Sadly I Have to Reject My New Citroen Ami

[@chatters7969]

I’m happy with mine, I knew how basic it was and was realistic about its limitations before I committed. It’s not a car and was never built to compete with one. I spent the whole winter cycling in the wind and rain 20 miles a day, for me it’s absolute luxury compared to this.

[@MyAmiVice]

Im realistic too, its exactly what i thought it would be, and do, i knew i could overcome the heating and misting up shortfalls, but i didnt expect the door to crack after 2 weeks, having said that i havent heard any other owners complain of this problem, so it will be interesting to see what has caused the stress marks and crack to appear on mine as i certainly dont drive it hard

[@chatters7969]

@@MyAmiVice I have used the rain x anti fog and it made a massive difference. I missed one quarter window and that was completely misted up whilst all the others were clear

[@johnwalker6736]

Depressing

[@RupertBear412]

you are absolutely correct about EVs not being green and we must not forget about child slaves working in mines in Africa for the precious minerals used in their batteries! Having said that I also fully agree with you that EVs should be extremely basic like the Ami but only if they do 50 mph and are properly equipped for northern/cold climates eg heated windscreens

[@markbright7845]

Absolutely

[@daveiwhittle]

No car is green, petrol and diesel extraction, additives etc and sadly slave labour is prevalent in a lot of industries, as investment increases new technology batteries not using lithium will become the norm

[@suthie1953]

Don't forget Rupert to abandon your cobalt bearing mobile phone and laptop, and your petrol refined, using cobalt, guzzling ice vehicle. See you at the stables 😉. Seriously though, the mines where children are labouring are not officially sanctioned and are illegal. Poverty drives families to work in such conditions. I think you will find reputable Western companies do their utmost to avoid cobalt from such mines directly but once it is in the mix, how do you recognise legal from illegal cobalt? Battery companies are already finding alternatives to cobalt which bizarrley could have a negative effect on the economy of the DRC and other countries and subsequently negatively on the lives of these poorest of families. Cobalt from EV batteries by the way can be recycled or the batteries repurposed unlike cobalt in petroleum and diesel products which of course is burnt and released into the environment with damaging results. People most definitely should purchase EV's for a cleaner environment. You are correct of course in that smaller EV's are the way to go. As more urban areas are limited to 20mph, a more refined Ami and similar vehicles could be the future of City/Town motoring.

[@stevezodiac491]

​@@daveiwhittle they still use carbon to make electric cars whatever, get a push bike.

[@daveiwhittle]

@@stevezodiac491 electric or ICE either way lots of pollution and lots of bad manufacturing processes, so maybe you want to tell everyone who has a car to use a buke instead, best of luck with that :)

[@mrgoodkat3722]

Please keep us all updated on whatever happens with this situation.

[@MyAmiVice]

Will do

[@mrgoodkat3722]

@@MyAmiVice Thanks Barrie

[@elecsoulmusic]

Had high hopes for the Ami, sorry you've had to go through this. Thank you for sharing your honest experience.

[@BarrieCrampton]

Thanks for watching, i love the concept of the Ami and want it to succeed, it may turn out that i am worrying over nothing

[@parkview113]

@@BarrieCrampton arevyou going to ask for replacement ? or cop out altogether '?

[@BarrieCrampton]

@@parkview113 i don’t want to reject it

[@changsimon4800]

Basically Ami can be only used as an update version of e-bicycle, but Citroen made it so beautiful that someone likes to compare it with a normal car.

[@alfaholicsgreece]

Indeed.. A beautiful bucket full of squeezy noises, bad materials and a prehistoric heater.. Waste of money

[@davidmarshall5596]

My personal take is buy a small city car like a Kia,Piccanto or Hyundai i10 & it is just ample for everyday use in & out the city..cheap ro run no range anxieties perfect cars in today's over priced cars thatcare goingore out of reach of the everyday person.

[@thorbjrnhellehaven5766]

I'm sorry to hear you decision. I'm sort of on the same page. I used to want one, but after appreciating that Citroën won't offer them in Norway, because they don't believe in it for Norwegian winter. Lately, I'm switching towards I want to want one, but I don't believe I want one anymore.

[@davidnewton3240]

Think you may have trouble rejecting it, purpose for vehicle is to get you from a to b which it does. Citroen have put in a warranty claim, you will have to let them try to rectify it. If it happens again after being fixed you would have a claim.

