Citroen DS - Kinetic Art (Citroën D-series)

Member Name: Chevroned One

Product:	Citroën D-series
Date:	16/05/02 (268 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Style - What lines!, Fantastic Road holding and handling, Exceptional Comfort

Disadvantages: Expensive running cost - poor economy - terrible on ice and snow, Availability of cheap and accessible parts, Few want to work on them

I had my DS for 3 years. She was a 1971 D Super 5, left hand drive, manual gearbox with a 2.1 engine. An absolute masterpiece of carefully thought out design, ergonomics, and comfort.

The D is a particularly complex and difficult car to work on. If you are planning to buy one and are not willing to get your hands too dirty at least find a garage or dealer willing to work on yours for a reasonable price. This was the first problem I encountered. Anything major ie clutch change, sphere changes, inboard disc replacement, manifold down pipes replacement are all very time and labour intensive tasks. As I found out.

Carburation is also a common problem for cars that have come from sunnier and dustier climes than ours. Mine came from the South of France to Northern Ireland. What a culture shock! So be prepared for getting the carb overhauled. Buy a manual immediately.

Hopefully this has not put you off the plan of buying a DS but be warned that buying a car that is over 20 years old will cost you more to run per mile than a modern day hatch.

Would I get another one? Absolutely. If I could afford one now. Prices are hicking up as the years pass. Good for existing owners but not so good for a potential buyer. shop around and enjoy one of the best driving experiences of your life.

My final word of warning. Beware RUST. This is the DS's worst enemy. Great paint work, super stainless steel bumpers can hide a multitude of problems. You should not have to re-mortgage your house to by a car, so be selective and be objective.

And remember DO NOT BEND YOUR D.

Be seeing you. Joe.

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