The first generation C4 went on sale ten years ago - in 2004 and replaced the Xsara in the lineup. Only hatchbacks with five and three doors were supplied to our country. Although the French called the “three-door” a coupe, in reality it was only a three-door hatchback. In Brazil, Hungary, Turkey, Greece and Spain they even sold sedans, but they did not reach us. In 2006, the French released the C4 Picasso and C4 Grand Picasso compact vans based on it.
If you look at today's paltry Russian sales of the second generation Citroen C4, the old one can be called popular. The stylish outlines have sunk into the souls of thousands. In 2004-2010, it sold approximately at the same level as the similar platform Peugeot 307 and the Volkswagen Golf, which was losing popularity, but noticeably worse than the Opel Astra, and even more so the Ford Focus.
All engines are simple inline fours. Gasoline engines - without turbines, volume 1.4 (88 hp), 1.6 (109 and 122 hp) and 2 liters (140 and 180 hp). Diesels have a volume of 1.6 (90 hp or 109 hp) and 2 liters (140 hp), but they entered our country bypassing official dealers and are poorly represented. All cars have drive only on the front axle, gearboxes are mechanical (five or six steps) and automatic (four steps).
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In 2008, designers slightly refreshed the appearance by straightening the bumpers and optics. The line of engines now includes a 1.6 naturally aspirated petrol engine (120 hp) and a turbocharged engine of the same volume (140 or 150 hp), as well as a new 2 liter diesel engine (150 hp). Since 2010, the French have established the assembly of C4 near Kaluga, but in the same year a new generation was introduced.
Offers on the market
Basic C4s are equipped in a spartan manner: front electric windows, a pair of airbags, air conditioning and ABS. Music and everything else is available at extra cost. There are more than enough offers on the secondary market, but among them there are many “refugees” from Europe, the purchase of which we recommend only if you know the history of the car 100%.
Almost 60% of used cars have automatic transmission. About the same number are equipped with a base 109-horsepower engine, and about 30% are equipped with a 122-horsepower unit. The share of cars with other engines accounts for only 10%.
Average prices for Citroen C4
| Year | Average price, rub. |
| 2004 | 195 000 |
| 2005 | 255 000 |
| 2006 | 266 000 |
| 2007 | 286 000 |
| 2008 | 320 000 |
| 2009 | 333 000 |
| 2010 | 372 000 |
Typical breakdowns and operational problems
Engine
The most common engine on the C4 is the 1.6 liter TU5 series with 109 or 122 horsepower. And no matter what version you choose, most likely, by 90,000 - 100,000 km you will have to change the timing belt. Until 2010, it was changed according to regulations every 60,000 km, but then the interval increased to 120,000 km. Before purchasing, have your car diagnosed at the dealer; mechanics will be able to do this visually.
The engine has 122 hp. even greater sensitivity to humidity, due to which condensation sometimes accumulates under the valve cover and falls on the sensor. There is no need to sound the alarm, dealers simply reset the error at the station.
A more powerful engine is also prone to overeating, and its oil consumption rate is 500 g per 1,000 km. The spark plugs must be changed every 40,000 km according to the regulations, because if this is not done, the ignition coils may become damaged.
After restyling, this engine was replaced by a more modern engine of the EP6 series, jointly developed by the French and BMW, also with a volume of 1.6 liters, but with a power of 120 hp. Here the timing mechanism is driven by a chain, but it cannot boast of a long service life. In some cases, the chain was stretched to 60,000 km. The second typical problem with chain engines is a good “appetite” for oil consumption. The waste can be up to 200-300 g per 1,000 km.
In our country, there are also diesel versions of the C4 from Europe, but they almost always have a very “twisted” mileage. They have the same timing problems as their gasoline “brothers,” and they are traditionally very sensitive to our fuel. Among the used C4s you can find cars that were equipped with other gasoline engines - 1.4 (88 hp) and 2.0 (143 hp), but there are only a few such units on the market, and dealers do not have reliable statistics on the reliability of the units.
Alexander Korobchenko
Website observer, 2011
The Citroen C4 has a 120-horsepower engine that is equally powerful, quiet and economical, thanks to the participation of BMW engineers. We have already reported more than once on trips in cars with this engine (Peugeot 308, Peugeot 207) and even before getting into the red hatch we knew about its advantages. But the automatic transmission in Peugeot and Citroen used to often operate “separately” from the engine, so the biggest surprise for us in the C4 was the “friendship” of the engine and gearbox.
