Used Citroen C-Crosser review and buying guide (2007 to 2012): which one to buy and what to check

Which used Citroen C-Crosser should you buy?

Buy a 2.2 diesel C-Crosser that hasn't done heavy towing and has a clutch that bites cleanly. It was sold from 2007 to 2012 as one model, with no separate generations. The clutch is what decides the purchase, because towing wears it and the dual-mass flywheel out early, and a leaking crankshaft oil seal can soak it in oil and make it slip.

Don't pay extra for a later car expecting it to be better. There's nothing to say the clutch or crank seal trouble was put right during the run, and the DCS automatic that failed was a 2010 car. Judge each one on how its clutch feels and on receipts for any clutch, flywheel or seal work rather than on its age.

Which C-Crosser engines and gearboxes are the safe choices?

The 2.2 diesel is the engine to know about, and its weak spot is the crankshaft oil seal. When it leaks, oil gets onto the clutch and the clutch starts to slip. That's been reported on more than one car, and one report describes the seal failing again after it had been replaced, so a past repair isn't a guarantee.

Towing's the other weak point. First and second gears aren't low enough to get a heavy trailer or caravan moving without slipping the clutch, so the clutch and dual-mass flywheel wear out early on cars that tow. If you tow, look for one that's already had both replaced, with the receipt to prove it.

The DCS dual-clutch automatic has one owner's failure to go on. A 2010 car's clutch gave up at 42,000 miles, and the dealer quoted £4,500 to fix it, with Citroen offering to cover part of the parts cost. The owner was also told a failed gearbox would be quoted at £14,000. That's one car, but if you're looking at an automatic, ask for receipts for any gearbox or clutch work.

What should you check when viewing a used C-Crosser?

The clutch matters most. On the test drive, pull away on a slope and then accelerate hard in a high gear: if the revs rise but the car doesn't speed up, it's slipping, and on this car a leaking crankshaft oil seal is a reported cause. Ask whether it's towed, look for a towbar, and ask for receipts for any clutch, flywheel or crank seal work.

Get down and look beside the rear wishbone. The bag that holds the additive fluid for the diesel particulate filter sits there with nothing guarding it, so stones, debris and branches can damage it. Check it carefully on any car that's been used off road, and look for fluid leaking from it.

Watch the dashboard on the drive. One owner's report mentions trouble with the ABS and stability control module, with a repair quoted at about £1,800, so make sure no warning light stays on. Cars built between 2008 and 2010 were recalled to replace an electrical part that could stop instrument panel functions working; ask for proof it was done and check every gauge works.

Paste the advert into the free check and it runs these against the listing, the MOT history and the DVLA record before you travel.

What does a used Citroen C-Crosser cost to run?

What do C-Crosser owners like about them?

It's a nice car to drive, and that's what owners like most about it. The road handling's excellent and the 2.2 diesel is the highlight of the whole car, so once you've found one with a healthy clutch, there's plenty to enjoy about driving it every day.

It isn't only a road car, either, with respectable ability off the tarmac when you need it. It's built in Japan and it's the same car as the Peugeot 4007 under the skin, with Citroen styling instead, so choosing between the two comes down to which look you prefer.

• The C-Crosser provides excellent handling characteristics, making it a capable and enjoyable vehicle to drive.
• The 2.2 twin turbo diesel engine delivers superb performance, offering strong acceleration and smooth power delivery.
• This model demonstrates respectable off-road ability, proving capable of handling various challenging terrains effectively.
• The C-Crosser is built in Japan, ensuring good quality construction, and comes very well equipped with features.
• These are good vehicles, offering a nice driving experience with excellent road handling and some off-road capability.