2005 Citroen C4 Coupe 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A lemon

Faults:

I purchased a C4, after continuing problems with a Xsara Forte.

Within a very short time there was an error message displaying "Speed Control Failure".

Once the deaker was notified, all they could say is there is an update, which we will do, and it will be corrected. Since that the error has occured countless times, to which the dealer has no idea where the fault lies, They have spoken to Citroen (allegedly) and apparently the car is not recording faults. The new Citroen C4 Alive with Technology, but dead on the road.

Had 3 near misses where the engine stalled once at 70mph driving on motorway nearly missing a truck, once nearly hitting an Audi A4.

Then at 70mph the car stalled. I was escorted to safety by the RAC and the Highways Agency.

The car collapsed at 50mph, nearly hitting the following car, OOPS.

After that, the dealer has no idea on what it is. After 70 miles testing they gave the keys back saying no idea. Grrrrrrrr, I drove car 5 miles and same fault. I'm either driving a lemon that no one can diagnose, or I'm losing my mind. The only thing is that all the faults have been recorded on camera.

Moral of the story is never buy a Citroen

Has anyone else had a similar problem?

Please help.

General Comments:

Car is a lemon, and Citroen are useless.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th October, 2006

5th Nov 2006, 09:18

As far as not to buy a citroen again it sounds a bit extreme. It's one of these things that no matter what the manufacturer of car, there will always be the odd 'pig in a poke'. Unfortunately it sounds as if you've possibly bought one which is no laughing matter as it's at a cost to yourself. I've got nothing but good things to say about my C4. Hope you get things sorted out.

2005 Citroen C4 VTR+ 1.6 HDI (110) from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The best in its class!!!

Faults:

After owning the car for 6 months the cruise control started switching itself off after it had been running for either a few minutes or a few seconds.

At approx 9 months small blisters appeared under the paint on either side of the colour coded spoiler.

General Comments:

To start with the car is a real head-turner, especially in the coupe version. If possible make sure you order a colour coded spoiler as it makes the car. I have noticed some coupe's have black spoilers regardless of the car colour. Always specify that you want it to match your car!!! When mine went back to get the spoiler replaced due to the blistering paint, they tried to tell me that they were all black now!!! I don't think so!!! Believe me, that's complete nonsense. Just be aware of this.

The cabin is roomy and spacious, unlike both the Ford and Vauxhall which I found to be claustrophobic. Night driving is especially good as the interior looks stunning as it lights up beautifully. The inside of the doors are also something which stands out as being more refined, especially in comparison with the Astra which I felt had a cheapness about it. The Focus I felt was much the same. With there being no dials in the C4 it makes many other cars appear out-dated and boring. They don't say the C4's alive with technology for nothing!!

The electro-chrome rear-view mirror is a real bonus and something that you don't want to be without once you have one.

As far as comfort goes the sports seats are some of the best that I have come across. You really appreciate them, especially if you try the seats in the Vauxhall which are very poor in comparison.

After about 2 or 3 thousand miles the engine started to loosen up and it really does go when you put the foot down. At the moment I am getting 56.4 mpg which is excellent.

I had extras such as the security pack, disc changer, rear parking sensor, supaguard, mats, mud flaps etc and the total cost of the car was still unbelievable.

The scented air fresheners are brilliant and a really nice touch. This is what I really love about this car. Thought has gone into even the smallest detail.

One thing that I saw on television, (I think it was Fifth Gear!) and that was the 'sloppy gearbox'. Never heard such nonsense. You have this image of the gearstick flapping about and nothing could be further from the truth. The gearstick on mine is perfectly good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th May, 2006

6th Jun 2006, 15:59

Own one myself and I know what is meant by the sloppy gearbox its not very precise and well it doesn't like to be changed quickly.

If you have driven a focus the gear change feels lovely by comparison so smooth and precise in comparison to the rather cruddy box in the citroen, but most citroen / Pug boxes are the same just a marque trait.