Citroën DS3 reliability: what is the used model worth

In terms of reliability, we find that, average of the C3. Points to check that you will find below.

Your 68 Citroen DS3 reviews

An obligation to change engine for very excessive oil consumption at 85,000 km. No real after -sales service while the car is bought new € 23,000 either from the dealer, or from the manufacturer. They have.It was present for the sale but silence in the event of a problem. The vehicle is a DS3 Auto petrol, automatic transmission. Sincerely Jacques

By Homalet on 07/31/2023 at 1:06 p.m

We have had this vehicle since 2010, currently we are only doing 20,000km per year, the vehicle has 335,000 km, none, I say no problem, regular maintenance, consumable, platelets, discs, tires, distribution belt At 200,000, clutch 250,000, drums will be done for the first time in 20,000 km. The vehicle made that urban and extra-urban except during the holidays. Very very clean interior, also external except a scratch on the door AV D, registered in 95, a Vendéen did not appreciate the coming of summer. Night consumption with air conditioning at 20 ° 5.6l.

By Sassa69 on 03/30/2023 at 06:27

Aesthetic level nothing to say but it’s been 3 weeks since I was and I already have an oil leak, an engine fault + light engine light + bizarre noises when I spark left or right, loss of power, Ash she is suddenly..I do not know if it is an original defect or if I was scammed by the garage where I am buying it but in any case I do not recommend it. A good understanding.

By Albinus on 03/29/2023 at 4:43 p.m

Well the criticisms on this DS3 are completely false, just have a 2010 DS3 but with the late generation tensioner and the reinforced HP pump or have a DS3 after 2012 which have already settled these concerns and you have a good fund in the hands . Regarding maintenance is all 10.000 to 15.000km and not every 30.000 km as an advisor by the brand because the engine is lifted fairly quickly . To avoid fouling I recommend 0w40 to put in winter and 5W40 to put in summer because this oil allows you to lubricate the entire engine but also not to disintegrate as quickly as W30 . As for performance, there’s nothing to say, the car has a lot of recovery and with a 6 -speed is that happiness. Regarding comfort, DS3 are chiefs . It remains a very good body and I’m not even talking about the sport chassis, we don’t feel the vibrations even with 17 inch wheels .

By titicis on 09/24/2022 at 5:14 p.m

The car is in all reports, design, engine, comfort.The big problem comes from the Ad Blue system, several times I have completed the Ad Blue tank up to 130,000 km without problem.Since then I have to change the Ad Blue Car Tank because according to the electronic suitcase The pump is HS, the total cost of the tank change is 1475 € supporting invoice and Citroën s lashes hands.If you do not change the tank, the car no longer starts when you are 0 in kms, it is scandalous, we are taken hostage, it is unbearable because we do not necessarily have the financial means to pay a design defect.I will sell this car for a petrol or a diesel model below 2015

Citroën DS3 reliability: what is the used model worth ?

In early 2010, Citroën decides to launch a line of premium tendency models, a little more luxurious than the classic range. It was the birth of DS, which remains at that time in the brand. The models will be “Citroën DS”. This is different today, since DS has emancipated itself and has become a real brand in its own right since June 2014. But let’s go back to this DS3, which was the first model launched by Citroën. Based on a C3 chassis, the DS3 is a chic and versatile city car, 3 doors, which presents well and has the ambition to compete with the mini.

Its pleasant aesthetic, both chic and sporty, the treatment of its interior, modern, the possibilities of pushed personalization, all this made the recipe for its success, very real. However, it struggles to display really high -end services, in terms of high tech equipment for example, as the Audi A1 or Mini can do, precisely. But it remains habitable, lifetime at the level of the trunk, and not handle on the road, where its firmed chassis compared to the C3 allows it a welcome dynamism for driving enthusiasts. Besides, the radical “Racing” version is there to satisfy the most demanding in terms of performance. And for those who like to discover themselves, a “Cabrio” body is also available.

In terms of reliability, we find that, average of the C3. Points to check that you will find below.

