2006 Citroen C3 Exclusive 1.6 diesel

Summary:

Excellent in all categories, value for money

Faults:

Intermittent fault with automatic wipers and drivers electric window.

The wipers do not keep a speed relative to the amount of rain falling; they work quite fast in light rain and hold a steady fast pace. When I first had the car, the wipers were excellent in a variety of weathers.

The drivers window used to go up or down in one sweep, but now it sometimes needs repeated action of the switch to make it do this.

General Comments:

Compared to the new Ford KA I owned before, this car is great value for money, in that it does around 60mpg in general use and around 70+ on a motorway.

I am delighted with the quiet ride and all the extras and serious safety items e.g.

Ice warning notices flashed up on the console.

Automatic headlamps and wipers.

Warning sounds for lights, hand brake, ignition key. Easily controlled radio from the steering wheel.

Cruise control and speed limiter.

The mirrors automatically fold in when the remote door lock is operated.

There is a security deadlock device operated from the dash.

I have had the car for a year, and apart from the aforementioned items and two new front tyres (at 24000 miles), I have not had anything go wrong.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th April, 2010

2006 Citroen C3 Desire 1.4i

Summary:

No competition for the Germans and Czechs

Faults:

Continuous intermittent fault with the headlamps. The lights flash when the indicators are used. The column stalk has a fault, which causes the lights to flicker when it is moved or knocked. The headlights have been known to come on when the car is stationary and the doors are locked.

It has twice been back to the dealers regarding this fault, and they just claim there isn't a fault.. clearly I am imagining things and they give it the old Gallic shrug, which Citroen seem to resort to a lot according to web forums.

General Comments:

The car is poorly assembled and the finish is poor. The body is made of very thin steel, which dents at the slightest knock. Electrical gremlins abound, it is slow and not that economical for it's class 39mpg on average. The three year warranty appears to be symbolic.

At the 20000 mile service, the dealer quoted £184, then fitted new windscreen wipers without being asked, and asked for an extra £50. I told him to take them off and put the old ones back, 50 quid for two wiper blades... who do they think they are?

Depreciation is scary on this vehicle; its value has halved in my 12 months ownership. I will trade it in for a Ford Focus next year.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th November, 2008

2006 Citroen C3 Exclusive 1.6i 16v

Summary:

Nice car, but the build quality lets it down

Faults:

Week 1 the car would cut out and wouldn't start for about 5 minutes.

It has cut out at traffic lights and other various dangerous places.

Took it for its 1,000 miles service; couldn't find any of the faults.

Hazard lights have been stuck on a few times.

November 2006; it was over cooling and had to have a new sensor.

December 2007; had to have a new gearbox and clutch due to a loose bearing in the gearbox, which then leaked oil.

The keys are cheaply put together; I've had 3 that have broke now and the keys on my last C3 were solid.

Fuel consumption is awful; it's doing around 25.9mpg around town, and my brother has the same car and his is doing around 35 - 40mpg around town.

The gearbox in auto mode takes ages to change up; it revs for ages.

General Comments:

It's a great looking car. The design looks really modern and it's a comfy car to sit in.

The car has great features like auto lights and wipers, alarm, electric folding mirrors, cruise control with speed limiter, and alloy wheels.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th March, 2008