C4 Picasso

[boiss]

We recently got rid of our V6 Tucson and bought a 4yr old C4 Picasso. We had it just over a month (did 4K) when all of a sudden it stopped, all the lights came on and it said "Parking brake failure" amongst other warnings. Switched off and on, all OK, off we went. 2wks later same thing with my wife driving, Took it to Citroen, after 5 days we got it back, it appears that there were 3 bits (1 sensor, an actuator and maybe the fusebox up the Swanee). However it all appears a very grey area with operator skills somewhat lacking too, These cars are completely computerised, how I long for the mini (the real UK version not the Bosch replicas). The economy is great, on a par with these are the X3 diesels, anyone got any experience of these and their Computer systems? Maybe I'll change again!!
M

[ed731pdh]

Never touch anything French (Citroen / Purgeot / Renault), the usual wacky electric abound under the bonnet.

[Refugee]

I had a Chrisler (France) Simca 100 back in the early 1980s. The tappet noise got so loud that I had to fit a stereo wit 8x14 inch speakers with PCBs from a mains HiFi with an inverter with the output in series with the 12 volt system and shortly after that a Jag alternator to power it without smoke.
Almost the entire stock from behind the parts counter dropped off it, the most spectacular being the front nearside wheel complete with the hub, drive shaft and brake caliper in a shower of sparks.
French car? Never again.

[ed731pdh]

Bought by the French only out of a sense of national pride, regardless of how dire they are. DeGaulle syndrome, I think they refer to it, we think we are greater than we really are.

[milairuk]

Bought by the French only out of a sense of national pride, regardless of how dire they are. DeGaulle syndrome, I think they refer to it, we think we are greater than we really are.

Well I had 3 Xsara Picassos from 2001 until earlier this year and NEVER had any problems with any of them - must have amassed 250k miles between them. Now have a C3 Picasso and apart from it wanting to switch on the lights in what I consider decent daylight and put the wipers into very fast wipe for drizzle it's returning 60+ MPG (1.6HDi Diesel) on trips to Scotland. Fortunately the stupid auto systems can still be over-ridden but I wonder how much longer for ??
I believe that Ford are using the Citroen/Pug 1.6HDi diesel as well as it's reckoned to be one of the most fuel efficient engines - but I don't have concrete proof - and doubt anyone here will confirm that given the negative vibes !!
I enjoy the quirks of French design for one

John

[boiss]

This C4 is a 1.6HDI, It is the most economical car I have ever had with 16 to 20 km per litre depending on where and how it is driven. On the motorway at 120Kmh it is superb and at slightly lower speeds better still. Someone told me that the Peugeot 3008 is even better going up to 25 KmL. And these are also quite big cars too.
Mike
I used to have a Mehari, not as cute as a Moke but much more fun in the mountains on dirt tracks and river beds.