Caradisiac liked

• The style
• Habitability
• The chest volume
• The behaviour
• Pleasant petrol engines
• Soundproofing
• Equipment
• Personalization

Caradisiac did not like

• Comfort
• Finishing
• The costs
• The reliability of certain engines

Our favorite versions

• 1.6 VTI 120 SO Chic
• 1.6 e-HDI 115 Ardream Sport Chic

Qualities and defects

What can try you

• The look: class and dynamic, it has attracted many buyers.
• Habitability: at the front, and at the level of the trunk, the volumes are above the average of the category, at the rear it is rather average.
• Behavior: dynamic, agile, it delights driving enthusiasts.
• Petrol engines: there are high powers that allow you to have fun (THP 150/155, THP 203).
• Soundproofing: less true for diesels, but in petrol, it’s appreciable.
• Equipment: not premium 100 % but complete, especially in high ultra prestige finish.
• Personalization: double -edged, it allows you to find a car that suits you … or not !

Which can make you hesitate

• Comfort: those who love the softness of the C3 will be disappointed. It’s closed.
• The finish: we remain, with a few materials, at the level of a C3, the truly premium competition does better.
• The prices: on occasion, the DS3 is still expensive. New price consequence also high.
• The reliability of the THP at the start.

Newsletter

She keeps this little DS3. Not as much as an Audi A1 of course, but the prices drop more slowly than for a general city car. To buy knowingly, but resale will also be at a good price. Today, the floor price for a standard mileage petrol DS3 is € 9,500, while for a diesel it will be around € 10,000.

No unpleasant surprises, petrol consumption complies with the performance and the power delivered, and the HDI or E-HDI diesels are particularly sober.

Premium or premium tendency city cars, the DS3 is the cheapest to ensure, quite simply, if we except the Lancia Ipsilon, which is in any case even more distant from the concept and which does not display the same power levels or equipment. That said, cheaper but not much (between 3 and 8 % less than an Audi A1 or a mini).

Parts prices:

The C3 base allows the DS3 to offer parts of… C3, therefore reasonable. Consumables, filters, clutch, shock absorbers, plates, are affordable. The body parts a little less, as usual, but it is the same for all manufacturers, in France at least.

The labor rates are still correct at Citroën (excluding large concessions). The interview is planned every 2 years or 20,000 km for diesels before July 2012, and every year with equivalent mileage after. For petrol it is 2 years or 30,000 km before July 2012, and 1 year or 30,000 km after. Some engines have a theoretically maintenance -free distribution chain (VTI, THP), but diesels have a belt given for 240,000 or 10 years before July 2012 and 180,000 km or 10 years later (without changing the reference of the belt, amazing no ?)).

The DS3 is based on the C3 but uses fairly different engines, because more powerful, especially in petrol. And unfortunately, some of them know a lot of damage, including well -known distribution concerns on THP. But it is not only mechanically that the DS3 can fish. Indeed, it can also get stuck in terms of finish, and electronics. In short, in the event of purchase, it must be verified that the different recurring concerns that we will mention is absent, or that they have been treated already, it is better for tranquility.

Heavy or immobilizing breakdowns:

• THP engine. Until the end of 2010, and even sometimes after, big recurring distribution chain concerns. The tensioners wear out and/or the chain relaxes, and can shift. This leads to noise, power losses, and sometimes the engine breakage, often to low mileage (before 25,000 km). Some owners had to replace the entire distribution several times ! It is necessary to emphasize for a substantial, even total repairs.
• Engine 1.6 HDI 112/115. Here too, recurring distribution concerns. Noises in the tensioner pebbles, and even breakages were reported, long before the usual mileage deadlines. With big drums in the key of course. Often guaranteed, however.
• Water pump. On the 1.6 VTI 120 essentially (a little on THP), leaks of the water pump (and therefore drop in the level of cooling liquid) requiring its replacement. The affected models were manufactured until the end of October 2012.
• Cooling. Always on 1.6 VTI 120, concerns with the cooling system. Necessary replacement of temperature probes but also sometimes the water outlet box.

