Citroen C6 Buyers Guide

By: Joe Kenwright

Date: 05.03.2012

Citroen C6. Joe Kenwright gives a rare European the once-over

Citroen C6

Citroen C6

HISTORY

Earlier Citroëns that followed the Peugeot takeover brought front-drive Peugeot shortcomings and extra complexity for good measure. The $85,000 XM's free-fall depreciation meant that its C6 replacement was only offered in Australia on special order since its September 2006 launch.

Released with a 2.7-litre turbodiesel V6 with 150kW/440Nm - shared across Jaguar, Land Rover and Peugeot and since fitted to the local Territory - or the Peugeot-Renault 155kW/290Nm 3.0-litre V6 petrol, the C6 offered a choice of diesel economy or petrol refinement. Most local buyers opted for diesel economy, despite a hefty $6000 premium.

At over $110,000 new, annual sales soon dropped to single digits and total sales still struggle to top 100. Yet the C6 deserves better than any recent big Citroën, courtesy of its better-sorted Peugeot 407 starting point. It offers unprecedented safety levels, an adventurous Citroën shape within the 407's hard points, and superlative highway refinement on its clever, and surprisingly fault-free, hydro-pneumatic suspension. Despite its front-wheel drive and agility compromises, each C6 drive is an occasion for ongoing global accolades. The petrol engine was dropped at the end of 2008 and a revised 3.0-litre diesel announced during 2010.

PRICES

Early cars coming off long leases tend to have high kays encouraged by C6's capabilities, hence a starting price of $40,000, with the diesel maintaining its $6000 premium. Late-model cars fetch around $75,000, reflecting their rarity.

CHECKPOINTS

• Citroën service expertise is essential. Diesel engine needs special oil compatible with particulate filter and even the oil filter has a special removal sequence to avoid drowning the engine electronics.

• Long Gallic nose loses cutaway under front bumper of earlier Citroëns, ready to burrow into speed humps, driveways and dips for ongoing damage underneath.

• Heavy front weight bias accelerates front tyre wear, requiring 10,000km rotations. Unusual scalloping of rear tyres can sound like failed wheel bearings on the front after rotation and may dictate early replacement.

• Current diesels require frequent long runs to prevent catalytic converters and particulate filters clogging and avoid ongoing problems clearing the emissions system.

• Expensive sequence of diesel fuel pumps demands clean filters and fuel level always above quarter full.

• Steering angle sensor vital for safety and suspension performance - can fail but is replaced under warranty. Potential major out-of-warranty cost if there isn't a long term fix.

• Suspension fluid should be flushed every 60,000km and self-levelling sensors can fail.

• Flat battery or removal will dictate re-setting of self-opening/closing windows.

Thanks to C6 experts: Cars of France

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