Hello!

[Pagecrew]

I am a hope-to-soon-be owner of a DS3 - seen a few and basically we have fallen for the style of the things! My mind has largely been on the 1.2 110ps engine as it will mostly be used for short/local runs - concerned about possible DPF block up when using for this type of journey. Head has been turned today by a grey with black roof Dsport + THP 150 though. Favourite colour combo but wary of problems with this engine - it is a 64 plate. Oh and the fact that this is the "what do you really want" as compared to the "this would be sensible option". What I cannot discern form various threads is whether problems with the THP were predominantly on earlier cars?

[BenS]

No DPF to worry about as it is a petrol engine

The THP will serve you badly for short journeys, plus the 150 engine has a whole load of reliability issues. The THP165 engines are the better ones, and the post-facelift THP210. While it may give you no problems whatsoever, for peace of mind the 1.2 is probably best - not had any reports of engine problems yet, and it's still a decently quick car.

[Pagecrew]

Thanks BenS. I have read reports of the THP coking up, and short journeys may well be part of the cause of this? Just reread my post and missed a bit about ruling out diesel because of the short journeys/possible DPF blocking. Should read more closely next time!

[BenS]

The coking is an inherent problem of the THP engine - it will happen no matter what you do - but shorter journeys where it's not fully warming up won't help. It's a very high maintenance engine, but rewarding when it's working well. Just costs a lot to keep it that way.

[Pagecrew]

Decided the THP is definitely out. Keeping looking!

[Chris_Blue]

Had 2 THP's a 150 and 155. If you know how to look after them, a great car.

[Funky]

Decided the THP is definitely out. Keeping looking!

Good luck with the search, let us know what you eventually go for.

[WTF]

The 110 is a great engine. I test drove one a few years back and it is ideal for city/town driving in my opinion. Really nippy and responsive. Ben Scott had one for a few years and added and changed various bits and bobs without any complaints from the car!

You'll never find THE ideal car to match your needs. You may find a DS3 that is ideal for short trips and journeys but on those days you take it out a long drive it might be lacklustre and gutless. If you buy for long journeys it'll choke on menial trips. What will make you happy in a car - good MPG or some fun when you put your foot down

I say test drive a few DS3's and see what you like to drive!! Just avoid the 210/150 THP's as mentioned. We know they can be fine, but the reputation has tainted this engine. Which is a REAL shame, when they where good, they where really fun! Miss Liam's 150 THP!

THP -
210 - Really Bad
150 - Bad
155 - Better
165 - Ok

[Pagecrew]

Thanks all for the information. We have now joined the club officially - we were seduced by a an Ultra Prestige - 120 PS diesel. Ticked most boxes for what we wanted, although diesel was not on the starting point. Having said that - wow - what an engine. Haven't had so much fine driving since my XR2 and Nova GTE - skateboard time. Only the DS has punch way beyond those petrol powered dudes. Love the interior, quite busy and taking time to get my head around all the controls but it is a lovely place to be, and roomy to boot - kids comfortable in the back. Just had notification of mapping update for the nav though - says that once downloaded to a USB stick, need to have the car running whilst the USB is plugged in to do the update. Took 40 mins to download the file on my laptop - anyone give me a guide as to whether the upload time will be similar? If so thinking I'll need to take the car for a little trip out while I do it rather than leave it running on the driveway...........

[Funky]

Ultra Prestige? Nice! Don't see many of those about (well I don't). What colour combo is it? Got any pics?

[Pagecrew]

We saw a pre-reg one at a local Citroen dealer in Whisper Purple and my wife and I both liked it - we didn't buy that one - out of budget - but found another in the same colour at another dealership - demo, 1 year old, 3800 miles. It has the DS logo across the roof (I washed it this morning and can't remember the underlying roof colour......). When we were looking ,I could only see the UP in the purple or (mostly) white - and more than half were THPs. Since seen a black one on Autotrader but there don't seem to be many. Picture attached - not a great one though.......

[BenS]

Welcome

[Pagecrew]

Thanks. Such a great idea to have a forum for the car. Already learnt plenty......

[Funky]

Looks good! Hope you enjoy it as much as we all do ours

[Pagecrew]

Thanks. Certainly started very well!