Things to Look Out For

[qwijibo]

Hi All,

I thought it might be helpful to have a thread which lists any known issues/things to look out for when buying a DS3. Hope this would be a useful source of information for anyone looking at comparing cars for a new purchase, but also handy when the used ds3 market picks up.

By the way, iam still waiting for my THP, so i have no working knowledge of the cars good or bad points, however every review or comment i have read about the DS3 says its a fantastic car - so this thread is by no means meant to be ds3 bashing!

Hope you can contribute so that new buyers know what to expect/how to resolve the issue.

Only been on the forum a short time, but so far i have noticed:

• Rattle from subwoofer in boot of models with HiFi upgrade. See http://ds3club.co.uk/showthread.php?...ub-woofer-Pics
• Some issues with bluetooth?

[Yellow]

thers loads on here inc fixes by citroen etc, as with all searches you just need to put in the right word. Don't go looking for faults you will just get paranoid, but if one happens then look it up. Simples :0)

[Yellow]

Look in DS3 Technical

[Rickzayne]

Only fault here is you not in love with your car to see past its 'flaws' '

[Dangerousfish]

Issuesd with bluetooth are pretty much nonexistant on the newer models.

The only real problems appear to be with "poor?" built quality such as a couple of rattles in the dash, etc.. The other one is corrosion in some of the wheels but these should also have been resolved in newer models.

[pauljack]

Hey give him a break! i just think he was trying to be helpful. Nothing about half full or not in love with it!!!!! rather than going through endless searches which is a right pain in the a*se! to see if your problem is there. it is a good idea to list well know faults so anyone who has the same faults can find and see other people who have had the same faults and see how they got them fixed! Simples! HAving that all that is this not suppposed to be in the tech bit lol

[pauljack]

Stop being prissy about your cars they generally all develop faults at some stage

[phil d]

Make sure all the lights are in working order before driving off the forecourt. Getting home after picking it up I was told by the neighbour that he'd noticed the rear brake light wasn't working. Took out the bulb and discovered it had completely blown!

[qwijibo]

Hey give him a break! i just think he was trying to be helpful. Nothing about half full or not in love with it!!!!!

Well Pauljack, at least you got the idea of this thread!!!

Like i said, i have only heard fantastic opinions and reviews of this car, and iam desperate to get hold of mine! - i just thought it would be helpful to have a list of any know issues in one thread that is easily findable (probly not a word?). Apologies for anyone you lost sleep over my intentions.

With my glass half full, i suppose the lack of negative comments about the car only reinforces what a great lil car this is.

[meadow_knight]

Searching forums using a specific search term such as “faults” is never very straightforward and I sympathise with those who seek the knowledge of forum “old hands”. I know people get a bit a bit sniffy at constantly having to answer the same questions and this is understandable, but I do believe there is a duty to answer genuine questions and not just suggest that newbies seeking info should “go and do a search”.

Anyway, minor rant over I will distil what I have learned from reviews and this forum regarding DS3 shortcomings.

Reviews:

1. Rear head and legroom poor.
2. Citroen suggesting it’s a 5adult-seater when it clearly is not.
3. Can’t read the LCD displays in bright sunlight (doh!) – wouldn’t that also apply to an Audi A8?
4. Steering not as good as a M*n*’s. (sorry about the language).
5. General drivability and “feel” not as good as a M*n*.
6. Central armrest prevents easy use of handbrake (fair comment?)

Not a very large list, you will agree? There are probably other I can’t remember, though.

From the Forum (and I have read some of the older posts)

7. Dashboard/window rear subwoofer rattles.
8. Dust magnet dashboard easily scratched.
9. Lack of footrest on DSport
10. Poorly positioned USB and AUX sockets.
11. Lack of cup holders
12. Alloy wheel corrosion.
13. Poor paintwork.
14. Strange nose from window mechanism.
15. Squeaky wipers.
16. Stuttering engine
17. Temporary loss of turbo.
18. Vacuum pump problems.


MK

[Bigfeet]

Hmmm..

1 - Rubbish, I'm 6' 3" and fit fine!
2 - You can say that about most cars in this sector.
3 - Never heard of that.... anyone?
4 - I prefer the feel of the DS3 drive compared to the MINI's rather heavy steering
5 - disagree with you, drove a MINI cooper once and hated it, far too lively and fiddly to drive, remember that you don't alway drive with your pants on fire!
6 - Fair point, but the arm rest is really for use with the cruise control.

Please do remember that these so called road testers are offering up their opinion, you never buy a car just because someone else told you too. I remember an article in the Autotrader of a reviewer rubbishing the C4 because the wipers kept coming on when he didn't want too. Perhaps he should have turned them off rather then slagging the car off...

7 - Dash rattle appear only to effect model year 60 cars (the first few) - Speakers rattles are caused by people blasting too much bass without "bedded in" the speakers first
8 - The black does show the dust, not sure how you could end up scratching the dashboard but fair point to remember thats it painted.
9 - There is no lack of footrest - it's a dealer accessory and not standard.
10 - Disagree with you there, I find the USB port in a good spot to use, tucked out of the way. Suggestions on where it should be?
11 - Unless you have the arm rest then there is a cup holder, if you do have the arm rest then you can buy a cup holder accessory for the forward bin.
12 - There has been an issues with the early build models with Black Bellone 17" wheels, this does appear to have been resolved.
13 - There has been some complaints about paintwork - but you should check over the car before taking delivery.
14 - If you mean the 'click' then that is normal.
15 - Squeaky wiper mean there is grease or dirt on your windows.
16 - Only on THP to my knowledge - There has been an improved spark plug fitted to later models
17 - Related to 18
18 - Some THP's have suffered with this, but it's covered by your warranty if you also fall foul.

[ZACK]

Biggies Not Going Down Without A Fight !

[meadow_knight]

I was only the messenger. I take all reviews with a pinch of salt and accept that not every car is perfect. After all I have 18 grand of my hard-earned wedge invested in this car! My main complaint at the moment is fact that I am having to wait before I get my hands on my new toy!

MK

[zedzim]

1. Yeah rear head room is a bit tight for anybody that has a long body, leg room is fine though - unless you have unusually long legs
2. Ive had 5 adults in it on a few occasions no worse than any other small 3 door
3. Applies to every LCD that has ever existed in anything
4. cant comment - better than every other electric power steering car i have ever driven
5. cant comment.
6. Cant argue But i can manage to use the handbrake without issues with the armrest down just a little awkward
7. Yep its french
8. Cant Comment - the CF effect dash seems fine
9. Think this should say lack of aluminium footrest because theres definitely places to rest ones feet.
10. seem fine to me
11. BIGGEST PROBLEM with the whole car but doesnt bother me that much
Cant comment on the others yet all though my wipers are clean and they do stutter a bit.

[Bigfeet]

Zedrim check you glass to see if thats causing the problem, run your hand over the glass in a sweeping motion and if you hear what sounds like a sandpaper noise then your glass need a good rub down to help the wipers.

Has anyone had a problem with the LCD centre display and sunlight?