Citroen C-Zero (2012)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 89 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£980
£82/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£20
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
n/a
Electric
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £980/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
Home charging at about 7.5p a mile
Band A (zero emission)
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), home charging at about 7.5p a mile, GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.
80% of MOT tests on Citroen C-Zeros from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 89 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 49,498 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
49,498
Average miles
88,800
Expected for age
The average 2012 Citroen C-Zero had 49,498 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Citroen C-Zero by Year
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About the 2012 Citroen C-Zero
The 2012 Citroen C-Zero is an electric car. Our records list it as electric. 89 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 49,498 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen C-Zero owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
What does it cost to own a 2012 Citroen C-Zero?
Total estimated annual running cost is £980 (£82/month), broken down as £555 electricity, £20 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
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
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 estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citroen C-Zero(2012) | 80% | £555 | £20 | n/a | £980 |
| Nissan Leaf(2014) | 74% | £555 | £20 | n/a | £1,130+£150 |
| Porsche Cayenne(2010) | 89% | £555 | £20 | n/a | £980same |
| Renault Zoe(2014) | 73% | £555 | £20 | n/a | £1,130+£150 |
| Tesla Model S(2014) | 79% | £555 | £20 | n/a | £1,130+£150 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2012 Citroen C-Zero
Is the 2012 Citroen C-Zero reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2012 Citroen C-Zeros ended in a pass, from 89 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2012 Citroen C-Zero cost to run?
Our estimate is £980 a year (£82 a month): £555 electricity, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Citroen C-Zero?
80% of 89 MOT tests on the 2012 Citroen C-Zero ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 205th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top half).
What is the average mileage for a 2012 Citroen C-Zero?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Citroen C-Zero is 49,498 miles, which is below the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Related Citroen Models
Explore other Citroen cars or similar models in the same category.
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Porsche Cayenne
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