Transmission
The reliability of the transmission depends entirely on how the previous owners took care of it. And if with a “mechanics” everything is simple (the clutch lasts on average 100,000 – 150,000 km and is replaced as a set), then with an “automatic” there are much more problems.
The C4 is powered by the infamous French AL4 unit. Its main trouble is the oil in the box. In theory, it is designed for the entire service life of the box, and dealers assure that replacement is not done on it. But experienced mechanics recommend changing it every 30,000 - 40,000 km. The box also contains a separate oil filter, but it is not removable and can only be replaced together with the entire automatic transmission. Before purchasing, check the quality of the oil in the automatic transmission, since if the car has driven 100,000 km without replacement, then simply draining the old one and filling it with new one will not work. Fresh oil will only agitate the heavy oil deposits that have settled on the inside of the box, after which it may simply “die.” Therefore, if the owner has not regularly changed the lubricant, it is better to avoid such a machine.
Another problem is the two automatic transmission solenoid valves, which often fly out. This often happened on cars under warranty, and dealers corrected these troubles at their own expense. But the “illness” can happen even after several years, especially if you start active driving at low temperatures with an unheated gearbox. The first thing you will notice about this is the service icon on the dashboard or shocks when switching.
Suspension
The Citroen's suspension is also not very reliable. At the front, the C4 swings on MacPherson struts, the struts of which last no more than 40,000 km, and sometimes they have to be changed after 10,000 km. Steering rods go away approximately 25,000 - 50,000 km, and if they are not changed in time, they can “pull along” the steering rack, which in any case does not last longer than 100,000 km.
Wheel bearings are usually changed around 50,000 - 100,00 km. Everything is much more reliable at the back, since there is an elastic beam there, which should not cause much trouble. Its only weak point is the silent blocks, which quickly lose their damping properties. True, experts recommend not touching them, since they do not particularly affect driving and safety, and replacing them is very difficult and expensive. Brake pads on the front and rear usually wear down between 20,000 and 30,000 km, and the discs require replacement by 50,000 km.
Alexander Korobchenko
Website observer, 2011
The hatchback quickly and accurately responds to turns of the unusually designed steering wheel, however, the driver and passengers pay for this with the sensations of a stiff suspension that reacts unpleasantly to every more or less noticeable road irregularity. On the highway, the shock absorbers cope well with “surprises” from road services.
Body and interior
The second owner should have no complaints about the body of a three-year-old C4. The paintwork, even after three to five years, looks great and does not experience any urge to rust. But if you do find one, then most likely this car survived an accident.
But if the front plastic fenders (usually the right one) begin to catch the opening front door in the heat, this is not a consequence of an accident, but an anomaly that occurs on the C4. But as soon as the car cools down, everything returns to normal. On cars assembled in Kaluga in 2010, the steering wheel braid is made of low-quality material, which often peels off. The steering wheels were re-tightened under warranty, but not everyone had time to contact service about this, so “shabby” C4s can be found on the secondary market.
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Alexander Korobchenko
Website observer, 2011
But the car's sound insulation is good: up to 4,000 rpm, the engine sound almost does not penetrate into the cabin, does not reach the driver's ears, and most of the road noise comes from wheel arches, glass, and tires. Let's add to this the fact that Citroen has a very decent audio system with clear sound and many options for customizing the sound. Thus, the acoustic comfort in the car can be called quite European.
Electrical equipment
The electrics also let down the C4, and the whole point is its complexity. Firstly, heated seats often fail. This almost always happens due to a broken wire in the backrest or cushion of the front seats. For example, if the owner unsuccessfully stepped on the chair with his knee. Now dealers have already learned to “cure” this “illness” without resorting to completely replacing the heating element.
The main “brains” of the C4 are quite complex and consist of two blocks - BSM and BSI plus an injection calculator. Both blocks are essentially fuse blocks with control chips, which are not very reliable. BSM often “glitches” due to poor insulation of antifreeze hoses passing nearby, through which this very antifreeze can get into it, which can be determined by the corresponding smell. The injection calculator and BSM unit, like any electrical devices, sometimes simply short out, which leads to their complete replacement. Thank God this doesn't happen often.
