An iconic, simple, and charming French classic that inspires fierce loyalty. The air-cooled 602cc engine is legendarily reliable and under-stressed, capable of 100,000+ km with basic maintenance. The main enemy is rust - chassis and body corrosion can be severe and structurally dangerous. Parts availability is excellent through specialist suppliers. Late models (1985-1989) benefit from front disc brakes and 12V electrics. The 2CV rewards hands-on ownership and has a huge enthusiast community. Condition is everything - buy the best bodywork you can afford.
Hidden rust in box sections causes structural failure · more· less
The 2CV's biggest weakness. Rust starts from inside the chassis box sections where water accumulates, often invisible until holes appear externally. By then, the vertical panels that provide rigidity may already be compromised. In extreme cases, the chassis can buckle in front of the rear axle, potentially breaking the steering column. Water enters through leaking windscreen seals and vent flaps. A new galvanized replacement chassis costs approximately €600-900, but fitting requires a full body-off restoration adding €1,500-2,500 in labor. Welded chassis repairs are cosmetic only and do not restore structural strength - avoid cars with chassis welding.
Body panel corrosion€500 - €2,500
Multiple rust-prone areas in floors, wings, and structural panels · more· less
Common problem areas include: floor panels and sloping pedal wells, boot floor (especially the rear hollow section), rear wing interiors, bonnet hinge strips, windscreen frame corners, door bottoms, and rear panel. The good news: all panels are available as reproductions, with Mehari Club Cassis making parts on original Citroen tooling. Floor pan repair panels cost approximately €50-150 each, complete body shell kits around €1,500-2,000. Labor for welding is substantial - budget €50-80/hour for specialist work. "The best vehicle to buy is one with good bodywork - even if the engine is faulty, bodywork calls for a lot of welding."
Gearbox synchromesh wear (3rd gear)€400 - €1,100
Third gear synchro is common weak point, causes crunching · more· less
The 2CV gearbox has no synchromesh on 1st or reverse, but the third gear synchro is a known weak spot. Test by driving to 30 mph and shifting into third - any crunching indicates worn synchro. Gearbox bearings can also whine when worn. A complete rebuilt gearbox costs approximately €900-1,100 on exchange, with a €250-300 core surcharge refunded when you return the old unit. Original gearbox parts production has been discontinued, so rebuilds rely on salvaged cores. A less common but serious issue: on disc brake cars, the main shaft gear disc can unwind if driven aggressively in reverse, permanently jamming the box in 3rd gear.
Electrical system degradation€100 - €400
Old French wiring plus water ingress causes intermittent faults · more· less
The 2CV electrical system is simple but connections deteriorate with age, and water ingress from leaky seals doesn't help. The points-based ignition (hidden behind the fan) is a common trouble spot - electronic ignition conversion (€150-250) is a popular and worthwhile upgrade. Failed headlight switches are common but cheap to replace (€15-30). Alternator/dynamo brush wear is normal and often just requires cleaning the carbon shoulders. The indicator warning light circuit can cause confusion as it's wired across two live feeds looking for earth return through other bulbs.
Engine compression loss€300 - €3,500
Piston rings or valve stem seals fail, typically on left cylinder · more· less
The air-cooled flat-twin is fundamentally reliable, but high-mileage engines can lose compression, usually on the left cylinder first. A small puff of blue smoke on startup is normal and nothing to worry about. Persistent smoke indicates worn piston rings or valve stem seals. The engine has no cylinder head gasket - instead, cylinder tension screws need periodic tightening. If heating smells of exhaust fumes, these screws are loose or the heat exchangers are rusted through. Valve adjustment is needed annually. A reconditioned exchange engine costs approximately €3,000-3,500, or €300-800 for a top-end rebuild if the bottom end is sound. Avoid sustained motorway speeds - the engine prefers varied A-road driving.
Suspension spring tube noise€50 - €300
Horizontal spring tubes honk over bumps when dry · more· less
The 2CV's unique interconnected suspension uses horizontal spring tubes instead of conventional vertical springs. When dry, these produce a distinctive honking noise over bumps. Regular oiling (every service) prevents this. Kingpins also need greasing every 1,000 miles - neglect leads to wear. Track rod ends and steering rack can wear, causing play in the steering. If steering feels heavy, suspect a bent chassis (serious). Suspension friction disks cost around €20-25 each, complete spring cylinder assemblies approximately €400-500.
