A French driver has just achieved a rare feat: his Citroën C5 2.2 HDi has passed the million kilometre mark. This event comes shortly after a similar achievement by a Citroën C1, confirming the reliability of the brand with the chevrons. These two achievements are proof of the longevity and robustness of Citroën models, a response to sceptics about the durability of modern cars.
One million kilometres in a Citroën C5: an impressive record
Pierrot Gérard, 67, from Eckbolsheim, bought his Citroën C5 2.2 HDi new in 2001. After 23 years on the road, he reached the million kilometre mark during a trip between Marseille and his home region of Alsace. However, this performance required some adjustments: the engine was replaced three times. The first change took place in 2005 after 355,000 km, the second in 2012 after 700,000 km and the last, a second-hand engine, has now covered almost 300,000 km.
This feat comes close on the heels of another Dutch driver who reached one million kilometres in a Citroën C1 Puretech last July. These two records, although rare, confirm that Citroën models can compete with the biggest brands in terms of longevity.
A lover of Citroën and driving comfort
Pierrot Gérard is not an ordinary driver. A great Citroën fan, he had already driven 550,000 km in an XM before switching to the C5, attracted by its exceptional comfort thanks to the hydropneumatic suspension. "Citroën was the only one to offer this technology, which prevents fatigue even on long journeys," he explains. His passion for the brand is such that he has also owned iconic models such as the GS, BX and CX.
It is not just the suspension that makes Pierrot Gérard stand out. With a remarkable attention to detail, he has kept an Excel spreadsheet of every fill-up, repair and maintenance on his C5, which allows him to calculate his maintenance costs at 17 cents per kilometre. In total, he has spent €55,606 on maintenance since 2006, in addition to the cost of purchase and extended warranty.
Regular but controlled repairs
In order to achieve such a mileage, Pierrot Gérard has had to replace almost every part of his car: brake discs, clutch, windscreen, headlights and even sew the steering wheel and driver's seat himself. However, he claims that his C5 remains in excellent mechanical condition, largely thanks to his mechanic, Arnaud Strauel. "Mechanically, it shows no signs of wear. Electronic anomalies, yes, but nothing major," he says.
Despite the considerable investment, Pierrot Gérard considers his C5 to be a model of reliability. With the ambitious goal of keeping the car for 30 years, he hopes to make it a collector's item for his grandchildren.
A message of hope for Citroën and its future models
When it was launched in 2001, the Citroën C5 was notorious for its electronic problems, a point that could tarnish its image. However, Pierrot Gérard's feat proves that these defects do not mean a lack of reliability in the long term. This parallel can be extended to the new Citroën C3, which has also been criticised for electronic faults.
These records show that Citroën is capable of producing vehicles that, with rigorous maintenance, can last for decades. This confirms the brand's reliability and gives rise to optimism for the future.
Source: l'Argus
Commentaires