Xsara Picasso - wife wants one, what they like to run/own?

[kippermitten]

Hello.
The wife is quite set on a Xsara Picaso Exclusive, 2.0 hdi or 2.0(hdi afaic!).
Weve seen one on a 52 plate, hdi 2.0, 35k, fsh, alloys, spotless inside and out 6995 on the sticker but I reckon 6500 if Im brutal on the haggle!

So, what they like? Its going to be the primary family mover so are they reliable? Easily fixable by someone ok with the spanners? Servicing ok pricewise?
Whats to look for in the way of known problems or issues?

Any info appreciated on the Picasso or suggestions as to other similar MPV's!
Cheers,
Perry.

 

[kippermitten]

Ta chaps.
Damm neighbors bought a Tino last week! Suppose we'd have to buy the model up from then if we did!
Anyone know what the Zafira is like?

Any other vehicles aside from mpv's with similar space/size and family orientated stuff?

 

[kippermitten]

The marive looks interesting, ill point the Mrs that way for a look-see.

MPV's are a derivitive/alternative to a saloon/hatchback.
The Picasso, Scenic, Tino so on and so forth have higher seating which can help with kids feeling less journey sick, have more head room and tend to be more open on the inside so more light which is better for longer journeys and more places to stuff the miscelany that comes with having kids.
The whole geting kids in and out of the Picasso is much easier than a (C5, the father in law has one) as you have flat floor spaces so kids dont trip get tangled as easily, easier for some people(read shorter ) to lift kids in and out if the kids are higher up. Plus you get the flat load space entrance of an estate(no boot sill) but a smaller size car oh and a plastic shopping trolley that sits in the boot and folds up .

Like all models they have there niche and lovers and lothers.

BTW if the Mrs doesnt like the Picasso, Tino etc she is going for a C5.

 

[kippermitten]

Update

Well, had a look around today at various motors:

Focus C Max - Nice but out of budget for age/kit the Mrs wants.

Picasso - 2.0/1.6 hdi exclusive/desire models - 7-8k with > 11k miles respectivley on 03 plates and 9k for a desire 05 with 4k!

Peugeot 307 SW - 7.5k for a 03 1.6 16v with 20k and SE trim, bit of a dark horse this, the full sun roof makes it feel bigger but they dark interior was at odds with the "light and airy" idea but quite a quality feel to the whole car

Zafira - old shape at 9995.00 with 700 miles on! Diesel too with alloys, am I missing something with the old shape Zafiras? Any good?

C5 - looks like we can get a 2.0 hdi 04 refesh model for 8/9k :O, tempting but Mrs isnt too sure that she wants a long car ala my Xantia...


I tried to get her to look at a Defender 110 diesel with 7 seats in burnt orange but she wont have nowt of it....now I f I can get a decent one for > 2k then thats me sorted!

Any more motors to look at in the same class as the Picasso/307 SW etc etc?

Ta!

 

[kippermitten]

Seems like a Picasso it is!

Saw and drove a 04/54 1.6 hdi Exclusive with 21k in dark metallic bloo for 8995.00, very tidy and seems sound enough plus under Citroen warrenty till 09 2007.

I think its a good price for the newer 1.6 hdi engine plus exclusive trim(no fulllength sun roof though...), whaddya you lot reckon?

Also, anyone know some where reliable in Scotland I can get a decent Landy diesel for under 2k?

Kipp.

 

[kippermitten]

"MPV is a fad."

A multi-billion $$$ market for mpv's is a fad...huh?

Im well aware who's mums and dads coped with so and so and so forth, mine did likewise but hey Id rather have somthing better if its available.

I asked for opinion on the car noted above not on mpv's as such.

 

[kippermitten]

"How did we manage in a Escort?"

Im sure it was ok but whats wrong with improvements over the years?

Thats like saying "how did we manage without ABS?" we managed but more people had accidents that could have been avoided with ABS.

Its called evolution or something!

 

[kippermitten]

Actually, people today have EVERY idea
I decided to by the car I have when the Wife expelled the 1st Son, because I liked it, I also dont HAVE TO manage, I can quite happily afford the car.

Why should people have to manage in a car, jamming things in etc. when there are cars on the market to suit peoples lifestyles better????

Can you seriously tell me that 20 years ago, if the Picasso/Zafira/People carrier existed, and your parents could afford it, they would not buy one, because it suited them better?

HEEEEEYYYAAA! THE MAN SPEAKETH THE TRUTH!

My dad, mum and older bro went London-france-spain and back in a fricking CAPRI! If I offered them the same journey in a roomier car with better equipment Im sure they sa "no ta".

Horses for courses aint it.

And as to the "young people have no idea today" quotes, Im 33, have two kids and have the clue ta for enquiring!