If the heater/air conditioner stops blowing from somewhere in the car, then, most likely, the gear teeth of one of the dampers simply broke off. The manufacturer was unable to overcome the “disease,” but they released an inexpensive repair kit with new gears, which you can buy and, if you have the ability to use a screwdriver, change it yourself. At the service station, for disassembling the side part of the dashboard, they will ask, depending on the impudence of the master, from 3,000 to 8,000 rubles.
Finally, the good news: sophisticated electronics and low resale value contribute to the fact that the C4 is not popular among car thieves.
Foreman at the Citroen AXIS dealership center (St. Petersburg, Marshal Zhukov Ave., 82)
The first C4 caused a lot of problems both for us and for the owners. First of all, the electronics were glitchy. In most cases, we simply erased the mistakes, and then everything was fine, but sometimes we had to “dig deeper.”
Problems with automatic transmissions were solved most costly - sometimes they were replaced as a whole at very short mileage. However, many drivers, especially young ones, “killed” the boxes themselves, openly raping the cars.
Maintenance costs from official dealers
We calculate the costs for the most common version with a 1.6 liter engine and only for work. Citroen's maintenance period is confusing: the maintenance itself must be done once a year or 20,000 km, whichever comes first. But changing the oil and oil filter must be done every 10,000 km. The cost of a standard hour at dealers in Russia fluctuates around 2,000 rubles.
14.09.2016
Citroen C4 is one of the most popular French cars, which has become quite widespread in our market. The most common is a five-door hatchback body; a three-door version, which with its bright design is more attractive to the younger generation, and a sedan are also available. The reliability of used Citroëns raises many questions for many car enthusiasts, and today we will try to find out what surprises a used Citroën C4 can present, and what to pay attention to when choosing this car.
In 2004, the premiere of a new model called C4 took place, which replaced the “ C ITROEN Xsara.” In July 2008, the company carried out a restyling, as a result of which the car received cosmetic changes in appearance, new equipment options, and two new gasoline engines appeared in the engine range. In the fall of 2010, sales of the new Citroen C4 started; at first glance, you couldn’t tell that the car was built on the platform of the previous generation, the appearance has changed so significantly. The previous Citroen was one of the most compact, and the successor has grown noticeably, but the chassis and power units remained the same.
Advantages and disadvantages of Citroen C4 with mileage
The vast majority of cars presented on the secondary market are equipped with gasoline engines, but sometimes diesel versions are also found. The line of gasoline engines includes frankly weak units 1.4 (90 hp) and 1.6 (110, 120 and 150 hp), and a more powerful two-liter engine (136, 144 and 180 hp), as well as diesel engines of 1.6 (92 and 110 hp) and 2.0 (138 and 150 hp). The engines of the French manufacturer are very sensitive to the quality of fuel, and if you use low-quality gasoline, the engine will quickly become clogged. The service life of the spark plugs is also significantly reduced; it is worth noting that Citroën is not one of those cars on which absolutely any spark plugs can be installed. There have been cases when, due to the use of poor fuel, carbon deposits formed on the valves after 50 - 60 thousand km. There is also a possible drop in compression with low mileage, as a result the car will lose power, and the revs will constantly fluctuate at idle. Therefore, before buying a used Citroen C4, you definitely need to do diagnostics and measure compression.
For cars with a 1.6 engine, after 100,000 km, the thermostat fails, as a result, antifreeze leaks and the engine overheats. Also, after 100 thousand km you will have to change the ignition coils and the cooling system pump. Almost all engines have a timing belt drive, which needs to be changed every 60,000 km. Otherwise, French-made gasoline engines are reliable, while diesel engines are considered one of the best, and quite rarely present surprises.
Transmission
The Citroen C4 was equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic. If about engines, provided they are filled with good fuel, we can say that there are no special problems with them, then the automatic transmission is considered the weak point of the car. The automatic transmission was developed by the PSA Peugeot-Citroën concern together with Renault, and all the problems that arise with this gearbox are related to the pressure distribution valves. If you buy a car with a mileage of 100,000 km or more, and the automatic transmission has not yet been repaired, you can be sure that you will get expensive repairs. To extend the life of this unit, you need to ensure that the box does not overheat (slippage and prolonged driving in traffic jams in the heat are contraindicated).