[@mysteriousmat]

Uk is not ready for these cars it's roads that need updateing. Europe have lanes for small electric vehicles. It's honest review thanks😊

[@BarrieCrampton]

Thanks for watching

[@Siralan1]

Hi Barrie, I am saddened by your video, but can see why you feel this way. the Ami is fit for purpose, as a quadracycle, but it is most certainly your roads in Preston that are not fit for purpose. Luckily I live in an area with zero potholes, so have not had any issues like you have had. Well we did have a pothole in the village between Christmas and new year, it opened up with a hard frost overnight, it was repaired by 11 am the same day!!!! I have had my Ami for 20 months now and 7500 km, with absolutely no issues, yes the windows steam up, and my hands get cold in the winter, but both apply on the bike too. But the Ami is dry. I love mine

[@MyAmiVice]

Thats great to hear, i love mine too 👍 your town sounds a bit better than Depreston

[@pntodd]

I had mine for 2 weeks in the middle of winter and also regretfully returned it to Citroen. I knew it would not be like other cars, but my trips were almost entirely in a city, and I dressed to allow me to keep the windows open, even in December/January. A small electric car is obviously great in cities, and I was OK with all the compromises, apart from one: its very slow speed on hills, and not even very challenging hills at that. 28 mph is fine in a city, but at 20 mph or less uphill, I felt I was being an absolute nuisance to the vehicles behind me. Whether the battery had been affected by the cold, I can't say, but as I say, regretfully I decided to return it to Citroen. The electric Smart is too expensive. I see there are now cars being produced in China which might eventually fit the bill, for affordable electric travel.

[@dave4803]

I don't like them, I don't like how they only used one door rather than make two so you have one that opens backwards and the other side opens forwards. I don't like how the front and back are the same. The lefthand drive would annoy me too much. To me you're better off buying a golf cart as looks like less corners have been cut.

[@wilvanlonden5548]

What about the new Renault Twizy replacement from Renault the Mobilize Duo? Thanks for the very interesting information.

[@dantoes1]

Sad story, I was so excited about the content you made for the Ami. The heater, seats, wrap & heated windshield where lovely ideas. Thanks for the content btw!

[@MyAmiVice]

we will see what happens

[@jimfitz9746]

How do you wash it with/type of soap etc what do you wash it with as it’s plastic. I just got mine and I don’t want to damage it?

[@MyAmiVice]

i had it ceramic coated, and now the valeter just uses Snowfoam, leaves it on for a few minutes, hoses it of and then leathers it, looks like new when hes finished

[@dlittlester]

Too bad you have to get rid of it. I've been following different channels for some time now, and I'm convinced it would be perfect for me 99.9% of the time. I'm retired now, and don't have to drive or ride to work, but I remember a couple of five year stints when I only had a motorcycle, or a scooter. That was four seasons. I could do it then, not sure about the old guy I am now.

[@maxb5028]

I hope Citroen can sort the flexing issue and you keep it. I think you have it absolutely right about the future of EVs, small basic city cars is the way forward and a petrol car for distances. I cannot see how these huge (and massively expensive) EVs like BMW, Merc offerings can be “green” in any way… Good luck.

[@reececollison5101]

Small affordable basic cars means poor people have easy access to personal transport, and that’s against the elitist agenda!

[@markandrews70]

Sorry to hear it

[@MyAmiVice]

Thanks

[@pauld7827]

It's intersting that you talk about all the improvements you want to make, wouldn't it be better to buy something better?

[@B.a.S.t.A.r.D.]

Sounds like a bad experience 🤔 hey can’t beat a little citroen c1 great little car to frash about town especially if you was a big fan of the old style mini great fun .

[@MrJonesy]

Our great leader during PMQs today used their dealing with pot holes as a reason to vote for them. I nearly spat my drink out. I guess you don’t feel many pot holes in a Jaguar. I wouldn’t know.

[@theslowwalkhome7314]

Seriously you’re talking absolute sense

[@philiprussell3338]

Why buy a cheap runabout and then load it down with unnecessary junk, such as leather seats etc.

[@MyAmiVice]

because its my car and thats what i wanted to do

[@thorbjrnhellehaven5766]

Why spend more money than necessary, if the cheap option can do the job? If you can rectify shortcomings by adding som extra stuff, and still be cheaper. Why waste money on things you don't actually need? Unless you want to compensate for other things...

