Be sensible when choosing a car
First things first, be sensible when choosing a car. A brand new car is probably not the most cost-effective way of buying a car – a car a year or two old is likely to be still under a form of warranty but it will be significantly cheaper – just check the mileage as a reps car could do 70,000 miles in a year!
Try to find out which models are hard to shift – for instance a sports version of a car like the Ford Focus ST170 might be harder to shift than a more basic model with lower insurance and running costs.
Hire a qualified technician
If you don't know your carburetor from your crankshaft, then it may pay to hire a qualified technician to come and look at a car before you buy it. It might cost you around ₤120 (the AA offers such a service) but as well as providing piece of mind, the technician's report on the car may give you an opportunity to bargain down the price. Might even cover the technicians costs entirely and at least you know you have a decent car.
Fuel consumption of your car
Working out the fuel consumption of your car is a necessity. If it drinks petrol, you may want to trade it in for something more economical. Also you may want to switch to a diesel rather than a petrol engine as it should prove cheaper to run.
Shop around for the best petrol prices – motorway service stations are notoriously expensive so try an fill up locally before you go on a long journey. All petrol stations have to, by law, show what they charge for petrol so you should be able to compare prices. The website www.petrolprices.com will show you the cheapest filling stations in a 10 mile radius from your house.
Fuel consumption of your car
Working out the fuel consumption of your car is a necessity. If it drinks petrol, you may want to trade it in for something more economical. Also you may want to switch to a diesel rather than a petrol engine as it should prove cheaper to run.
Shop around for the best petrol prices – motorway service stations are notoriously expensive so try an fill up locally before you go on a long journey. All petrol stations have to, by law, show what they charge for petrol so you should be able to compare prices. The website www.petrolprices.com will show you the cheapest filling stations in a 10 mile radius from your house.
Higher the emissions, higher the tax
All cars are taxed differently as they are sorted into bands relating to carbon dioxide emissions. The higher the emissions the higher the band and the higher the tax.
Those with extremely low emissions (hybrid cars) will have very low, if any, tax charges whilst 4x4s or large saloons are likely to have a tax charge of ₤400-plus per year. Check what band a car is in at www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk.
Keep your speed steady
Keeping your speed steady when driving will use up less petrol. So a steady 70mph on the motorway will be better than spurts of 85mph and constant breaking and accelerating to weave in and out of traffic! Driving at steady, sensible speeds should mean you are safer too – which means less prangs and less insurance claims so once again you should be quids in.
Shop around for the best car insurance
It goes without saying that you should shop around for the best car insurance premium. And don’t be scared to move insurers if you can get a better rate elsewhere. If you can limit your average mileage you should be able to get more favourable rates. The same could also be said for fitting alarms or garaging the vehicle.
Work out the value of the car and establish whether you would be better off opting for the cheaper option of third-party cover.
Reduce insurance costs
Insurance premiums are typically hiked for anyone who has just passed a driving test - especially teenagers! One way to reduce your insurance costs is to take a Pass Plus qualification. Taking this 'post grad' driving course could bring discounts of 25pc of more on your initial premiums.
Share the costs
The school run in the morning typically sees a long line of cars with just one or two children being ferried to and from their school. Why not see if any other local parents want to take turns doing the run - share the costs and take one car rather than two or three. The same could be said of commuting to work - if someone locally works at or near your place of work why not share the costs and take one car?
Parking meters
The parking meter would make most of our Room 101 lists but they are here to stay unfortunately. You can easily run up a ₤10-plus meter or car park charge in just a day so it is well worth your while trying to find free parking nearby even if it means an extra 10 minute walk.
You could also rent a parking space during the day - www.yourparkingspace.co.uk provides details of those looking to rent out their drives or garages. You could actually rent out your own drive during the day while you car is at work.
Don't let your motor run you into the ground
Citroën C4 Picasso MPV
ON THE ROAD
Performance
Buyers have the choice of two petrol and two diesel engines. The petrols are a 127bhp 1.8-litre and a 143bhp 2.0-litre, but the diesels make more sense, thanks to their superior economy and pulling power. The 110bhp 1.6 diesel is expected to be the biggest seller, and rightly so: it's smooth, flexible and feels perfectly suited to the car. The 138bhp 2.0 diesel doesn't feel significantly quicker.
