CITROEN C-ZERO (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 89 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,100
£92/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
0cc Electric
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £1100/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
Based on 0cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 14 years old, 80% of CITROEN C-ZEROs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 89 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 49,498 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
49,498
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 CITROEN C-ZERO has 49,498 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 81% MOT pass rate, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 80%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
CITROEN C-ZERO by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 CITROEN C-ZERO
The 2012 CITROEN C-ZERO is a electric with a 0cc electric engine. 89 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 49,498 miles at 14 years old, CITROEN C-ZERO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
What does it cost to own a 2012 CITROEN C-ZERO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,100 (£92/month), broken down as £500 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2012 CITROEN C-ZERO
At 14 years old, the CITROEN C-ZERO is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 89 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2012 CITROEN C-ZERO's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Battery Degradation
Watch outAfter 14 years, expect some battery capacity loss. Check the battery health report for state of health (SoH). Below 80% significantly reduces range.
Charging Port
Medium riskCharging connectors and ports can develop issues from regular use. Check both AC and DC charging work correctly before purchasing.
Software Updates
Medium riskOlder EVs may miss out on manufacturer software updates that improve range and features. Check the infotainment system is up to date.
12V Auxiliary Battery
Medium riskEVs still have a standard 12V battery for accessories. These drain faster than in petrol cars and can leave you stranded if flat. Replacement is £100-£200.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2012 CITROEN C-ZERO stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN C-ZERO(2012) | 80% | £500 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £1100 |
| NISSAN NV200(2014) | 73% | £500 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1085-£15 |
| PORSCHE CAYENNE(2010) | 89% | £500 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £935-£165 |
| RENAULT ZOE(2014) | 73% | £500 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1085-£15 |
| PERODUA MYVI(2010) | 81% | £500 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £935-£165 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Citroen Models
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NISSAN NV200
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RENAULT ZOE
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