My brother has a C4 Grand Picasso. It is a petrol, with the rubbish EGS auto gearbox. They are pleased with it, apart from the auto, which is not as smooth as their Golf MK3 that preceded it. Nor is it as solid feeling as a VW but I believe it does well in NCAP tests.

Does anyone know what the reliability is like on this model?

The major issues with the C4GP Picasso Exclusive are:

• The self-levelling pneumatic rear suspension can fail around the 3 year mark (allegedly resolved on new models);
• EGS problems, while not very common, are expensive to resolve, requiring removal at the owner's expense for examination. If there are any untoward noises or knocking from the clutch/gearbox, walk away;
• Driver's seat cushion frequently breaks up, and again is expensive to replace - around £600;
• The seals on the high level brake light can fail allowing water in, which collects in the boot well;
• Misalignment of bonnet and front bumper needs to be checked;
• Reflection and refractions in the large sloping windscreen can cause double images at night;
• The 1.6HDi engine is all but bullet proof if the oil is changed thoroughly every 12,500 or earlier. Some owners report the 1.6HDi is not powerful enough for such a big vehicle when fully loaded and the recommend the 2.0HDi;
• If the C4 GP has Xenon headlamps, a replacement lamp assembly is around £800.
• Juddery gear changes in the first instance can be put down to learning how to use the gearbox. I have a friend with one, he's mastered it and it goes really well! Some aberrations can be cured by having the actuation software updated. But as above, any whines and chirps need investigating, which can be expensive before any repair is carried out.
• There are some horrendous tales about the electric parking brake failing, but they can be counted on the fingers of one hand, and all down to user error of leaving the key of the ignition lock. It is designed to fail safe (with the key removed) when the ignition and engine are off. The usual question is how to take the auto-handbrake off when the engine is not running so the rear brakes can be serviced.
• Economy Mode annoys C4Pic owners a lot, as there are big battery demands. It is a complex system designed to ensure the battery does not go flat. If it kicks in within 3 or 4 minutes, and battery is 3+ years old, look at a new battery.

Lots more info at: C4Owners.org

BTW, "End of plastic dipstick of 1.6 HDI engine can break and drop into sump requiring removal of sump to retrieve it." is a myth. The sump does not need to be removed. The end of the distick was so poor it completely disintegrated and was caught in the oil filter.

Edited by BigJohnD on 14/12/2012 at 10:15