Ride & handling
MPVs are designed for carrying people, so a comfortable ride for all the family is more important than a fun drive for mum or dad up front. The C4 Picasso follows this brief exactly. It rides smoothly at most speeds, with only the biggest road scars disturbing the calm, and it is undemanding to drive, with light controls. The steering could do with more feel, though, and there's too much body roll through bends.
Refinement
Both diesel engines are very quiet when cruising and largely unobtrusive at other times. Wind noise is well suppressed, too, but some road and suspension noise can penetrate the cabin. This is a very refined MPV, particularly with the optional laminated side window glass. The gearboxes aren't so impressive. The manual has a long-winded, imprecise gearchange and the EGS semi-auto is slow in auto mode, although it's much better in manual mode.
OWNERSHIP
Buying & owning
The Citroen is a bit pricier than many rivals, but huge discounts will be easy to negotiate, and this will help to offset the heavy depreciation it will suffer.
Quality & reliability
Step inside the C4 Picasso and you can't help but notice how classy the interior looks. Investigate further and you'll realise that everything feels well screwed together, too. Soft-touch plastics and chrome highlights add to the sophisticated look. However, Citroen needs to improve its reliability record, because it has consistently finished near the bottom of our reliability surveys.
Safety & security
The C4 Picasso is stuffed with safety kit. Twin front, side and window airbags are standard, as is one to protect the driver's knees. There are also four ISOFIX child-seat mountings. Standard stability control helps avoid an accident in the first place. Deadlocks (which prevent the doors being opened if a window is smashed) will deter thieves, while optional laminated side windows further boost safety and security.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel
Tired of being conventional? Then you'll love the C4 Picasso's interior. It's far from the norm, with a fixed steering wheel hub, centrally mounted instruments and air-con controls positioned at the edges of the dashboard. It's not form over function, though. Most controls are easy to use (small stereo buttons excepted) and drivers of all shapes and sizes should be able to make themselves comfortable. A huge glass area and thin front pillars make for excellent visibility.
Space & practicality
Five adults will be comfortable in the C4 Picasso. The three identical seats in the rear row all slide back and forth individually, plus the backrest angle can be altered. Not only that, but the rear seats couldn't be easier to fold down: all you do is pull a cord on the side of each chair. The big 500-litre boot is a square shape and the loading lip is very low. There's also plenty of stowage space in the cabin.
Equipment
LX forms the Picasso's base trim, and it comes with cruise control and electric windows. SX cars are the ones to go for, though, because they add air-conditioning and a CD player. VTR+ cars have alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and electric rear windows, while Executive models have climate control, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps.
Citroën C4 Hatchback
ON THE ROAD
Performance
The petrol range kicks off with a 89bhp 1.4 petrol engine. The 118bhp 1.6 will suit most buyers better; there’s also a 108bhp 1.6 which can also run on bioethanol. There are two 1.6-litre diesel engines giving either 91bhp or 108bhp. Both are well up to the job, and they're cheaper to buy than the 136bhp 2.0-litre diesel.
Ride & handling
Previous Citroëns have been renowned for a soft ride. The C4’s ride, however, is remarkably firm, particularly at low speeds. The suspension gives good body control at higher speeds, although the mid-corner bumps thump through the helm uncomfortably. The steering is light and provides sharp turn-in to corners but doesn’t offer enough feel.
Refinement
The distinctive three- and five-door bodies have been designed to cut through the air without stirring up wind noise. They largely succeed, but the door mirrors create some noise. Road noise is nearly non-existent, most engines are smooth and quiet. The controls are light and fluid.
OWNERSHIP
Buying & owning
Citroën is now offering its usual deals to tempt customers, including interest-free finance and cashback deals. The car will sell on its low prices, plentiful equipment and painless running costs. That doesn’t mean to say you won’t be able to squeeze a discount out of your local dealer, however.
Quality & reliability
Citroën has made a successful effort with the C4 to inject a bit of class. Everything looks and feels good, even in areas that are often overlooked, such as lower seat frames and beneath the rear seats. Citroën’s reputation for mechanical reliability isn’t fabulous, but things are getting better.
Safety & security
Every C4 has electronic driver aids to stop it skidding off the road and a full set of six airbags to protect you from someone else’s mistakes. The door locks trigger automatically once you’re on the move. There’s even an optional warning that alerts you if you stray over a white line without indicating. Deadlocks and an immobiliser help to hinder thieves.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel
You can’t use the seat-adjusters easily, the sloping sides nibble at headroom and rear visibility could be better in the five-door. The profusion of digital instrument displays can be confusing. There are some novel ideas, however, such as the fixed steering wheel boss that keeps the controls mounted on it in fixed positions.
