The Citroën C4 first came out in 2004 and it quickly became one of the French automaker’s signature compact cars, offering a blend of style, comfort, and European engineering, all wrapped up into a relatively affordable package.
As with many vehicles, however, not every model year has been a shining example of automotive excellence. Over the years, the C4 evolved through its generations, bringing about design changes, technological advancements, and performance adjustments. But with progression also came a few missteps.
Some model years garnered more complaints and reported issues than others, leading potential buyers to approach them with caution. In this article, we will delve deep into the specifics of which Citroën C4 years might be better avoided.
So, which years should potential buyers be wary of? The 2006-2009 C4, the 2004 C4, and the 2012-2013 C4 are the ones that shouldn’t necessarily be avoided, but you should pay extra attention if you are interested in either of these. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of the Citroën C4’s history and guide you toward the best choices for your automotive needs.
2006-2009 Citroen C4
The 2006-2009 Citroën C4 model years have attracted some attention due to several reported issues, some of which can be expensive to fix. Notably, these years saw electrical glitches, from temperamental instrument clusters to inconsistent central locking systems.
The suspension components in some units faced premature wear, negatively affecting ride comfort and making the C4 feel cheap and a bit nasty at times. Diesel variants from this period often reported turbocharger failures and issues with the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve, which led to reduced engine performance and dips in fuel efficiency.
Gearbox troubles were also prevalent, with some manual transmissions experiencing stiffness during gear changes and automatics exhibiting jerky shifts. While not every 2006-2009 C4 will have these problems, potential buyers should be informed of these concerns. Either way, if the example you are looking at has been properly maintained, there is no reason to avoid it if the price is right.
2004 Citroen C4
There are a few reasons why one should rather skip buying the 2004 Citroen C4. The first one is that the 04 C4 is now a fairly old vehicle, one that does not get nearly the same amount of technology and safety features compared to even the cars that came 5 years after it.
Electrical problems are also a concern, with instances of inconsistent dashboard displays and intermittent central locking malfunctions. Suspension issues are another area of contention, as some owners reported a decline in ride quality attributed to premature wear of suspension components.
Engine issues, particularly in diesel variants are sadly common, with reports of reduced power delivery and irregular idling. Gearboxes, both manual and automatic, have their set of challenges, including stiff gear changes and unanticipated delays in shift responsiveness. While it’s vital to recognize that not all 2004 C4 units will exhibit these issues, a potential buyer should definitely be aware of these.
2012-2013 Citroen C4
The 2012-2013 Citroën C4, despite belonging to a later generation, still faced several notable concerns that potential buyers should be aware of. Electrical glitches are unsurprisingly common, with complaints of malfunctioning infotainment systems and intermittent electrical failures in various subsystems such as the power locks, windows, and accessories.
Engine issues also cropped up, particularly in the diesel variants, with DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) blockages and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve troubles causing reduced engine performance and occasional stalling. The turbocharger in some models showed signs of premature wear, leading to power loss.
Transmission hiccups were another area of concern, with certain automatic models facing jerky shifts and hesitation. Finally, there were isolated cases of steering fluid leaks, which impacted the car’s steering capability. Although many owners of the 2012-2013 C4 have had smooth experiences, these model years have shown recurring patterns of the above problems.
Potential buyers are advised to seek units with detailed service histories and have thorough inspections before buying any. This is something you should do for all cars, not just the ones that are deemed as “questionable“.
FAQ Section
How to Know if a Used Car is Worth It?
You can never truly know if a car you are looking at is a good financial decision or not because the used car market is constantly experiencing huge shifts. However, there are a few things you can do to convince yourself. First of all, check the car’s service history and see if the original parts were used, how often was the car maintained, and if is there anything that needs to be done to the car.
Check the car’s paint quality, seal quality, timing chain, turbocharger, exhaust system, and pretty much all the components that are known to go wrong on a specific model. Doing a pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended for all cars.
How Long Can the Citroen C4 Last?
The longevity of a Citroën C4, like any other vehicle, largely depends on maintenance, driving habits, and the conditions under which it’s used. Generally speaking, with regular servicing and proper care, a Citroën C4 can easily exceed 200,000 kilometers (around 125,000 miles) before requiring major repairs.
Some well-maintained units have been known to reach even beyond 300,000 kilometers. It’s crucial to adhere to the recommended service intervals, use quality parts and lubricants, and address any minor issues promptly to prevent them from becoming major problems. Also, driving the car gently, avoiding harsh conditions, and preventing prolonged periods of inactivity can further prolong its lifespan.
Should I Buy a Used Citroen C4?
Well, if the price is right, you most definitely should if you like the C4 and are planning to buy one anyway. Even though the C4 isn’t a particularly exciting car in Europe and one that isn’t going to turn heads, it’s still a very usable hatchback that can do pretty much anything you ask of it.
It’s a good city car, a decent highway cruiser, it’s safe, relatively efficient, and has the right technology if you go for a newer generation model. All in all, if it works for you, you should buy it.