[@matta5160]

When the EV evangelist asked how many children died from the exhaust fumes I would be tempted to reply how many children died in the lithium mines making the batteries for his/her EV. You do have a point about EVs being good for small city cars like the Ami. However proper cars need to be ICE vehicles

[@hebogara]

The stress marks really would bug me out, would reject instantly, also the crack in the door is a red flag. It’s sad but you don’t want this Monday morning Ami.

[@drewheffero9672]

I love the car I love the car I love the car I'm getting rid of the car You had me all the way.. until you started blaming Preston council.and complaining about traffic... I like your AMI approach however you appear to spend more time complaining....why ? .you are well aware of the quadracycles short comings and yet you arnt happy even when you get the issue resolved you keep saying you think it's tremendous but alas... It's going back... 😢

[@MyAmiVice]

the door is cracked and the door frame looks like its flexing, the car is great, i want to keep it, its ideal, but theres something not right with it as it would seem the frame, hence the chassis is moving, do you think i should keep it? or i gave #8895 for it, do you want to buy it?

[@drewheffero9672]

I dig the KZbin idea and was very happy to follow you on such an unusual car..I totally get the disappointment given the cost ( thought it would have been around 5-6k not closer to 9k !!!!)..on the subject of your kind offer..no thanks as although it's seriously groovy and attract people like a panda bear.. however I would prefer a reasonable price ( 25k ) reasonable range..reasonable speed..and at least 4 seats... Hopefully I won't have to wait too long.

[@MOSSFEEN]

British people always MOAN about any car that is made outside of the UK🤣🤣 especially French / Italian cars

[@leswall3061]

Strange how that man moans how many children die as a result of the poor air quality but, but , how many run in it taking part in marathons and other sport events in the open dirty air? It's all about weather patterns and industries making money from the scaremongering

[@jonnohanks]

Electric bike instead?

[@markbright7845]

I’m with you on the EV stance. The infrastructure isn’t going to be ready for everyone by 2030. The simpler the better. Find the simplest, most economical petrol car you can, and drive it until it dies. Most modern eco ICE cars will do over 200,000 miles if serviced regularly. Use a bicycle where you feel it is safe to do so, or walk when possible.

[@NoWayMrBobby]

Shame you have to make this choice also a bit of bad luck. I have enjoyed your reports and content with the Ami, After all the work and effort, it must be very difficult to decide what to do. Maybe Citroën will come up with something, or you find a different vehicle that fits your needs.

[@markbright7845]

It's a real shame, especially as you have spent so much money on the Ami, and spent time on setting up the channel. I think that the whole design is significantly flawed, particularly by the condensation issues. As an ex-motorcyclist, I used to use Pin-Lock visor inserts on my helmet visor. These act like a sort of double glazing, but they must be fitted to a perfectly clean visor, and they must seal perfectly to work satisfactorily. Perhaps that is the sort of Ami-specific accessory which is needed for the windows. The test drive in the wet could have been a big warning not to go ahead with a purchase. I cannot think of a European country where there is never any rain to be encountered while driving slowly in a city. Nor can I think of any European city or suburb which has perfectly surfaced road system. Perhaps the optimal design is an open topped quadricycle on which you have to be prepared to wear a helmet and waterproofs in the wet. Had you kept the Ami through a full Autumn to Summer cycle, I wonder how much mildew would have appeared ? Personally I would have given it back to Citroen @ Preston as soon as the stress cracks in the door became apparent. To be honest, I would not have accepted delivery with the black streaks on the bodywork either. I hope that the fitment of any accessories or the ceramic coating will not invalidate the warranty, and prevent you from returning it for a full money-back guarantee. Good luck with your return.

[@macker8017]

8k for a washing up bowl

[@paulwilliams5013]

...We could have bought electic milk floats, getting on for 100 years ago....80 mile range 15/20 mph (commuter speeds!)...They could have made 2 seater 'car' versions of them on an adapted chassis. Not sure we've made that much progress really!