Space & practicality
Three- and five-door models provide identical passenger space, but they’re not the roomiest small hatches. The sloping sides make the cabin narrow but space is fine for anyone under six feet tall. The boot is reasonably sized and shaped unless you order the premium sound system with its extra speakers.
Equipment
All models are fitted with cruise control, electric front windows and mirrors and a CD player. SX models add air-conditioning, alloy wheels and foglights. VTR Plus models have features such as climate control, powered rear windows and automatic lights and wipers, while the top-end Exclusive model adds a CD autochanger and directional xenon headlamps.
Car review from What Car
Citroën C4 Coupe
ON THE ROAD
Performance
The petrol kicks off 89bhp 1.4 petrol engine, but the 108bhp 1.6 will suit most buyers better. There are two 1.6-litre diesel engines giving either 91bhp or 108bhp. Both are well up to the job, and they're cheaper to buy than the 136bhp 2.0-litre diesel.
Ride & handling
Previous Citroëns have been renowned for a soft ride. The C4’s ride, however, is remarkably firm, particularly at low speeds. The suspension gives good body control at higher speeds, although the mid-corner bumps thump through the helm uncomfortably. The steering is light and provides sharp turn-in to corners but doesn’t offer enough feel.
Refinement
The distinctive three- and five-door bodies have been designed to cut through the air without stirring up wind noise. They largely succeed, but the door mirrors create some noise. Road noise is nearly non-existent, most engines are smooth and quiet. The controls are light and fluid.
OWNERSHIP
Buying & owning
Citroën is now offering its usual deals to tempt customers, including interest-free finance and cashback deals. The car will sell on its low prices, plentiful equipment and painless running costs. That doesn’t mean to say you won’t be able to squeeze a discount out of your local dealer, however.
Quality & reliability
Citroën has made a successful effort with the C4 to inject a bit of class. Everything looks and feels good, even in areas that are often overlooked, such as lower seat frames and beneath the rear seats. Citroën’s reputation for mechanical reliability isn’t fabulous, but things are getting better.
Safety & security
Every C4 has electronic driver aids to stop it skidding off the road and a full set of six airbags to protect you from someone else’s mistakes. The door locks trigger automatically once you’re on the move. There’s even an optional warning that alerts you if you stray over a white line without indicating. Deadlocks and an immobiliser help to hinder thieves.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel
You can’t use the seat-adjusters easily, the sloping sides nibble at headroom and rear visibility could be better in the five-door. The profusion of digital instrument displays can be confusing. There are some novel ideas, however, such as the fixed steering wheel boss that keeps the controls mounted on it in fixed positions.
Space & practicality
Three- and five-door models provide identical passenger space, but they’re not the roomiest small hatches. The sloping sides make the cabin narrow but space is fine for anyone under six feet tall. The boot is reasonably sized and shaped unless you order the premium sound system with its extra speakers.
Equipment
All models are fitted with cruise control, electric front windows and mirrors and a CD player. SX models add air-conditioning, alloy wheels and foglights. VTR Plus models have features such as climate control, powered rear windows and automatic lights and wipers, while the top-end Exclusive model adds a CD autochanger and directional xenon headlamps.
Car review from What Car
Citroën C3 Pluriel Open
ON THE ROAD
Performance
The C3 Pluriel comes with a choice of two petrol engines: a spirited 75bhp 1.4 or a 110bhp 1.6 and a punchy 1.4 diesel. While the 1.4s come with a five-speed manual gearbox, the 1.6 petrol’s Sensodrive ’box offers five-speed sequential manual or automatic modes. The 1.6 is a little quicker, but the jerky gearbox hinders progress.
Ride & handling
The Pluriel is lacklustre to drive. The featherweight steering weights up at speed but gives little feel and body control is poor. The soft ride is fine on smooth roads, but bumps and broken surfaces shudder through the body and there’s a noticeable increase in body flex when the side pillars are removed.
Refinement
Unlike some open-top cars, the Pluriel doesn’t demand too many sacrifices from the driver. Neither engine is unduly noisy or rough, and road noise is well contained, if not as subdued as on the C3 hatchback. With the roof up there’s some wind noise, but it’s not excessive and things aren’t too blustery with the roof down.
