Citroën “expensive to maintain”? 3 technical reasons that prove the prejudice is a thing of the past.

Artigo voltado ao mercado Brasileiro. Artigo atualizado em 16 de June de 2026 por João Daniel

“French cars are a lemon,” “The suspension is fragile,” “Parts are only available by special order.” If you’ve ever heard or said any of these things about Citroën, know that you’re basing your opinion on a market that hasn’t existed for at least five years.

Since Citroën became part of the group Stellantis (Alongside Fiat, Jeep, and RAM), the brand’s engineering in Brazil has undergone a silent revolution. If you want to understand why the brand has become a rational choice, consider these three technical pillars:

1. The Death of the AL4 Exchange Rate and the Aisin Era (Japan)

The biggest villain in Citroën’s history in Brazil was the old 4-speed automatic transmission (AL4). Technically, it suffered from the Brazilian heat and the lack of preventive oil changes.

• The Change: Today, all Citroën automatic models (C3, Aircross, Basalt and C4 Cactus) use transmissions from the Japanese giant. Aisin (6-speed or CVT).
• Why does it matter? Aisin is the same supplier as Toyota. It’s a robust transmission, designed to last over 200,000 km without chronic problems, eliminating the biggest fear of those buying a used or nearly new Citroën.

2. The “Italianization” of Mechanics: Off-the-Shelf Parts

The cost of maintaining a car is dictated by scale. In the past, a Citroën part was exclusive. Today, the brand shares its “warehouse” with the market leader, Fiat.

• Workshop Data: Filters, brake pads, ignition coils, and sensors for the Firefly or 1.0 Turbo engines are identical in a Citroën and a Fiat.
• Practicality: This means you can find parts in any city in the Brazilian countryside, ready for immediate delivery, and at the competitive price of a high-volume brand. The “ghost” of expensive imported parts is dead.

3. Tropicalization of the Suspension: From “Fragile” to “Reference”

European asphalt is like a carpet; Brazilian asphalt is a testing ground for endurance. Stellantis engineering in Betim (MG) recalibrated all the elastic components of the new Citroën line.

• Bushings and Stops: The new models utilize suspension bushings with a higher volume of rubber and shock absorbers with hydraulic stop technology.
• The Result: In addition to maintaining the brand’s legendary comfort, the durability of the assembly is now comparable to that of the most robust SUVs on the market, withstanding potholes and ditches without exhibiting the infamous premature “play” in the control arms.

The “Trick” for Used Car Buyers: The THP Engine

If you are looking for a used Citroën, like the C4 Cactus THPPlease note that the 1.6 Turbo (Prince) engine has undergone critical engineering updates. Models manufactured after 2018 already come with new timing chain tensioners and a redesigned valve cover, eliminating previous problems with leaks and metallic noises. Technically, it is one of the best turbocharged engines in the country in terms of performance per dollar invested.

Conclusion: Is it worth it?

Technically, today’s Citroën is a global car with a French “shell” and “guts” tested for the harsh realities of Latin America. The cost of ownership (insurance + maintenance + depreciation) has fallen to levels comparable to traditional entry-level cars.

If you’re still afraid of the brand, you might be missing out on one of the most comfortable cars in its category simply because you’re clinging to past myths.

What is your biggest question about Citroën maintenance? Have you had a good (or bad) experience with the new Stellantis era models? Leave your comment and let’s discuss the brand’s technical evolution!