advice please on citroen c-crosser auto

[rainier]

Morning everyone,
Brand new member and still fairly new to caravanning(1 and 1/2 years). We have a sterling sapphire eccles which is our pride and joy but sadly our wonderful loyal x-trail is showing signs of age. We have been offered an excellent deal on a new citroen c-crosser auotomatic but have never towed with an auto before.
Anyone out there already towing with said vehicle or can offer any advice please comment.
Many thanks
Rainier

 

[Oldsalt49]

Hi Rainier,

Like you I was attracted to the C-Crosser, initially the manual, then subsequently the DSG Auto. The DSG automatic is a conventional gearbox that has dual clutches that makes the gear changes very smoothly. I was put off of the C-Crosser/4007/Outlander due to reported dual mass flywheel (DMF) failures when towing a caravan. Apparently the gear ratios for 1st & 2nd gear are too high and can cause to clutch slip on pulling away when towing. I'm unsure if a DMF is used for the DSG gearbox models, but I suspect they may be. I have heard of bills of 5k for a DSG gearbox failure, so for me it is a normal automatic gearbox. I suggest a search on google may reveal more - Search for DSG failures. Check out Honest John website for C-Crosser/4007/Outlander reports.
David

 

[rainier]

Thanks David,
Your own feeling has confirmed my thoughts and I will continue to look for a manual rather than an auto.
Thanks again
Rainier

 

[Surfer]

Be careful on crossovers as the towing capability is normally lower then the kerbweight, i.e. Nissan 2.0L Qashqai and Peugeot 3008 1.6L crossovers.

 

[Zafiral]

We find our manual 4007 a fantastic towcar for our 1480kg mtplm Pegasus. The car feels very secure and has plenty of power / torque even when loaded up and with bikes on the roof too. Seats 6 & 7 are a bit small although we have no complaints from our 8 year old, but there is loads of space in the 5 main seats. The boot is good and I find the split tailgate useful. It does mean you have to have a removable towbar as a fixed one would stop the lower part opening. The car has a near on 600 kg payload limit and a 100 kg noseweight limit. I always tow in 4wd mode and even in the wet I get excellent traction.

 

[Surfer]

We have test driven the Qashqai 2.0L petrol auto and the Peugeot 3008 diesel 1.6 auto and although I like the Qashqai I think the Peugeot is the better bet due to economy and comfort. I m not a fan of a maunfacturer who for tha last 10 years has traditionally a record of unreliablity however this car appears to be very different. Plus no one seems to be towing with a Qashqai as per an earlier thread.