USED Citroën C4 Hatchback (05 - 10)

My car

The main factor in deciding to buy the C4 was the low cost compared with other cars of this size.

Overall it has been fine (the two recalls were minor teething problems of a new car) but the build quality is not good.

After two-and-a-half years owning the car, I'm trading it in for a Grande Punto to avoid possible (probable?) problems once the warranty expires in six month's time. I have concerns about a few of the gadgets becoming more temperamental.

I would recommend the car as a low-cost family hatchback but only if it comes with a warranty to ease the fears over build quality.

My car

Truly the most unreliable car I have ever owned.

Four replacement turbo units in 17 months, replacement engine management, braking system, steering wheel and CD multichanger.

Total off the road time approximately 8 weeks.

Technicians unable to track down cause of problem.

Engine runs unevenly and power surges in just when you don't expect it. A total lemon!

Citroen were not helpful although the dealer kept trying.

You may ask me would I ever buy another Citroen? The answer would be unprintable but put simply NO!

My car

This is the second car in 12 months as the first car went back with an intermittant fault where the car would cut out when slowing down at junctions/islands/traffic lights etc. On more that one occassion this nearly resulted in an accident.

After rejecting the first car in January 2007, and finally getting the replacement from Citroen on 1st September 2007, the problem is still there and again I have rejected this car also.

That's sad, as the car on the whole has been a joy to drive.

My car

I've owned the car for a year (15,000 miles)without any problems. I get 36 mpg. The C4 is comfortable, handles well and even in 1600 automatic form is quite fast enough for suburban/motorway conditions. The local Citroen dealer (Helix at Chelmsford) do a good job - I've had 3 other Citroens - and I would recommend them. When I bought there car there were several money saving offers, making the C4 excellent value for money. Its a shame they haven't fitted climate control to the SX version (you get it on SX C3s and C5s) but that's about my only criticism.I've even got used to the unusual dashboard layout. Definitely worth considering.