Roof and seal leaks€50 - €1,800
Canvas roof degrades, seals perish, causing water ingress · more· less
The roll-back canvas roof is iconic but ages. Check for tears, mold, and degraded seams. An OE-specification replacement roof costs approximately €180-200, custom saddler-made hoods around €1,500. Windscreen and vent flap seals also perish, allowing water into the chassis - the main cause of hidden structural rust. Fresh air vent flap area is particularly rust-prone. Replace seals proactively to prevent expensive corrosion damage.
Seat rubber band failure€50 - €200
Rubber suspension bands under seats perish and snap · more· less
The hammock-style seats are suspended on rubber bands that eventually deteriorate. When they fail, you sink uncomfortably low. Canvas can also split. Replacement rubber bands and new canvas covers are readily available. A full seat refurbishment kit with foam and covers costs around €100-200 per seat.
Simple mechanics, but rust is the real threat
The 2CV's mechanical components are legendarily simple and reliable - the air-cooled engine, in particular, is virtually indestructible with basic maintenance. Parts availability through specialist suppliers is excellent. However, rust is the 2CV's nemesis. Structural chassis corrosion can be hidden and dangerous, and bodywork welding costs add up quickly. Buy the best body condition you can afford, even if the mechanicals need work. A galvanized chassis replacement provides lasting protection but requires significant investment.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history Documentation of oil changes and valve adjustments. The 2CV is simple but not maintenance-free.
Cold start Engine should start easily when warm. Cold starting below 10°C can be difficult on points ignition - not necessarily a fault.
Test drive Minimum 20 minutes on varied roads. The 2CV handles uniquely - body roll is normal, not a fault.
Oil level and condition Check for correct level and clean oil. Mineral 15W40 or 20W50 is recommended.
Specific for this vehicle
Chassis inspection underneath
This is the most critical check. Look underneath at the front and rear longitudinal chassis legs. Check for rust holes, welding repairs (bad sign), and structural integrity. If doors sag or floors flex, the chassis is likely compromised. A bent chassis makes steering heavy.
Boot floor and rear panel
Lift the boot carpet and check for rust-through in the hollow section at the back. Also check the rear panel around the light mounts.
Floor panels from inside
Lift the rubber mats and check the floor panels, especially the sloping pedal wells. Probe gently for soft spots.
Bonnet hinge strip
Check where the bonnet hinges to the body - water penetrates under the factory mastic and causes deep, fast corrosion.
Windscreen surround and vent area
Check corners of the windscreen frame and the fresh-air ventilator area for rust. Leaks here cause chassis rot.
Third gear synchro test
Drive to 30 mph (50 km/h) and shift into third. Any crunching or resistance indicates worn synchromesh. Budget for gearbox rebuild.
Suspension noise test
Drive over bumps and listen for honking from the spring tubes (needs oiling) or knocking from worn kingpins.
Blue smoke on startup
A small puff is acceptable. Persistent smoke indicates worn piston rings or valve stem seals.
Heating system exhaust smell
Turn on the heating. If it smells of exhaust, either the heat exchangers are rusted through or cylinder tension screws are loose.
Canvas roof condition
Check for tears, mold, and perished seams. Open and close it to check the mechanism.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
No formal recalls on record for 1985-1989 modelsN/A
The 2CV predates modern recall tracking systems. No formal safety recalls are recorded for late-production models. Given the age of these vehicles (35+ years), any factory issues would have been addressed or are now the owner's responsibility. Focus inspection on structural rust and mechanical condition rather than recall status.
Warranty Status
Factory warrantyExpired (35+ years)
Classic car insuranceSpecialist policies available
Parts warranty (new)Varies by supplier
All 2CVs are now classics well outside any manufacturer warranty. Specialist parts suppliers like Burton 2CV Parts and Mehari Club Cassis offer warranties on new parts (typically 6-24 months on rebuilt engines). Specialist classic car insurance from providers like Peter James Insurance offers agreed value policies suitable for the 2CV's unique status.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.