How Reliable Are Citroen Vans?
Reliability ranks among the foremost priorities for anyone looking for new Citroen vans, alongside essential factors like load space, payload capacity, and overall practicality. The manufacturer’s commitment to durability is evident in their impressive track record in the annual Fleet News FN50 reliability survey, securing a top 5 position in 2014 and 2018, and consistently placing sixth from 2015 to 2017.
Since 1996, their range of dependable vans, including the Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay, has set industry standards. The prevalence of older Citroen vehicles still actively used on the roads today speaks volumes about their enduring build quality, popularity, and reliability. This lasting legacy of trustworthiness is what you invest in when considering Citroen vans for sale.
Top Choice for New Vans: The Durable Citroen Berlingo
The Berlingo, one of Europe's best-sellers, is a prime pick for anyone searching for a small Citroen van for sale. Since its UK debut in 1996, the Berlingo has evolved significantly, with its third-generation model launched in 2018 and promptly winning the International Van of the Year Award 2019. In the FN50 reliability survey of 2018, it ranked as the fifth most reliable van, even outperforming its sibling, the Peugeot Partner, and consistently appeared in the top 10 over four of the previous five years.
On the used market, the second-generation Berlingo (2008 - 2018) stepped up the game with enhanced reliability, thanks to a new range of 1.6-litre diesel engines. It's known as a durable workhorse, boasting brake discs with a lifespan of about 60,000 miles and a sturdy clutch. The most common issue reported by mechanics – water ingress in the fuse box – is a relatively simple and affordable fix, costing between £80 to £200.
The latest third-generation model continues the legacy as one of the best Citroen Berlingo for sale, retaining many engines, features, and components from its predecessor. Updated in 2015, these engines now meet Euro 6 standards with the award-winning BlueHDiunits, shared with the manufacturer’s passenger cars. With the purchase of new versions comes a three-year/ 100,000-mile warranty, including an unlimited mileage offer for the first two years. Additionally, service intervals have been extended, now every 15,000 miles instead of 12,500 miles.
Read more about the 5 Reasons To Buy the New Citroen Berlingo Van.
Citroen Dispatch: A Reliable, Medium Sized Van
Launched in 1996, the Citroen Dispatch has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between smaller compact and larger panel vans. The first generation set a benchmark with its load area of up to 4m³, a capacity now standard in many small vans. The Dispatch saw a comprehensive update in 2007, offering enhanced capabilities across three different cargo volumes and the ability to carry heavier loads, a significant improvement over its predecessor.
Users of the MK2 model have expressed high satisfaction in surveys like the RAC's 'What Goes Wrong', particularly praising the reliability and efficiency of the HDI diesel engines. One notable instance involves a company that efficiently operated its Dispatch van for an impressive 315,000 miles, with just one clutch replacement.
2016 marked the advent of the current, third-generation Citroen Dispatch van, revolutionised from the ground up on PSA's Efficient Modular 2 platform. It carried over the proven Euro 6 compliant 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel engines from the previous model. Further aligning with environmental standards, a new 1.5-litre engine was introduced in May 2019, replacing the 1.6-litre units to meet the stricter Euro 6D regulations. This engine, already established in the manufacturer’s passenger car lineup, reassures in terms of reliability.
Despite some recalls concerning the suspension, steering, and other elements, the new Citroen Dispatch remains a standout option for those seeking a reliable, medium-sized van, blending capability with proven dependability.
To find out more, check out the 6 Reasons to Buy the New Citroen Dispatch Van.
Citroen Relay Vans Boasts a Robust Reliability Record
The French manufacturer introduced the Relay van in 2006, and it has since remained a strong contender for those looking to buy a large new van, continuing to deliver value, efficiency, and practicality. In 2016, the original 2.2-litre diesel engines were replaced with more advanced 2.0-litre BlueHDi units to meet the latest Euro 6 emissions
standards, resulting in increased power and efficiency across the range.
The new Citroen Relay boasts a robust reliability record. However, it's noted that the drop links connecting the anti-roll bar to the suspension wishbone may need replacement after 20,000 miles, a fix that is fortunately both affordable and straightforward. While some owners of the older 2.2-litre HDi engines have reported starting and running issues, these cases are relatively rare. For those considering a used Relay van, it's wise to thoroughly check the service history for assurance.
The servicing intervals for pre-Euro 6 Relay models were set at 25,000 miles, but with the introduction of the 2.0-litre engines, this was extended to 30,000 miles. These engines underwent extensive testing in conditions specific to commercial vehicles, ensuring their suitability and reliability.