There's no middle ground with a 2CV - people typically either despise them or smile at them, but while there's no denying that they were essentially manufactured as the car for the French peasant, they do have something that the vast majority of modern cars lack, and that's SOUL.
Individual to a tee, they have become something of a cult classic both in the UK and in Holland, but with prices at £1,500 or less for an excellent low-mileage example, it's way into classic motoring without (a) having to spend a fortune on buying a good one, or (b) needing to scour the nations of the world looking for parts (huge UK owner's club, well worth joining). Tatty 'project' cars go for a couple of hundred or less, but with prices so low for decent ones, go for one of these. Either way, there are a few things to look out for...
Rust - a big enemy of the Deux Chevaux. These cars were not built from top-grade galvanised steel, and the thin floor-pans and chassis sides tend to rot through, so check for this, or signs of dodgy repair. Better still go for one with a replacement galvanised chassis.
Body damage - the 2CV's unique shape (upsidedown coal scuttle?) means that the curvaceous wings tend to get bumped and scratched by careless owners, however they're easy enough to repair or replace. Likewise, the doors get dented easily.
Roof and seats - The vinyl roof has a tendency to rot / flake away if left exposed to the elements, replacements available for a few hundred pounds. Seats are generally uncomfortable and the covers tend to perish - about £100 to recover them. The rear bench can be removed entirely to create a large load-space in the rear, if the need arises.
Mechanicals - generally very reliable, with not many places to look if something does go wrong. Engines/gearboxes are pretty robust and good for 100k+ miles, ignition problems are more likely though, all run on unleaded after the mid-80s. As ever, a decent service history should stand you in better stead - parts are still cheap and easily available, as are Haynes repair manuals for DIYers.
Driving Experience - 2CVs are unlike any other vehicle to drive, in truth - the suspensions rocks and rolls you around joyfully (the best car bar none for going over traffic calming bumps!), with cornering not something to try at great speed - aside from the body roll, the skinny tyres scrabble desparately for grip, so not what you'd normally term "a driver's car". ;¬) However the 2CV isn't about all-out speed - top whack is only about 70mph, but around town the 602cc engine is plenty capable of keeping up with most other cars. Steering is vague, and it's pretty noisy inside, but that's all part of the fun. It can squeak and rattle a bit, so keep a screwdriver handy inside the car for when things work loose.
Gearchange is an art in itself - the gearstick protrudes from the dash and takes a while to master. No syncromesh either, so double-declutching will also have to be practised if smooth progress at slow speed is to be maintained.
Insurance is phenomenally cheap, despite the fact that an untrained chimp could break into one. Fact is, no-one wants to nick them - you're more likely to suffer break-ins to relieve you of something inside the car, so keep any valuables well out of site. Anyhow, Grp. 1 insurance means an annual premium of £80 TPF&T if you're a careful and live in a safe area. Other costs are also rock bottom, including just £100 / year road tax.
Depreciation - not something you have to worry about here. As already mentioned, you can pick an excellent example for less than £1,500 and depreciation appears to be negligable currently.
In summary, a hoot to drive, fun to look after, and with the potential of becoming a future collectable classic.
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Not bad intro, but info on what the car has to offer would have resulted in a higher rating (eg comfort, ride, equipment, insurance costs etc.). If you ever redo this op, please let me know and I'll reread it and review my rating :)
wilsam00 16.12.2001 18:13
Best 2CV op by far! Sam
moose 17.09.2001 17:45
I remember my old teacher having one of these and giving me and 2 others a lift in it - it was actually quite fun going around the corners!!! Good op!
Advantages: It's different, it puts a smile on your face; resale value, economical Disadvantages: Parts can be expensive & hard to find, white interior will get dirty quick
ScottishWestie 08.07.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
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