Potential new DS3 - advice greatly appreciated

[adey635]

Hi there. Always used forums for every car I've owned. Already learned a lot reading through this one.

My girlfriend has her eyes on a DS3. We've looked at a few and found one earlier on. It's an immaculate 1.6 Vti (120) 2011 with slightly above average miles of 75k with FSH. The reasons this one is a winner is because out of all we viewed it's the most immaculate (even though the highest mileage) and is from a garage.

I've been searching and just want to clarify:

Does this have a timing chain like the 155 THP versions and will this mean it's going to be a complete nob for reliability?
Anything else (common fault wise) that I should be aware of?

As it's her car I want to make sure I've been thorough. I thought I was good at this sort of thing until I bought a cheap car a year ago. It's been a surprisingly bad decision (so much so that I might need to sell the gf) until then, I want to make sure I've not missed anything. Cheers all!

[WTF]

Welcome

Thought you'd found my car! My first ds3 was a dstyle 120 with 75k miles on the clock! But she was a 2010.

Mine had an oil leak related to the bearing linked to the timing chain (vague but was a few years ago) this was repaired under warranty. But not a widely known fault.

75k mileage rings true to the reliability of the engine. As such mine and why we racked up so many miles

Two common faults. Temp sensor and the exhaust bracket corroding. Neither may or have happened, but something to check re replacement or repairs.

Sent from my SM-G925F using Tapatalk

[adey635]

Thanks for the reply. Well its black and white if thats what you had? Good to know about those other things. Everything seemed ok when giving it a once over, but I can keep an eye on what you have said in future.

So with regard to the timing chain is it the usual assumtion that it will last the life of the car or does citroen require a check or a replacement at certain intervals? Thanks again

[adey635]

Thanks for the reply. Well its black and white if thats what you had? Good to know about those other things. Everything seemed ok when giving it a once over, but I can keep an eye on what you have said in future.

So with regard to the timing chain is it the usual assumtion that it will last the life of the car or does citroen require a check or a replacement at certain intervals? Thanks again

[adey635]

Duplicate post in error

[adey635]

Sorry for smamming. My phone has shat itself apparently. Could a mod tidy my mes please?

[JEZDS3]

Welcome! Good luck with your DS3 quest!

[StevenRB45]

So with regard to the timing chain is it the usual assumtion that it will last the life of the car or does citroen require a check or a replacement at certain intervals? Thanks again

Theoretically the timing chain should last the life of the engine, I say theoretically as it needs proper care with regular oil changes with the correct grade. The VTI seems to miss out on most of the issues (including timing chain problems) that afflict the THP. However if the car you've viewed has rattling coming from under the bonnet run rather than walk away.

[DaveB]

Nothing to add really, except that the VTi uses two different types of temperature sensor. If your (potential) car has the type known to be suspect it should already have been replaced. If not, it will be replaced free of charge by a Citroen dealer.

The 120VTi is a good little engine; at 40,000 miles mine's running better than ever!

[adey635]

Glad to hear it's not as troublesome as other variants. We've looked at a few and engine wise this one sounds fine. Thanks for the info!