1.6 HDi 16v VTR+ 4dr

Nice car. Shame about the build quality

On the face of it, it's a nice roomy family car with an economical engine and a reasonably stylish design.

Mine, unfortunately, has become increasingly unusable thanks to the ridiculous windscreen wiper setup.

Unlike a normal manufacturer that uses a mechanical linkage between the wipers, the C5 relies on a pair of electrically-connected wiper motors. If one motor fails (as they do with alarming regularity) the other motor can carry on until the working wiper blade collides with the jammed wiper blade and one of them flies off. if the working blade flies off, the metal wiper arm can crack the windscreen before you realise what's happening. So in addition to replacing at least one motor (£400-500 if you can find a new one somewhere!), you may have the added expense of a windscreen replacement. Second-hand motors can be found in sc***yards (if you're quick) for £150-250, but whether you buy new or used it's a case of *WHEN* rather than *IF* they fail again.

Speaking of windscreen replacement, the windscreen fitters will break the clips that hold on the trim pieces at each side of the screen. The first you know about it will be when the trim flies off on the motorway at 70mph.

Power steering racks and pipes are also unobtainable new, so prepare to take your chances with sc***yard parts or for a wait if you need to get yours refurbished.

For me, the wiper motors and power steering part availability are two ticking time bombs that will affect you sooner or later. Buy cheap!

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