The clutch of manual cars is quite reliable and lasts 110 - 120 thousand kilometers. In rare cases, at a mileage of 50–60 thousand km, the release bearing fails, and if such a problem occurred, then, as a rule, the owners replaced it along with the clutch. As for shifting a manual transmission, if you suddenly hear a crunching sound when shifting, then most likely the problem is in the synchronizers.
Driving characteristics of the Citroen C4
The suspension of the Citroen C4 is simple; a standard MacPherson strut is installed at the front, and a semi-independent beam at the rear. The shock absorbers are also standard, which should please used car buyers. The average service life of shock absorbers, wheel bearings, ball joints, CV joints is 80 - 90 thousand km, but stabilizer struts and steering rods turn into consumables on our roads, their service life is no more than 40,000 km. In the rear suspension, knocks appear earlier than in the front, since the weak point here is the silent blocks, which fail after a mileage of 30 - 40 thousand km. There may also be a knocking sound from the shock absorber boot, which moves up and down the rod.
The car is equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering. The hydraulic pump may leak through the connector to which the power cable is connected, and if replaced, the electronic control unit will have to be reconfigured.
Body and interior
The body of the Citroen C4 is not prone to corrosion, and the first blisters of the paintwork can be seen on a 7-8 year old car, and even then not always. But the metal here is light and soft, so dents appear quite quickly.
The build quality of the interior is quite good, considering the class of the car, and the finishing materials also deserve praise. Owners of cars from the first years of production complain that crickets quickly appear in the interior of the Citroen C4. The manufacturer responded to these comments responsibly and on machines of recent years of production this problem was completely eliminated. Electrically, most French cars with our realities and climate are not as good as we would like, and this car is no exception. Everything is complicated by the fact that in cold and damp weather you observe a failure in the electronics, but as soon as you go into the warm and dry bay of a car service center, everything starts working properly.
Result:
A Citroen C4 with mileage depreciates quite quickly, and this is not without reason, since by the time the car reaches one hundred thousand kilometers it can cause major troubles. The first of them will be an automatic transmission, and even if we consider the option only with mechanics, then problems with electrics still cannot be avoided. The suspension is not bad, but it can hardly be called an example of reliability. If we conclude, in general, then this car can only be bought with a manual transmission, and after professional diagnostics.
Advantages:
- Exterior and interior.
- Quality of interior finishing materials.
- Good sound insulation.
- Low fuel consumption.
- Safety.
- Comfortable soft suspension.
Flaws:
- Soft metal
- Automatic transmission.
- Electrical problems.
- Many service stations refuse to take a car for repairs.
- Depreciates quickly.
If you are or were the owner of this car brand, please share your experience, indicating the strengths and weaknesses of the car. Perhaps your review will help others correctly.
C4 has updated its design to a more relaxed one. Presented to our public back in May, many buyers were interested in its price. And for good reason. After all, the car’s equipment and technical characteristics are quite worthy of attention at a minimal price. And it could be found in Paris car showrooms since the fall of 2012. In Russia in 2012, the Citroen C4 hatchback was purchased by about 13 thousand drivers. And in 2013, the Citroen C4 sedan replaced it.
On the part of the Russians, this model has great popularity. The car has become more attractive, more spacious and more suitable for Russian roads. In the next review of the Citroen C4 you will find out why this is so.
The silhouette of the Citroen C4 car has an oblong elongated shape, with emphasized side shapes and concave rear windows. At the rear, a spoiler completes the picture, rising slightly upward. LED lights flash from the back and front, brightening up the scene. French designers made the Citroen C4, a sedan on an extended platform, 10 cm larger. When designing it for the Russian market, they increased the ground clearance to 17 cm. The sedan looks much more elite, and stampings on the side areas add sophistication.
The trunk size has become larger than that of previous brothers, and the wheelbase has stretched, increasing freedom of movement for rear-seat passengers. The trunk volume of the Citroen C4 is 440 liters. The rear part does not stand out in terms of design and has an ordinary appearance. The trunk, while having good capacity, failed to properly secure the lid.
Video about a test drive of a Citroen C4:
Continuing with C4, let's focus on the description of the interior. Solid design that does not evoke a sense of economy, and is quite spacious. A chic detail is the roof of the cabin, which has five different positions.
