Used DS Cars for Sale

Looking to buy a used DS? Get a full car history check

Used DS cars overview

DS, spun off from Citroen, is the only luxury French automotive brand. It offers lots of style and comfort, but suffers from being too closely related to humbler Citroens and Peugeots. Quality levels are not quite up with Audi and BMW, although DS does seem to make mostly reliable cars.

Popular used DS models

The DS range runs from small and fun hatchbacks to much bigger, more luxurious models.

Used DS 3

The original DS 3 — initially badged as Citroen DS 3 — was one of the best Mini rivals of the early 2000s, and the 1.6-litre turbo model was really entertaining to drive. The convertible is a good fun summer car too. Cheap to buy, but the cabins feel cheap, and make sure you buy with a full service history.

Used DS 3 Crossback

The DS 3 Crossback replaced the original DS 3 with a mini-SUV shape, and an interior that could be trimmed with diamond-quilted leather, just like an expensive Chanel handbag. The problem was that the leather showed up the cheap switches and buttons. The DS 3 Crossback is roomy enough, but it lacks a proper premium feel. The 1.2-litre petrol engine has a notoriously fallible ‘wet-belt’ cam-belt system, but the electric E-Tense version has a usable 200-mile range.

Used DS 4

The DS 4 is DS’s slightly odd model, one that can’t quite decide if it wants to be a hatchback or an SUV. It’s quite striking to look at, though, and very comfy inside, even if it’s not the roomiest. Plug-in hybrid models have smaller boots than the standard versions, and you need to check for oil leaks and weak bonnet catches.

Used DS 7

The DS 7 is the most obviously luxurious model in the DS lineup, so far. It’s a mid-sized SUV that competes with the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, and while it looks handsome (and has a cool dashboard clock made by BRM watches) it’s a bit underwhelming to drive. The plug-in hybrid system has a useful 30-mile electric range, but it gets really thirsty on longer runs.

FAQs

Is a used DS car reliable?

Generally speaking, yes — DS uses all the same engines and mechanical components as Peugeot and Citroen, and both of those brands have done very well in recent Driver Power surveys. Beware the ‘wet belt’ cam-belt of the 1.2 petrol engine though, which is prone to premature failure.

Should I buy a used DS car?

If you fancy a bit of French luxury, and the mainstream German brands are just a bit dull to you, then yes, you should buy a used DS. The best part is that DS models tend to depreciate heavily from new, so you can get a lot of car for not much money when buying used.

Are DS cars expensive to maintain?

Not really. All of the mechanical components are shared with Peugeot, Citroen, and Vauxhall so other than bodywork damage, there’s nothing too expensive to fix if it goes wrong.