Why are second-hand C4Ls so cheap?
3 Answers
Second-hand C4Ls are relatively cheap due to high fuel consumption, poor storage capacity, and loud engine noise. Here is a detailed explanation of why second-hand C4Ls are cheaper: 1. Low resale value: This car has relatively high fuel consumption but average cost performance. Compared to models in the same class, the configurations are similar, but the price of the car is higher. 2. Poor storage capacity: The trunk's storage capacity is poor. As a family car, storage capacity is a very important factor in purchasing. Compared to cars in the same class, the advantage is not obvious, and the rear seats cannot be folded flat with the floor, which also limits the price of second-hand C4Ls. 3. Low comfort: The central armrest cup holder is designed shallowly, making it difficult to secure taller beverage bottles, which is a certain inconvenience. Additionally, the engine noise is relatively loud, and the car's sound insulation is not good, affecting driving comfort.
As a former owner, I found that the main reasons why used C4Ls are so cheap are the low resale value of the Citroën brand in China and its lower market recognition compared to Volkswagen or Toyota. The car's failure rate increases quite rapidly after a few years, with constant minor issues like engine shaking and transmission jerking, while the repair costs are high, and parts are hard to find and expensive. Additionally, the new car's pricing was already low, leading to fast depreciation—it's normal for the price to drop by half after five years. I drove it and found it acceptable for city driving, but on long trips, it felt less stable and had relatively high fuel consumption. Such cars attract beginners looking to save money when buying used, but the subsequent maintenance will give you a headache. It’s better to increase the budget slightly and opt for a more reliable brand to ensure safe and worry-free travel.
I think the low second-hand price of the C4L is justified—its specs are too outdated. The older infotainment system and safety assists can't compete with current new cars, and its fuel consumption isn't economical, making daily use costly. Plus, the Chinese used-car market isn’t keen on French cars, so low demand naturally drives prices down. I’ve encountered buyers who slashed offers just to avoid potential repair hassles. Its transmission is prone to issues, with repairs costing thousands, and the high depreciation rate makes sellers eager to offload it quickly. When buying this car, inspect it thoroughly and check accident records—don’t let the low price blind you. In the long run, opting for newer tech is more cost-effective.
