So what shall I replace it with

[Wag]

My 406 2.0 hdi estate is fine at the moment: passed mot a few months ago.
However, the time will come when it will need to go. I use it for property maintenance but don't want to buy a van if I can help it.
Thought about Toyota avensis estate. Anyone any ideas?
Need an estate as big or bigger than the 406.

[PeterN]

I replaced mine with a Mk3 C5 estate 2.0. Hdi, huge amount of space and an amazing ride and are very quiet, light and easy to drive and very good on fuel. A decent one can be had for a thousand pounds upwards now. They use the later 16 valve engine which seems to be equally as reliable as the 8 valve version.

They can suffer from leaking steering racks, mine does but it looses so little fluid I just top it up now and again, an exchange rack is about 180 pounds.

Buy the steel spring version rather than the Exclusive which is hydropnumatic as the ride is still very good but potentially a lot less expensive to repair. Best car I have driven in many years.

The brake servo unit has failed on my other 406 after only 220k miles, according to the Haynes manual its an engine out or head off job so I shall probably be replacing that with another C5 estate - unless anyone knows a quick way of changing it!

Peter

[stevewalsh]

I just bought a 2013 C5 Tourer Estate, Massive interior, Not been far yet but looks promising. The 406's where so good that they take some beating. Maybee this will do it

[PeterN]

I'm just considering buying my second one, even the steel sprung one surpasses the 406 for comfort and space - and quietness and is likely to be considerably cheaper to maintain than the hydropnumatic version. My wife's 406 has just failed terminally after 220k and many years and she has fallen in love with the C5.

Peter

[Welly]

I think the C5 is a credible replacement for 406 lovers, they are cheap too.

We've had a Citroen C4 for 4 years now and its been absolutely fine with nothing other than the usual issues you'd get with any European car these days. Lots of fresh oil changes is the key and sympathetic use.

I think the Diesel engines are about as good as you can get when compared to other manufacturers and the amount of emissions controls; I think PSA got it about right.

[Wag]

Thanks for that I'll check the c5 out.

[soretoez]

not sure how good they are but if I was to sell my 406 I was thinking off getting a 508 estate.

[PeterN]

I doubt the ride will be as good but try both of them, not everyone wants a soft ride.

Peter

[grasmere59]

I bought a Mondeo Estate and have been very pleased with it so far,it's the Titanium Sports so the ride is a bit on the firm side but in standard trim the ride is fine and the 2.0ltr Diesel is basically a Peugeot engine.

[dirtydirtydiesel]

I wanted a 2008 on Mondingo but a 2.2 but couldn't find a nice one for under 6k,
The one I loved was 8.5k.
So in the end I've bought a BMW e61 535d
I have to say I'm very pleased with it.
Two owners, f.s.h, m-sport model. Goes like stink, handles well for a big bus, loads more comfortable than the 406.
Yes the road tax is £325 but I've got rid of both coupes & the estate is going.
It does 35 mpg nocking around & 45 mpg on a run & I don't drive Miss Daisy.
Way too busy enjoying it
Oh & it only cost me 2.5k with a few issue that they all have & I'm slowly working through.

[PeterN]

I've had a BMW 5 series and and a Merc c220, the BMW wasn't to bad although I found the seats very uncomfortable but the ride in the Merc was dreadful compared with the C5, as I said not everyone wants a soft ride but its the most important feature for me.

I ran hydropnumatic Citroen's for 25 years or more and I find everything else objectionably hard - except the C5. I would really like a diesel DS Sarari but they didn't make one.

Peter