Other breakdowns or weaknesses:

• Injectors. On HDI 112/115, possible injectors, causing driving jolts. You have to replace it.
• Oil pump. Possible oil pump solenoid valve on the VTI 120.
• Gearbox. Hard passages from the 1st and 2nd reports, and reverse, especially in cold or cold weather. A clutch adjustment is necessary. Without result, its replacement is essential.
• Steering wheel. Some replacement cases on 1.6 HDI 112, premature since sometimes before 60,000 km.
• Fap. The particle filter can be clogged prematurely on the 1.6 HDI. Cleaning or regeneration in dealerships are then essential. The message “antipollution anomaly” can be displayed.
• Electronic boxes. Many cases of failures. They can have the car wedged, reveal the engine light or an antipollution anomaly. They must then be replaced. To make guaranteed, they are not wear parts.
• Oil consumption. Petrol blocks can consume a little oil, without leaving manufacturer tolerances. Sometimes due to the solenoid valve (see above), sometimes oozing at the cylinder head gasket. Tightening or replacement are a solution.

• Body. Fragility of the fixings (in plastic) of the rocker panels and the bumpers. They easily dislodge.
• Paint. Fragility of the hood and roof painting. Sensitivity to impacts for the first and discoloration for the second (tasks). The concessions painting managers are asked to take care of and evoke the external elements.
• Flashing repeater. Their replacement is essential when water enters inside, and it happens quite often unfortunately.
• Wheel passages. Wheel passage protections can be released and yawn. The slides too. They can be reinforced but the phenomenon can reproduce.

• Vibrations/parasitic noises. Real DS3 disease. Almost all owners complain, before 2012, of parasitic noise, vibrations in the dashboard, difficult to eradicate.
• Dashboard. On some models, sagging it on the passenger side, it must be reassembled and refix it.
• Furniture. It can be unclipped/be poorly fixed (aerators in particular).
• Front seats. They can remain blocked and no longer fall back. In question, the breakage of the rocking mechanism. Regarding this system precisely, the lower handles are fragile.
• Gear lever. Its bellows can be used little by little (quality of the material in question).
• Buckle. It is not uncommon that it creates (lubrication or replacement solve this hazard).

Electronic dysfunctions/on -board functions:

• Lights of lights or alert messages. We have seen it above, the electronic boxes are in question.
• Bluetooth. Frequent Bluetooth telephony bugs. The module must be reprogrammed or replaced.
• GPS. Ditto that bluetooth, bugs and blockages requires reprogramming or replacements.
• Recoil radars. Some dysfunctions have been observed (continuous ringing, message of failure on the dashboard). In question, defective sensors, to have replaced as a warranty.

Reminder of rectification in concession:

• July 2010. Reminder of 214 models for tightening control and conformity of front axle fixings.
• September 2010. Reminder of 133 copies in France to tighten the fixing screws of the engine hood lock.
• August 2011. A non-compliance with the setting of the handbrake lever on the rear brake garnish leads to a control and a replacement of the rear brake garnishes on 1,601 models.
• October 2011. Replacement of the battery mass cable because there is a risk of rupture at the gearbox, with engine cutting to the key. 11,000 DS3 concerned. Second reminder for the same reasons in July 2012, and third in September 2012.
• August 2012. Back to the workshop of a small series for non-compliance of a component of the ABS/ESP block.
• January 2013. Upgrade following non-compliance with connecting rods on diesels.
• But 2014. Reminder of 3,619 copies following fixing screws of non -compliant suspension triangles. The models concerned were manufactured from September 25 to November 26, 2013.
• August 2014. Reminder for control and possibly replacement of the engine cradle on a small series of vehicles.

In petrol: 1.6 VTI 120 SO Chic

There is not strictly speaking an ideal petrol engine in the DS3 range. Finally if, the 1.6 THP 156, but it is so lacking in reliability that it cannot yet be advisable. VTI 120 is less subject to breakdowns, even if it is not perfect. It is a bit hollow at low speed and you have to whip it but it remains the best compromise, the 1.4 VTI 95 being a little light in power and the 1.6 THP of the Racing version, with its 203 hp, too exuberant. In short, a choice by spite, however. The So Chic finish is well equipped in any case.

Marketing: 2009
Tax power: 7
Real power: 120
CO2 emission: 136 g/km

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In diesel: 1.6 e-HDI 115 Ardream Sport Chic

In diesel, the most recommendable is the E-HDI 115 hp. It is the most reliable in the band, and it benefits from an excellent system of stop and start, which still improves its frugality. It is still expensive, of course, but it is worth it. Its flexibility and performance honor the DS3 chassis. The Sport Chic finish is well equipped and its sports presentation sticks well with the image of the car.

Marketing: 2011
Tax power: 5
Real power: 115
CO2 emission: 99 g/km

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