Should I consider this C5?

[faddy]

Having mentioned it in another thread, I've just realised that I haven't explained in this one that the main motive for change at this point is to move from the Hydractive 3 on my LX to something with Hydractive 3+. I'm not concerned to get Sport mode - I'm a pretty relaxed driver - but my wife has various medical issues that would benefit from the softest suspension we can get. I had toyed with swapping the LX spheres for "comfort spheres" but I'm now thinking that moving to a 3+ may be the better option.

Am I correct that:

- All Mk1 and Mk2 are Hydractive 3+ except the LX which is Hydractive 3?
- Mk3 Exclusive are 3+, all other Mk3 are non-Hydractive?

This thread - and in particular the comment about headlamp washers - has we wondering whether I'd be better to avoid potentially expensive complications of Exclusives and look at Mk1's and Mk2's that are neither LX nor Exclusive.

[Peter.N.]

I believe that the 110hp have a DMF but the 90s don't.

Peter

[GiveMeABreak]

An easy mistake! Only one syllable out

[jgra1]

I did take my friend in the x7 exc and she said it's actually nice! she has an astra and was used to a cupra and some ford x max thing - I think it was a compliment!

she has MS and comfort is important.. it really is comfortable

[faddy]

So going to the other extreme in terms of mileage, there's a 2008 petrol VTR+ Automatic saloon advertised locally with only 42k miles and 12 months MOT, asking price £2,550. Lack of clutch and DPF together with the low mileage hopefully reduces the risk of expensive repairs in the near future. Downsides are fuel consumption (though I only drive about 6,000 miles/year), higher tax, and it being a saloon. I'm guessing though that spheres deteriorate with age pretty much regardless of mileage?

Looking at the MOT history, from 2011 to 2015 it only covered about 3,000 miles in total. Are there any problems that's likely to throw up?

[GiveMeABreak]

The spheres are uber reliable - they I'm still on my originals after 8 years and they are as good an new. The genuine Citroen saucer spheres last very well as they have a triple membrane that almost eliminates nitrogen permeation - so no need to worry about those unless there is an obvious problem.

I would suggest an oil change on the Autobox. They AM6 boxes are again a solid and reliable gearbox, but despite them 'being sealed for life' an oil change should be done to keep it in tip top condition. It has to be done in about 3 stages as you can never completely drain all the oil out in one go.

Check the steering rack condition - especially the pinion to see if that is rust-free. Any rust can from water ingress can damage the seal,leading to rapid internal deterioration. Petrol will be thirstier with the auto - but again, make sure you are happy with it and give it a good run. You won't have the Diesel particulate filter or additive to worry about either on the petrol - so maybe a trade off.

[lexi]

Petrol auto's are bearable on Motorway. If you do much city driving, they drop down to pathetic mpg. Sometimes better to fix the car you have.
Despite spending more than the car is worth, come 2 yrs you will have spent less overall than a £2k plus car, that will still need repairs and has dropped £1k in depreciation. Mk 1 C5's are solid old things. No DPF, simple engine, cheap tax. I don't really know that 3+ is any more comfy in real life, in theory maybe. I mean, they all drive different from one example to another.

[GiveMeABreak]

The MK I 2.2 does have a DPF and we know that the DW10ATED 110 was available with and without a DPF.

If you see one and want to know for sure, send me the REG and I can advise you.

[411514]

So going to the other extreme in terms of mileage, there's a 2008 petrol VTR+ Automatic saloon

Don’t forget that in the x7 range only the exclusive model has hydropneumtic suspension. Lesser specs, like the vtr, have conventional coil springs and dampers. If comfort is important the lack of hydropneumtic could be significant.

[GiveMeABreak]

Early VTR+ 2.0 Auto and 2.2 Engined models also had Hydractive 3+ suspension.

[faddy]

Don’t forget that in the x7 range only the exclusive model has hydropneumtic suspension.

I seem to remember reading recently that Exclusives and all autos have it. Certainly the seller specifically describes it as having Hydractive.

[GiveMeABreak]

No, only Exclusives from 2009 (2009 spec.) -on have Hydractive 3+. No other model in the range, Auto or otherwise.
Only the VTR+ 2.2 or 2.0 Auto Models in 2008 (2008 Spec.) had Hydractive 3+.

I hop that clarifies the situation.

[faddy]

I would suggest an oil change on the Autobox.

Even after only 42k miles?

Check the steering rack condition - especially the pinion to see if that is rust-free.

How would I check? (starting to think AA inspection)

Petrol will be thirstier with the auto - but again, make sure you are happy with it and give it a good run.

I believe it has a "manual mode"? Is it practical to use that for urban driving and would that improve MPG? Most of my driving is pottering around Wirral including supermarket trips which are just a mile each way. Some local motorway driving and a couple of trips to London a year.

You won't have the Diesel particulate filter or additive to worry about either on the petrol - so maybe a trade off.

And DMF not an issue with auto box?

Conventional wisdom seems to be that DPFs are best avoided if you're a low mileage driver - I only do around 6k miles/year but am only five minutes from M53 if I needed an occasional high speed run?

Thanks to everyone for all advice, greatly appreciated.

[faddy]

PI don't really know that 3+ is any more comfy in real life, in theory maybe.

Any other opinions on this??

[GiveMeABreak]

I've all types and can personally say it is for me - as you are riding with 7 spheres (on the X7) or on 6 (with the MK 1 & IIs) as opposed to 4 on a non H3+ system. Plus you have to consider that 'comfort' can also be interpreted as having reduced body roll when cornering - which you get with H3+ and of course the option to switch into a sporty / firmer ride more often if desired. There is no option on the standard H3 for this.