Used Citroën C5

What to know before buying: Citroën C5

From 3 video reviews and 1 press test · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The 2008 C5 with Hydractive 3 Plus suppresses road imperfections very well, has impressive cabin isolation and is firmly focused on calm, comfortable travel.[1]one source
• The 2008 Exclusive has a well-finished cabin with comfortable room for five, while the saloon provides a 470-litre boot.[1]one source
• The first-generation C5 combines very comfortable seats and a roomy cabin with a large, easily accessed hatchback load area.[3]one sourceFirst generation
• The first-generation estate proved highly practical for family use, comfortably carrying two adults, two children and two dogs.[4]one sourceFirst generation

Typical faults

• On the C5 X7, water can enter the wiper motors and damage their electronics; failure of one motor disables both wipers as a safety measure.[2]one source
• The C5 X7 electronic parking-brake cable ends can corrode and become brittle; on the source car this caused an inspection failure.[2]one source
• The source C5 X7 had severe underside corrosion, often requiring an angle grinder rather than a spanner to remove components.[2]one source
• A first-generation estate exhibited tailgate-latch and window-control faults, failed air conditioning and a tailgate that could open when a door was operated.[4]one sourceFirst generation

Which engine and version to take

• The first-generation owner recommends a diesel manual; his 110 bhp HDi pulled well from low revs and was an accomplished long-distance engine.[4]one sourceFirst generation

What to avoid

• The first-generation 1.8-litre petrol is smooth but can struggle uphill; avoid it if performance is important.[3]one sourceFirst generation
• In the 2008 test, the 138 bhp 2.0 HDi automatic felt underpowered for the heavy C5 and needed almost 12 seconds to reach 100 km/h.[1]one source

What to check at the inspection

• On a C5 X7, test both front wipers and inspect their motor housings: water damage to one motor can stop the entire system.[2]one source
• Inspect the C5 X7 underside on a lift, paying particular attention to severe corrosion and seized fasteners.[2]one source
• Test the electronic parking brake and inspect its cables, as the C5 X7 cable ends can corrode and become brittle.[2]one source
• On a first-generation estate, repeatedly test the tailgate latch, separately opening rear glass, every electric window and the air conditioning.[4]one sourceFirst generation
• Before buying a first-generation car, assess the clutch carefully: the source car was being sold mainly because its worn clutch was expensive to replace.[4]one sourceFirst generation

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]tvnet.lv — TVNET tests: "Citroen C5" · press
2. [2]Aston & Spencer — The Citroen C5 X7 - Our review of ownership · ▶ video
3. [3]furiousdriving — 2004 Mk 1 Citroen C5, more interesting than it looks, Goes for a Drive · ▶ video
4. [4]HubNut — Citroen C5 Mk1 End of Term Review - Best car I've sold? · ▶ video

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