Is it a bad idea to buy a used Citroen C-Crosser?

Summary

The Citroën C-Crosser, a French-Japanese crossover, is critiqued for its lack of original design, resembling a Mitsubishi Outlander clone. Despite offering a spacious interior and a third-row seat, it suffers from corrosion issues and poor paint quality. Owners appreciate its comfortable seats and large trunk but criticize the cheap interior materials. While it's considered reliable and easy to repair, its resale value is low. The car's ergonomics are a mixed bag, and its off-road capabilities are limited. The CVT transmission is a point of contention, with reports of overheating, but the Japanese gasoline engines are praised for their longevity and reliability.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The Citroen C-Crosser is essentially a clone of the Mitsubishi Outlander, sharing the same platform and assembly in Japan.
• 🎨 Despite being a French-Japanese collaboration, the C-Crosser lacks the distinctive French design flair and instead has a more generic Japanese appearance.
• 🔧 The car offers a third-row seating option, providing a significant advantage in a market where seven-seat options are limited.
• 🚀 It comes with three engine options: a 2.0L 147hp, a 2.4L 170hp gasoline engine, and a 2.2L 156hp French turbo diesel.
• 🌐 The C-Crosser was initially assembled in Japan but for the Russian market, it was assembled at the PSA plant in Kaluga, Russia.
• 💸 The car has suffered from poor resale value, with owners reporting significant depreciation and difficulty in selling the vehicle.
• 🛠️ While the C-Crosser is considered reliable, it is not immune to breakdowns, with common issues related to electrical components and the CVT transmission.
• 🔩 Spare parts for the C-Crosser are readily available due to its shared parts with Mitsubishi, making maintenance and repairs more accessible.
• 🌟 The car's interior space and comfort are praised, with adjustable seats and ample room for passengers, but the quality of materials used is criticized.
• 🚙 The C-Crosser's handling is more akin to a passenger car than an SUV, providing a confident and safe driving experience, especially in slippery conditions.
• 💡 The car's regular Xenon headlights are a highlight, offering excellent visibility, but the CVT transmission's tendency to overheat is a significant drawback.

Q & A

What is the Citroën C-Crosser's relation to the Mitsubishi Outlander?

The Citroën C-Crosser is essentially a clone of the Mitsubishi Outlander, sharing the same Mitsubishi GS platform and being assembled in Japan at the Mitsubishi plant.

When was the Citroën C-Crosser first introduced?

The Citroën C-Crosser was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007.

What engine options were available for the Citroën C-Crosser?

The Citroën C-Crosser offered three engine options: a 2.0-liter 147 horsepower, a 2.4-liter 170 horsepower gasoline engine, and a 2.2-liter French turbo diesel 156 horsepower.

What are some common complaints about the Citroën C-Crosser's corrosion resistance?

Owners have reported issues with corrosion, with some experiencing paint chipping and rusting, particularly on the underbody and chrome parts, despite the car's French and Japanese origins.

How does the Citroën C-Crosser's interior compare to its competitors?

The C-Crosser's interior is praised for its spaciousness and comfort, offering a large salon and a third row of seats, but criticized for using materials that are not of high quality and are prone to scratching.

What are the common issues with the Citroën C-Crosser's electrical components?

The C-Crosser is known to have issues with its electrical components, particularly with power windows, climate control units, and other electrical systems.

How does the Citroën C-Crosser perform in terms of resale value?

The C-Crosser has a low resale value, with owners reporting significant depreciation and difficulty in selling the vehicle due to its niche market position.

What are the advantages of the Citroën C-Crosser's maintenance and repair?

The C-Crosser is considered easy to repair with readily available spare parts, often shared with Mitsubishi Outlander, making maintenance and repair more accessible and affordable.

How do owners feel about the ergonomics of the Citroën C-Crosser?

Owners have mixed feelings about the C-Crosser's ergonomics, with some finding the controls and layout to be intuitive, while others criticize it for being confusing and not user-friendly.

What are the Citroën C-Crosser's off-road capabilities like?

The C-Crosser's off-road capabilities are limited, and it is not designed for heavy-duty off-roading. It performs well in light off-road situations like snow-covered roads but lacks the robustness for serious off-roading.

What are the common issues reported with the Citroën C-Crosser's CVT transmission?

The C-Crosser's CVT transmission is prone to overheating, especially during long-term high-speed driving. Some owners have reported the need for additional cooling or radiator upgrades to address this issue.

How reliable are the engines in the Citroën C-Crosser?

The engines, particularly the Japanese gasoline engines, are reported to be reliable with some owners achieving high mileage without significant engine repairs.