Last Chance To Buy: Citroen C5

When is it going?

When is it going?

There's a new look C5 which is due some time in November. It will have a fresh face and look like the rest of the revamped Citroen range. You would be forgiven for thinking that the C5 has been going since 2001 because of the levels of discounts available since launch.

What's good about it?

It's big: You get a lot of Citroen for your money. When it was launched the C5 was highlighted as having a significantly higher roofline than its direct rivals.With a higher door aperture it is easy to get in and out. The unevenly split seats are useful as are the seat bases which can be removed to boost luggage space. The suspension is self-levelling and delivers a comfortable ride. The best engines are diesels and the larger 2.2 Hdi makes the most sense. It is powerful and frugal at almost 50mpg overall. The level of equipment is high and includes air conditioning and gimmicks such as rain sensitive wipers. Oh yes, and a C5 is always cheap, but more on that later.

What's bad about it?

The C5 is bland. It looks like a big beached whale of a car with front and rear overhangs that contribute to an overwhelming feeling of dullness. This is not a sexy car. The C5 is also a spectacular way to lose money. Buyers of brand new C5s can wave goodbye to 60-65 per cent of its value over three years. The number of complicated pipes, wires and chips that could go wrong over its lifetime worries some.

How much?

Getting money off a C5 should not be a problem. Citroen dealers always have some sort of generous cash-back deal. That means that car supermarkets don't always bother to compete. Drive the Deal.com had a 2.0 Hdi 110 LX Estate, arguably the best combination of body style and engine for resale purposes, at £11,977 a saving of £4,718 on a UK-supplied car.

Any snags?

Complicated suspension, and electronics not entirely fault free. Owners with sat nav have had cause for complaint.

FACT FILE

Launched: 2001

Engine: 1.8; 2.0i; 2.0Hpi; 22 Hdi; 2.2 Hdi; 3.0V6

Performance: 2.0Hdi, 119mph; 0-60mph in 11.3s

Economy: 2.0 HDi; 50.4mpg

NCAP: Four stars