Early petrol C5 models were odd, the GDI engine was a dead end. Diesels use the well proven HDi unit.

It's an oldish car so condition is as important as model specific stuff.

Make sure you've got service history including particularly cambelt changes.

Don't worry too much about the hydropneumatic suspension as long as it sustains ride height and responds evenly at both ends to movement of the ride height lever. If it gives trouble take it to a dealer or specialist - it's well proven stuff but the unitiated can make a right mess meddling.

A smooth riding well handling load lugger,

Bromptonaut has said most of it really.

This is the 2.0 HDi (110 bhp) version, and for that price it looks good.

In addition to making sure the suspension goes up and down as it should, make sure that no engine warning lights come on when you give it some welly in a high gear (make it pull from 30 to 50 in 4th gear). These suffered from egr valve/pressure sensor/ turbo boost problems which make them go into "limp home" mode.

This model did NOT have the diesel particulate filter which the 2.2 HDi (136 bhp) version had, and this is a good thing, as they were very troublesome in old age.

Finally check all electrics, especially the electric windows and doorlocks. If any of the doors don't unlock with the key, it's not a cheap fix. Also check head and foglights (front fogs are built in to the headlamp cluster). Bulbs are notoriously difficult to replace, some garages don't want to know!.

But if it's as good as it looks, you will have one of the smoothest riding, best motorway cruisers ever, even compared to much newer cars. Expect around 45 MPG, a bit more if you're careful.

Edited by 72 dudes on 13/11/2012 at 14:51