. I have a late model Special. This summer an old friend and I took it from Waterloo round the battle field sites of Spain and Portugal. 4,000 miles, and a good proportion of it flat out on the peages. A really relaxing holiday, driving, drinking red wine, eating cheese and bread, and trying to find the best Espresso. Great fun, and we couldn't count the number of times we were beeped by, presumably, former owners.
Nice review. I am amazed people like this car however. I get that it is "iconic" (whatever that means nowadays!) and has a unique look, but it wasn't particularly practical, fast or economical. The 2CV had its fair share of common problems as well.
Many car hypes out there are about the looks. The 2CV is not practical compared to modern cars. Same for the german Beetle.
8th Apr 2010, 06:06
Simply the best car in the world, once you understand it.
Heavy steering is designed to be light in reverse, so do the manouevering in reverse and it is easy. The car is packed with genius design, aeronautic influence and charming quirks; once understood and mastered it becomes an integral part of your life. 2CVGB is an excellent club too.
My much missed Bamboo took me to Geneva, Rome, Venice, Prague, Berlin, Brussels, Amsterdam in less than three weeks without fault, driven flat out all day in up to 40 degrees. Then an old bag in a Micra wrote it off. I cried.
I think of it every day and will have another one when I find one.
Every car after the 2CV seems over complicated and ostentatious. Enjoy!!