OWNERSHIP
Buying & owning
In 1.4 form, the Pluriel is one of the cheapest open-topped cars around and even the 1.6 undercuts many rivals. Running costs should be sensible thanks to average fuel consumption of more than 40mpg and comparatively low insurance groupings for both models. Resale values aren’t brilliant but discounts are easy to come by.
Quality & reliability
Much of the interior is shared with the C3 hatch, and it appears solidly screwed together but uses some disappointingly flimsy materials. We don’t expect the engines to cause problems, but have concerns that some parts of the complex roof assembly don’t look durable.
Safety & security
All Pluriels come with anti-lock brakes along with twin front and side airbags. Reinforced front pillars and rear seat backs provide extra rollover protection when the side pillars are removed. Deadlocks are standard but only 1.6 models come with an alarm.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel
The Pluriel’s dash is the same as the C3 hatch’s, so it’s easy to use and has well placed controls. Two-way steering adjustment and driver’s seat-height adjustment make for an adaptable driving position, but the Pluriel’s flat, soft seats don’t provide enough support for longer journeys and with the fabric roof fully folded, rear vision is obscured.
Space & practicality
There’s plenty of space in the front and the rear is fine for two adults on short journeys, with acceptable legroom and generous headroom. The boot is a good size, but because the roof is stored underneath the boot floor when folded, you need to empty the boot when you want to put the top down, then reload.
Equipment
Every car has four electric windows, a CD player and an electrically powered roof, while 1.6 models add alloy wheels, body-coloured interior trim and an alarm. Air-con and leather are standard on the 1.4 Exclusive, while the 1.6 has an optional pack that includes climate control, rain-sensitive wipers and heated door mirrors.
Citroën C3 Hatchback
ON THE ROAD
Performance
The 1.6 petrol and 1.4 turbodiesel are perky performers, but our pick is the smooth 1.4 petrol. The Sensodrive paddle-shift gearbox available on some models is too jerky. While the 1.1-litre petrol has just 60bhp and is best suited to town use, the 110bhp 1.6 diesel is flexible and provides excellent pace.
Ride & handling
Major changes were made to the C3’s suspension in late 2005. Its ride is now more absorbent, but not as comfortable as a Renault Clio’s or Skoda Fabia’s. Handling doesn’t match the best, either. It’s competent, but could do with a little more grip and steering feel and less body roll through bends.
Refinement
Road and engine noise are impressively subdued and the diesels are some of the quietest in this class. The C3 fails to suppress wind noise from around the door mirrors and its windscreen as well as some rivals, however, while the gearshift on manual cars is sloppy
OWNERSHIP
Buying & owning
The C3’s list price isn’t cheap, but big discounts are available and running costs are reasonable on most models. The Stop & Start model cuts power while the car is stationary, to reduce fuel costs and emissions, while the 1.4 HDi returns almost 70mpg. Residual values are below those of many rivals, though.
Quality & reliability
The C3 has scored no higher than average in our reliability and customer satisfaction surveys and the interior doesn’t feel as classy as rivals like the Renault Clio. Citroen has a reputation for building some of the world’s best diesel engines, and the petrol units are usually both hardy and trouble-free.
Safety & security
All C3s have anti-lock brakes and front airbags as standard. Most also have side airbags, but curtain ’bags and stability control are options only on VTR models. All but the base version have deadlocks and, in our 2002 Security Supertest, the C3 was rated best in class after it defeated our testers.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel
The C3’s dome-like roof and raised driving position give it an MPV-like feel that’s not to all tastes, but create a pleasantly airy feel. There’s height and reach adjustment for the steering wheel on all models, but the two cheapest trims miss out on driver’s seat height adjustment. The layout is simple, but the digital instruments are fussy.
Space & practicality
There’s plenty of head- and legroom up front, but accommodation for rear passengers is cramped compared with many rivals. The boot is a little small, too, and has a high load sill that hinders easy access. A 60/40 split rear seat extends the boot’s practicality, but the rear seat base is fixed so it is not possible to create a flat loadbay.
Equipment
The Cheapest C3 has a electric front windows and remote central locking, but little else. The rest of the range have a CD player, electric door mirrors and air-conditioning as a minimum, while top-spec models have high-tech features such as rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights. The XTR model has a mock-4x4 look, featuring a chunky bodykit and roof rails.
Car review from What Car
