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Nissan Note or Citroen C3 Picasso?

Hi All,

Trying to decide between the above two cars and am a bit stuck between the two. I think I am verging more towards the Note, but not 100% decided.

What's stopping me going 100% for the Note are two things :

* I believe the engines on the Note are made by Renault? My first car was a Renault Megane Coupe (96), and I had nothing but problems with it, it was the most unreliable car I've ever owned. Cautious about getting my fingers burnt again!

* Replacement tyres for the Note appear to be expensive if I ever replace like for like. They are speed rated "V", but I have read on a couple of forums that a lower speed rating is perfectly acceptable and would still be legal (and much cheaper). A "V" speed rating seems to be way over the top given the top speed of the car gets nowhere close to a V rating?

On the other hand I used to have the older style Picasso (54 plate) and it just ran and ran and ran - no problems with it whatsoever in the 4 years of owning it.

All above cars are diesel by the way, I have a longish commute to work and need the fuel economy.

Any thoughts on the above would be most welcome!

Thanks,
Chef

Comments

  • oliverr
    oliverr Posts: 418 Forumite
    I'd go for the Note. I do believe you are correct with the Renault engines, but the mechanicals are Japanese, and it is no doubt more reliable than the Citroen.

    There was also that problem on Watchdog a while ago about someone sitting in the passenger seat being able to apply the breaks by placing their foot in the footwell and slamming the breaks on for the driver, because some cables weren't removed from when the steering wheel was on the left side, because it is a French car. I don't know if these have been corrected, I believe there was going to be a re-call but I dont think there was. If it is a new model then I'm sure this is fine.

    I would personally choose the Note, even discounting this - it's a more reliable brand IMO.
  • sgun
    sgun Posts: 725 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper
    The transmission on the Note is Renault, I brought this up with the dealership before buying and used it as a bargaining tool. The tyres for my model (Tekna2008 ) are a bit tricky, not many choices and not very well rated for fuel consumption but I still get 47mph motorway driving at 60. 44 at 70 and 42 at 80mph in slightly wet conditions at about 10 degrees, much more in summer. I have not had any problems with the Note (fingers crossed!) and am very happy with it being a cheap, reliable car.

    I have no idea about the Picasso but would go for Nissan anytime even with the Renault input.
  • mcduff16
    mcduff16 Posts: 498 Forumite
    Another vote for Nissan- more reliable and better than Citroen
  • gilbert_and_sullivan
    gilbert_and_sullivan Posts: 3,238 Forumite
    edited 7 January 2013 at 9:26AM
    Do not expect the C3 Pic to be as durable as your Xsara Picasso, you could do far worse than find another low mileage example.

    Your old Pic was a Berlingo van in a posh (well ok one of the ugly sisters') frock and none the worse for that, the C3 Pic is based on, well, C3 not a van based vehicle.

    Mechanically i wouldn't expect either to give trouble unless you opt for the fancy automated manual gearbox, but both are modern elecronic euroboxes designed to last till the warranty expires, so expect the odd and possibly expensive electrical problem as either ages.

    Does the Note have the Clio 1.5 Diesel?, if so google for the regular problem of pumps disintegrating costing a small fortune.
    I've driven Note's on sensible tyres, they are about.

    C3 Pic a 1.6?, research EOLYS and DPF renewal costs @ roughly 70k miles.
  • worried_jim
    worried_jim Posts: 11,631 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    My parents have a Note and I have driven it also, they love it and there has been no problems mechanically, however after three years they went to trade it in @ Nissan and were offered a paltry amount from the dealer.
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