Soft plastic covers the top of the Citroen C4's dashboard. The windshield is fully heated. Instruments of various indicators are beautifully arranged, changing their color from white to blue. The settings can be chosen completely at your discretion.
The comfortable location of the driver's seat in the car, although a little elevated, its position can be adjusted. Performs a massage function and holds the driver well on the road. The same can be said about the adjacent seat, however, such an elevation provides additional space in, which in principle is already enough.
A sofa with an increased backrest angle, making the ride more comfortable for passengers, if you do not notice the lack of a central armrest. The company emphasizes the qualities of rear placement in the Citroen C4 car with luxury style, which means luxury. Winter promises to be warmer due to the air ducts in the legs, which have become larger. Despite the fact that the car can easily accommodate two passengers in the back, it is better for them not to be too tall.
The Citroen C4 has excellent handling quality - a smooth ride. Engineers worked on a new one. It now operates smoothly and is designed for high speed driving on any road surface. When checking the sedan on a bumpy Russian road, it turned out that it did not care about various potholes.
Engine capacity of Citroen C4 equal to 1.6 liters, and it starts with the press of one button. Gasoline, turbocharged, develops 150 hp. With. With such power of the Citroen C4, at the start for some reason you feel some heaviness during acceleration. Acceleration to 100 km occurs in 10 seconds. I would like to expect more from such “horses”. But the six-speed automatic works smoothly and clearly, the brakes respond perfectly. In addition to this engine, the line includes engines with the same displacement, but with a power of 115 and 120 hp. With. The youngest car engine has a five-speed manual transmission. On “mechanics”, sometimes you can feel vibration waves when switching. But the electro-hydraulic booster smoothes out the difficulties in control.
In Citroen, the C4 has an average degree in comparison with competitive models. Not too high, but not low either. The safety of passengers and the driver in the car is ensured by the ABS, AFU and REF systems, as well as the exchange rate stability system. The car passed many tests, including in harsh conditions, and successfully coped with them.
Let's summarize the description with more specific technical characteristics of the Citroen C4 model - THP sedan.
| Car model: | Citroen C4 1.6 THP |
| Manufacturer country: | Russia |
| Body type: | sedan |
| Number of places: | 5 |
| Number of doors: | 4 |
| Engine capacity, cubic meters cm: | 1598 |
| Power, l. s./about. min: | 150/110/6000 |
| Maximum speed, km/h: | 200 |
| Acceleration to 100 km/h, s: | 9,6 |
| Type of drive: | front |
| Checkpoint: | 6 automatic transmission, 5 manual transmission |
| Fuel type: | gasoline AI-95, AI 98 |
| Consumption per 100 km: | city, automatic 11.3; mixed, automatic 7.9; suburban, automatic 6.0 |
| Length, mm: | 4621 |
| Width, mm: | 1789 |
| Height, mm: | 1496 |
| Ground clearance, mm: | 176 |
| Tire size: | 215/55R16;215/50R17 |
| Curb weight, kg: | 1390 |
| Total weight, kg: | 1835 |
| Fuel tank volume: | 60 |
Pros of the Citroen C4:
- elegant car design;
- pleasant lighting;
- high ground clearance;
- huge trunk, with a small height for lifting your cargo. For convenience, an LED flashlight is provided that you can take with you. Pleased with the presence of various niches and holes for any items;
- good sound insulation in the car;
- smooth suspension;
- fuel efficient;
- comfortable chairs.
Cons of the Citroen C4:
- lack of dynamics. A car for a quiet, imposing trip;
- there is no device indicating the temperature of the car warming up;
- quite long antenna;
- inconvenient car navigation;
- hard turns;
- harsh brakes, but effective;
- low ceiling at the back above the sofa.
Here, of course, the question largely depends on individual perception. For some - disadvantages, while others will not even notice such details in the car.
Price range
Four trim levels of the Citroen C4 offer any combination of engine and gearbox to choose from. The car's equipment costs 579,000 rubles and includes two airbags, rear air ducts, heated mirrors with electric drive, and a spare wheel. With 115 l. With. and with a five-speed manual transmission. If you dream of an air conditioner, please add up to 32,000 rubles. For 647,000 rubles you will get 120 liters. With. All trim levels include a heated windshield, especially for the Russian climate.
