Anyone have any experience in owning and running one of these?

I see that they can be picked up fairly cheap and am possibly considering one for the missus to lug the kids around in whilst keeping my octy a child free car:)

Probably looking at spending 3.5 to 4.5k on one not right now though it will be in a few months when i have some funding available:O

See enough of them around that are 5 years + old, so they must be up to the job!

See enough of them around that are 5 years + old, so they must be up to the job!

This is what i am thinking. Seen some on autotrader with 50-70k miles on for between 3 and 4 grand.

Apparently the newer 1.6 HDi is the better engine but when did this come in?

This is what i am thinking. Seen some on autotrader with 50-70k miles on for between 3 and 4 grand.

Apparently the newer 1.6 HDi is the better engine but when did this come in?

Not sure mate, but I'm sure that a site such as Parkers will give you the info you want.

Thing is though with all the discount's and 0% finance Citroen offer all the time, would a brand spanker not be worth considering?

Not sure mate, but I'm sure that a site such as Parkers will give you the info you want.

Thing is though with all the discount's and 0% finance Citroen offer all the time, would a brand spanker not be worth considering?

It would be if finances would allow but i dont think they will.:( Already have a loan and can't afford to get more finance i don't think.

Got about 4k coming in a few months and was planning on using this to get as decent a family wagon as possible. It will mainly be used by the wife with the kids but if we all go out or when we go on holiday we will also be using it.

Prices have dropped in these considerably, particularly new and the reason is that the C4 Picasso comes out this year to replace the Xsara based one so its gonna drop money like no-ones business.

As you say they are cheap to get 2nd hand now.

We were going to buy one a year or so ago but got the Octy 2 instead and that was only because we got a good part exchange and didnt treat us like crap of which our local Citroen dealer did.

I've got friends and neighbours with them petrol and diesel models and I've heard no complaints from them.

Not much help more moral support!!

I had a Picasso HDI Exclusive before the Octy, great car for what it was, no major problems and very, very comfy. Averaged around 42mpg around town, 51mpg on a long motorway run. The Exclusive has all the toys (auto climate, sunroof, alloys etc) and was an alright place to be. With only 90bhp it won't set the heather on fire but performance was adequate. The 110bhp 1.6 engine seems to be far better, but I think they have only been out a couple of years so maybe slightly over budget.

Hope this helps

Neil

I have to agree, the 90bhp HDI unit is fantastic. never let my wife down in her xsara. if budget will stretch go for the exclusive.

Picasso is a Xsara which is a 306 underneath.

Good solid car mechanically, although the trim isn't the most solid of items a bit of care and it will be ok.

The 90bhp HDI doesn't have an inter cooler and suffers a bit so if you can stretch to a 1.6 110 HDI then i would say it would be worth it as they have better fuel economy and are also IIRC a lower VED band.

I'm pretty sure 'chavyboy' has a Picasso now, no idea what model/engine though. Maybe worth contacting him? http://www.briskoda.net/forums/members/chavyboy/

Not seen him post here for a while, but could be worthwhile.

Steve

My neighbour has a Picasso Exclusive and he bought it new when I bought my Octavia in 2003. All I know is that it's been back to the dealers alot whereas my Skoda never has.

He gave me a lift a few times in it. I thought it was awful. On the local A road with a few bends it felt really wallowy and unsafe.

It depends what you want it for - should be fine for the wife and kids. They depreciate alot to start with but you'll probably get alot of car for your money.

My dad had the 1.8 petrol SX from new for 3 years. Only went back to the dealer once and that was for instrument cluster failure.

I have to say that as a cheap family runaround its an absolutely fantastic car.

I wouldn't rule out the 1.8 petrol either. Dad used to get 44mpg out of his, and its a fairly strong engine that pulls very well.

Avoid the LX, but any other trim has lots of goodies.

The only real "goody" the wife wants is Air con.

it will be a waste of time haing alloys as they will get kerbed. Also needs to be as cheap on insurance as possible.

I have suggested various cars to her so far my list consits of

Picasso

Fabia Estate Diesel

Focus Estate Diesel

All these cars seem to be readily available within my budget.

I was considering an Octy diesel estate maybe but tbh i have never really been impressed with the space in the rear of the octy. My old focus seemed more spacious in the rear and having sat in the fabia it just feels more roomy whereas the rear of my octy always feels cramped. Still want a large boot though.

I'd personally forget the fabia estate as they seem to cost a lot for the car.

If it is just a run around you can get very cheap focus estates and pcasso second hand

I'd personally forget the fabia estate as they seem to cost a lot for the car.

If it is just a run around you can get very cheap focus estates and pcasso second hand

True, but i suspect that used values of the current fabia will fall seeing as the new one will be coming out.

May be worth a look.... sure these come in at around the same money as the citroen;

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/briskoda-members-cars/damos-sensible-new-family-car/70281/#post807078

I am not ruling a zafira out but i am not sure if i will get a diesel one for the money i am talking.

and if i do i suspect it may be significantly older than a picasso.

Had a Picasso for three years (51 plate). Not too bad, but not a car I would have again. Economy was quite good. For what it does, it wasn't too bad. Went back for a couple of recalls, and an immobiliser fault.

Don't worry about people whinging about handling. I personally find those type of vehicles generally aren't great driving cars. Turning circle wasn't as good as I would have expected though. Though I have to admit, I preferred the Seat Alhambra we had before the Picasso.

To keep the cost down, I think you are better going for something that there will be plenty of. Focus Estate or Picasso would be the obvious choices IMHO.

Horrible cars - No go, thirsty and uncomfortable. I'd a hire 1.6, which was replaced with a last shape Micra which felt faster, and was way more comforable to sit in, while the Octy was getting a new auxilliary belt tensioner.

I'd recommend going down the Focus estate route too. We bought one for my other halfs mum who's a community midwife & it's racked up the miles without fault. Worth seeking out a TDCi model over the older TDDi diesel engine...far less 'agricultural';) ...and obviously a great drive should you wish to prise the keys from your good lady:thumbup: .

I love my Focus, and the TDCI is a peach.

Still think the Picasso is a stonking buy for the money.