Buyng a C3 I gen 1.6 gasoline

Hello
I hope some one can give comments about cabin noise for a c3 I generation (2003 to 2009) at motorway speed (80 mph).

Im considering to buy a C3 1.6 exclusive for daily trip home to work (50km per day on the motorway) but I'm afraid of engine noise.

Can anyone tell me how many rpm in 5th gear is revving the engine at 80mph/130kph?

Thanks
Marco

Hi

Cabin noise is very subjective and I would imagine it depends on what you are used to?

I find my C3 at 70mph to he perfectly acceptable in 5th and this is the diesel.

Obviously if the car has not been well maintained you will get more road noise from worn out bushes, incorrect tyres fitted because the original Michelin are no longer available and worn engine mounts etc.

The best thing for you to do would be to take the potential purchase on a test drive. That way you can hear exactly what the car will give you.

Thankyou
Im well used to the quiet of a Ford Mondeo 2.2 diesel but it is no way to compare (2.200 rpm in 6th, loads of foam behind the dashboard and on the bulkhead).

I drove a c3 1.4 and at 70/80 mph the engine revs around 4000 rpm and it is barely acepptable for me (Im referring to engine noise).

I was wandering if the C3 1.6 gasoline, revs lower and it is very hard to find some nearby to road test. I wanted to avoid long trip to find bad surprises.

Of course, Im still referring to engine noise. All other squeak or rattles from the dashboard or panel may be fixed as well as of suspension noise. But a noisy designed car is noisy and soundproofing is not worth.

mmd78 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 24, 2019 8:11 am Im well used to the quiet of a Ford Mondeo 2.2 diesel but it is no way to compare (2.200 rpm in 6th, loads of foam behind the dashboard and on the bulkhead).

These are 2 cars in very different classes and new costs. There is a lot more material in the mondeo compared to the C3 and this ride comfort difference is to be expected.

I would suggest another Mondeo diesel to you if you want a motorway cruiser. That is what they were designed for.

The C3 is a city car

I was wandering if the C3 1.6 gasoline, revs lower and it is very hard to find some nearby to road test. I wanted to avoid long trip to find bad surprises.

No, it is the gearbox that makes the most difference there and they all use very similar gear ratios across the engines. You won't find a low revving 2200RPM in 6th unless you go for a 6 speed box in one of the Automatics, but then again, maybe you don't want to go with an electronic auto box.

I don't think you are looking for a C3

Just for info our new 19 reg C3 110bhp Puretech does ~60mph at 2000rpm, equating to something like 2700 rpm at 80mph.

Thankyou roadmaster
2700 rpm at 80mph is really low. I think I will have a C3 3rd generation in 5/7 years...yeh Im the used car guy !

I finally dorve a 2004 1.6 manual. 3700 rpm on the motorway at 75 mph. Really satisfied. Sounds different to the mondeo (that is not really soundproof as many may think).

I find 50 to 80 mph acceptable for a 110hp gas (it is not my current 2.2 diesl with 400Nm of torque but is what Im looking for).

I have to discard this car for two reasons: 3 owners, badly scored on body and bumbers, seat velous with cigarette burnings, filthy deposit of dark matter under the oil cap ( means no frequent oil change).
Plus an unknown timing belt history, worn cluch, noisy clutch bearing and finally unreasonable price (3200 euro fairy negotiable...).

I will go soon to see a full opt 2003 with sunroof, esp and much better condition (18500 euro) and let you know.

Thanks all for helping

Update for all who supported the discussion
I finally bought a C3 2005 1.6 16V with 180.000km on the clock

Excellent condition of interiors, and of course some scratches on the body.

Engine runs sweeeeet and powerful. Dorve it for 2 hours on the motorway and I'm really satisfied of noise and performance.

thanks again to all who supported the discussion!