[@andrewdelamere5601]

After waiting so long too…what a pity. I agree with most of your observations and it’s clear you were prepared to invest a fair bit of money and effort into modifying the Ami to suit you (nothing wrong with that). It will be interesting to hear how Citroen react to you rejecting the vehicle because on one hand through your channel you were generating interest but on the other you are implying it’s possibly more the fault of Preston Council rather than Citroen though I would argue an urban vehicle designed for that purpose should be able to cope with speed bumps and differing road quality….i’m sure Preston is not the only city in the UK with poor roads. Importantly though if that is the cause of a stress fracture it doesn’t bode well for the Ami on UK roads in the long term….. it may be that you just got a dodgy door especially if there are no other similar markings on the vehicle. I cancelled my order for the Vibe because the online ordering process was a nightmare and not for me. As you say the depreciation of used EVs is now alarming but for those people who want to dip their toe into the EV world and only need a shorter range, A to B fully functional car there is now more choice at a sensible cost. Good luck with Citroen……if they’ve got any sense they’ll try to resolve this properly.

[@daveiwhittle]

Shame you want to hand it back. Its a very personal experience and if you lose confidence in the car its no good. It will be interesting to see if they will take it back. Cant say i agree with your views on whether evs are green, through the lifetime of the car they are greener. I didnt buy my etron ev to save the planet, i got it for a beautiful luxury drive, whats wrong with that after all thats what Range Rover drivers buy their car for isnt it ?

[@suthie1953]

Don't let the most negative review of the Ami put you off buying one 🤣🤣🤣.

[@MyAmiVice]

my point is there are plenty more Amis out there all driving about fine, and that have done a lot more miles, ive been unlucky

[@BarrieCrampton]

@@mrgoodkat3722 its a good while since i sold new cars but my understanding is that if a major fault occurs in the first month you have the right to reject the vehicle completely rather than have it repaired, i dont want yo be arsey about it, i really wanted the Ami Vibe, but i had to make the decision before i got too far down the line with modifications

[@mrgoodkat3722]

@@BarrieCrampton I completely understand your point of view,it will be interesting to hear if Citroen see the door issue as a major fault.I have had many new cars and bikes over the years from many different manufacturers and after sales service can differ greatly from one to another.Hope it goes your way.

[@hermitgreenn]

The drawbacks absolutely are Citroen's fault. The thing is built worse than some golf carts.

[@jamesclayton3388]

It's a dam cheap to buy car so I would not be surprised for some imperfections. I've got a prius, bought it with a dent in the door, and didn't think anything of it. As long as it gets from A to B reliably and cheaply that's it. Don't care about dents or ceramic coating, that's just not important what do ever. I guess I'm not that vaine.

[@davewhittles]

not good over here plus the build quality is not good, it would be falling apart a few months and hate to think what would happen in an accident

[@nextInsiders]

As if ICE car price does not drop the moment you drive off the car sales lot…

[@konardkonrado7755]

they send you webasto for free? what did you told them ? i want one tooo. Seioruls ythis is embarasing for citroen to cahrge that kind of money for this quality .... i owudl even think twice for half of the price. Cmone simplest plastic car for 8000????

[@paullacey2999]

Theres another guy on YT and he rejected his second one.Thrown together in a Morrocan factory without any quality control.£8k is a disgrace for a shoddy golf cart.Good excuse to buy a second hand real car....

[@stevemccormack9948]

I love EVs but they are way too expensive. I have eBikes which are a much better conversation.

[@diickiehadley1862]

Get a new door.

[@tony5oos]

Your gutted cause its crap , comedy technology equal to a model T

[@antonydanby]

Why don't you get a really good second hand Twizy. It's a 2 seater quad just like the Ami; it's much narrower and can fit in smaller gaps in the traffic. I think they are better made. They are just as energy efficient as the Ami... If that doesn't appeal, what about the Carver.. Type "Carver S+" into Google. Not as cheap as the Ami I grant you, but narrow and very manoeuvrable... BTW.. I drive my wife's EV and yes we drive it because it is a cheap lease, but we got it because we decided no more diesels cars give our son and my wife has asthma and the pollution is dreadful for health and the planet... What I am saying is saving money wasn't our first goal, but saving peoples health was .. my wife is a nurse and has studied this carefully. I have been renting and using leased E.V's for over 6 years now and wouldn't want to try another ICE car... However I totally agree with the fact that people need to stop buying huge cars.. my wife often laughs at my rant, but it's true.. it doesn't matter what they are powered with .. large cars make no sense in inner cities and often don't make any sense on the main roads either.... and I include eTrons and Porsche Taycan's in that list. We should be driving Efficeint EV's like BMW i3's ( Carbon fibre body ) or Mini's or even Honda E's... a good Motorway car is a Hyundai IONIQ ( 38 or 28kwh )... but they have all but stopped making these cars... why ? because foolish people want honking great big SUV's for tiny roads.... I give in !!