For a more expensive variation of the Citroen C4, a model equipped with a navigation system, a color display of the on-board computer, USB and Bluetooth, a keyless entry system and other additional options is suitable. The maximum price of a Citroen C4 will be 853,000 rubles. By spending this amount, you will become the owner of a car with a capacity of 150 hp. With. with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The French generously provide for any buyer.
Therefore, successful production of Citroen has been taking place in Kaluga since April; the car received 34% Russian localization. Russians are hospitable because they fell in love with French charisma a long time ago.
Parting words: resume
Let's summarize the general impression of the Citroen C4 sedan into a brief summary. The car underwent a lot of work by craftsmen in order to be adapted for Russian roads. The increased ground clearance of the Citroen C4 and pleasant suspension maintain comfort. For short trips around the city, for work and leisure, it spends only 9 liters per 100 km.
It won't incur large expenses. Many car enthusiasts focus their attention on this brand among this class. It meets the needs of both an experienced driver and a novice who gets behind the wheel for the first time. Citroen's "perestroika" brought about positive changes. This also applies to the interior design, which was worked out by French experts, its space and interior equipment, and additional options for the car.
Video about prices for the Citroen C4 car:
The Citroen C4 is best suited for those who drive on straight roads without unnecessary twisting turns, on more or less smooth surfaces and do not particularly strive to accelerate. Then you can fully enjoy all the benefits of the car.
French cars are loved with the eyes and the Citroen C4 is no exception. Especially in a hatchback body and with three doors. Many owners lovingly call them “coupes”. The original shapes and chopped glass “back” still attract attention.
Story
The Citroen C4 model began its history in 2004. For the first two years, only the hatchback body was produced in two versions: three and five doors. In 2006, sedans began to be made in China, and later in Argentina. There was no noticeable difference in build quality.
Salon and equipment
The inside of the Citroen C4 is completely non-standard. The electronic speedometer in the middle of the panel in the form of a screen immediately catches your eye. There you will also find the main indicators (fuel gauge, temperature, odometer). Above the steering column there is another screen that functions as a tachometer and turn signal. A controversial decision, at maximum speed the screen starts to glow red. It looks beautiful, but practicality is minimal, since the screen is below eye level, and with engine speeds in the red zone, you are unlikely to want to take your eyes off the road. There is also a third display in the radio area, on which data about the track or radio station is displayed. The current climate control settings are also displayed there.
While driving, the first thing that will catch your eye is the stationary central part of the steering wheel. It looks impressive, does not require getting used to and does not affect driving safety.
The advantages of the Citroen C4 include its configuration. It is difficult to find in the “poor” basic version. The most common in the CIS (especially Russia) is C4 Optimum. A car with this configuration will already have climate control, ESP, 6 airbags, cruise, heated seats. And, of course, all the electric windows and mirrors with an MP3 radio to boot. In the “maximum speed”, parking sensors, leather interior and a glass roof were also installed.
Citroen C4, like most French cars, resists corrosion well. This is a huge plus for a used car. Even on a ten-year-old car, rust will indicate damage to the paintwork or an accident in the past. The front fenders are generally made of plastic, so they definitely won’t rot. True, they tend to expand when heated. Because of this, in hot weather they can cling to the front doors when opening.
Engines Citroen C4
From the factory, the C4 was equipped with 1.4 and 2.0 liter gasoline engines, but the vast majority are sold on the secondary market with a 1.6 liter engine. Moreover, it had several modifications:
- From 2004–2008, Citroen was equipped with a 1.6 liter engine labeled TU5JP4 and 110 hp. Quite a reliable and simple unit. You need to monitor the condition of the thermostat and valve cover gasket. A sudden breakdown of the first one can lead to overheating of the engine. And in the case of a gasket, if the leak is strong, the oil will flood the spark plug wells and “kill” the ignition coil. The TU5 engine has a timing belt drive; it should be changed along with the rollers and pump once every 80 thousand mileage.
- After restyling in 2008, the TU5 was replaced by the EP6 (joint development with BMW). It is more powerful - 120 hp, but new technologies have had a negative impact on reliability. The main culprit is the timing chain drive. In theory, it should last longer without any intervention, but in reality the chain can stretch after 60,000 km. Increased oil consumption begins to bother you after 100,000 km and is “treated” by replacing the valve stem seals. Motors with the designation EP6DT are a modification with a turbine and develop 150 hp.
