2004 Citroen C5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Citroen C5 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Citroen C5 diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Air/gas/fluid suspension: pipesnull× usual
  Citroen C5

  5.6% All 2004 cars

  0%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.4× usual
  Citroen C5

  9.6% All 2004 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Side repeaters3.3× usual
  Citroen C5

  6.3% All 2004 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Handbrake performance3.6× usual
  Citroen C5

  4.7% All 2004 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull the handbrake on a slope. It should hold the car within a few clicks.

Common 2004 Citroen C5 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Citroen C5 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  42% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  41% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  32% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  17% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Citroen C5 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the air/gas/fluid suspension: pipes? (Flagged at MOT null× as often on the 2004 Citroen C5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2004 Citroen C5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2004 Citroen C5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?