If the Citroen C4 does not start in cold weather, then it is worth checking and cleaning the coolant temperature sensor. It is located in the thermostat under the air filter. Due to incorrect sensor readings, the engine “brains” supply a fuel mixture with which a cold engine will not start.
No matter how trivial it may sound, most expensive power unit repairs up to 150,000 km are caused by low-quality gasoline and poor maintenance. Saving on matches is expensive. Only when buying a used car may you have to pay for someone else’s “matches”. Therefore, when choosing, pay special attention to this point; the presence of sales receipts after maintenance will provide at least some guarantees.
Diesel engines were not officially supplied to the CIS territory, so there are few of them on sale. All of them were imported from Europe and do not have any obvious flaws. Their main enemy is low-quality diesel fuel. Without high-quality diagnostics using good equipment (principally expensive), buying a diesel Citroen C4 is quite risky.
Gearboxes and clutch
The first generation C4 has only two gearbox options. A fairly reliable manual with five speeds and the “legendary” automatic AL4 with four. It was her insane “fragility” and unreliability that ensured her legendary status. It may jerk when switching, “fall” into emergency mode, or simply jam. Based on reviews on the forums and based on the experiments of the owners, certain conditions for the “long-term” operation of the AL-4 can be identified:
- change oil every 30 thousand km;
- warm up before moving;
- do not skid (overheat);
- avoid sudden acceleration;
- not breathing is a joke!
If you are not ready to put up with so many restrictions and expensive repairs, then it is better to take a car with a manual gearbox. In this case, a part such as a clutch will be added to the service. But it should not bother you more than once every 100,000 mileage. The release bearing is the first to “die”, especially if the main driving mode is city. A clutch kit with replacement labor will cost $200 or more (depending on the quality of the spare parts and the greed of the service).
Chassis and brakes
The suspension of the Citroen C4 is rather stiff than comfortable (but each “fifth point” has its own considerations in this regard, so a test drive before purchase is required). But it doesn't cause much concern. Surprisingly, the rear suspension may cause more questions than the front one. This manifests itself in the form of knocking, the sources of which can be several:
- broken silent blocks (in later years of production they were replaced with reinforced ones, but today there are few “relative” ones left);
- “dead” shock absorbers;
- Loose shock absorber boot.
This is easily determined during diagnostics, just don’t forget to check the car at a service station before purchasing and read ours.
The Citroen C4 has a ground clearance of 120 mm, and taking into account the springs that have sagged over time, it may actually be even lower. Some owners use special spacers, but such modifications affect the appearance of the car.
In the front suspension, you will most often have to change the stabilizer struts and steering rods (as on almost any other car). The ball joints are changed separately from the levers - this is a big plus. And the levers themselves will not require intervention up to 200 thousand mileage. Front wheel bearings can last more than 100,000 km on normal roads (if such exist).
The steering rack must be checked. It may knock due to broken plastic bushings. Restoration and replacement work will cost money. If the electro-hydro amplifier pump leaks, then keep in mind that after replacement you will have to reflash the “electronic brains” through a dealer scanner.
The Citroen C4 has all-round disc brakes. There are no complaints and the service life of the brake system parts is average:
- front discs - 80-100 thousand km, pads - 30-50 thousand km;
- rear discs - 100-120 thousand km, pads - 50-70 thousand km.
With active driving and poor quality spare parts, the service life can be halved.
Bottom line
The Citroen C4 captivates with its appearance (the design is still relevant even after 10 years) and its price on the secondary market. For affordable money you can buy a car of European quality with good equipment and possible electrical glitches. But this is a matter of initial diagnosis when purchasing; most problems arise after regular savings on fuel, oil and spare parts.
You shouldn't mess with the French-made C4 automatic transmission. Additional costs and headaches are almost guaranteed.
Good luck on the roads!
Citroen C4 hatchback owner reviews in video format:
Crash test Citroen C4 2004-2010:
1st place: 4-door sedan. He made his debut in Russia this summer. Being created on the same platform as the Peugeot 408, Citroen was among the largest golf-class sedans. At the same time, the overgrown rear does not deprive the appearance of the C4 of harmony, and thanks to the wheelbase extended by 10 cm, the four-door can boast a noticeably more spacious sofa than the hatchback. But the main thing is that the sedan has an interesting price: in the basic version it is 30 thousand cheaper than the hatch, and in optimal equipment it is 12,900 rubles cheaper.
2nd place: 5-door hatchback. It has quite a spacious interior for four adults and a roomy and well-equipped trunk. The strengths of the car include French assembly, excellent smoothness and the availability of an economical diesel version. However, this is the same case when they offer you less car for more money: the hatchback is almost 30 cm shorter than the sedan, but it costs more.
Which configuration?
By the standards of modern European golf cars, basic equipment "Speaker", alas, cannot be called generous. A pair of airbags, ABS, electric front windows and heated mirrors, audio equipment and central locking - that's the whole simple set of amenities. You can buy an additional air conditioner and a radio, but these joys will not be cheap - 42,000 rubles.
That is why, in our opinion, the optimal version of C4 is "Tendance": it is 69,000 rubles more expensive than the base, but it already has “music” and air conditioning. In addition, such a car has a dozen pleasant little things that make the C4 more elegant and noticeably more comfortable: a multifunction steering wheel with leather trim, fog lights, door handles and mirrors painted in body color, cruise control, heated front seats and side airbags. What such a car lacks, essentially, is only climate control, but this can be fixed - you only need to add 13,000 rubles.
"Exclusive"- the choice of those who need a dashboard whose backlight color can be changed, more advanced cruise control, light alloy wheels, as well as optics inlaid with LEDs. In our opinion, all this tinsel is hardly worth the additional payment of 62,000 rubles. Version "Exclusive Plus"- an even more expensive pleasure (plus 112,000 rubles to the optimum price), but such a car tries to justify its price with a touch screen, navigation and a convenient keyless entry system.
And finally, the two remaining configurations - "Collection" And "Optimum"- marketers attributed it only to the hatchback. The first is 25 thousand more expensive than the Tendance and will seem beneficial to those who want to complement the Citro with rear parking sensors, electric folding mirrors, climate control and a photochromic mirror. “Optimum” adds to the “Collection” front seats with more developed side support and a simple vibration massager. This set is valued at 7,000 rubles - that is, paradoxically, this “Optimum” is worth 32,000 rubles. more expensive than the optimal C4.
What engine?
1st place: 1.6 l (110–115 hp). The time-tested engine of the TU5 series is also known to the owners of the grandmother of the current C4 - the Citroen Xsar. Such a long service life in modern times can be regarded as an indicator of the reliability and unpretentiousness of the power unit. Depending on the settings of the power system, its power may vary, but in any case, at low and medium speeds the engine is economical. If you are not lazy and tighten it from below, you will get quite tolerable dynamics. And, of course, the most important factor is the price: all other things being equal, it is 20–27 thousand rubles cheaper than another naturally aspirated 1.6 liter.
2nd place: 1.6 l (120 hp). The engine was created by PSA specialists together with BMW engineers and has previously had reliability problems. However, most of the design flaws (such as unstable operation in cold weather and increased oil consumption at high speeds) were eliminated. The “joint” engine is faster than its native French counterpart, and a little more torque made it less demanding to load. Alas, on the sedan this engine is equipped with a non-alternative “automatic”, which does not allow its capabilities to be realized to the maximum.
3rd place: 1.6 l (150 hp). Another German-French brainchild. Direct injection and a high-pressure turbine have significantly increased torque and power. This engine is equipped with a modern 6-speed automatic transmission, with which the Citro acquires more than convincing dynamics. The disadvantage of a turbo engine is the price: it is 115,000 more expensive than the optimum, and those who like to drive may encounter increased oil consumption.
4th place: 1.6 e-HDi (112 hp). The diesel engine is extremely good in its characteristics and could take a worthy place on the podium: it is noticeably more economical than a gasoline turbo engine, and its luck is no worse. However, e-HDi is only combined with a robotic gearbox, which performs worse than a regular automatic: it allows long pauses and jerks when switching. At the same time, there is no need to expect a quick payback for a diesel engine, since it is 149,000 rubles more expensive than the optimal engine.
What color?
We decided:
The optimal Citroen C4 is a sedan in the Tendance version with a base 115-horsepower engine. Painted metallic and equipped with 2-zone climate control and alarm, such a car will cost 684,000 rubles. This is a rather leisurely, but surprisingly comfortable car, which, taking into account its size and equipment, can be considered one of the most profitable acquisitions in the golf class.
