CITROEN C1 (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,262 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,730
£144/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£20
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
998cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £1730/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Based on 998cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 21 years old, 69% of CITROEN C1s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,262 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 95,875 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
95,875
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 CITROEN C1 has 95,875 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 69%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
CITROEN C1 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 97% | 1,007 | 14,721 mi | |
| 2020 | 92% | 4,973 | 20,126 mi | |
| 2019 | 92% | 7,609 | 25,594 mi | |
| 2018 | 90% | 10,911 | 31,463 mi | |
| 2017 | 87% | 14,184 | 38,152 mi | |
| 2016 | 86% | 28,817 | 46,713 mi | |
| 2015 | 85% | 28,726 | 52,488 mi | |
| 2014 | 83% | 22,356 | 57,198 mi | |
| 2013 | 80% | 23,281 | 63,889 mi | |
| 2012 | 79% | 23,468 | 69,673 mi | |
| 2011 | 77% | 23,890 | 75,624 mi | |
| 2010 | 75% | 22,959 | 78,955 mi | |
| 2009 | 72% | 21,467 | 85,279 mi | |
| 2008 | 70% | 19,249 | 90,280 mi | |
| 2007 | 69% | 13,771 | 91,524 mi | |
| 2006 | 69% | 8,701 | 96,037 mi | |
| 2005 | 69% | 1,262 | 95,875 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2005 CITROEN C1
The 2005 CITROEN C1 is a city car with a 998cc petrol engine. 1,262 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 95,875 miles at 21 years old, CITROEN C1 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 CITROEN C1 Fuel Costs
The modest 998cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2005 CITROEN C1?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,730 (£144/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
CITROEN C1 Reliability Trend
Newer CITROEN C1s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 16 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 CITROEN C1
At 21 years old, the CITROEN C1 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2005 CITROEN C1's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Coil Pack Failure
Medium riskSmaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.
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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 96k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2005 CITROEN C1 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN C1(2005) | 69% | £955 | £20 | Grp 1-8 | £1730 |
| PEUGEOT 207(2007) | 69% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922+£192 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2007) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£8 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2006) | 68% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922+£192 |
| NISSAN MICRA(2006) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£8 |
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
Explore other Citroen cars or similar models in the same category.
CITROEN C4
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CITROEN DS3
2014 · 1560cc Diesel
CITROEN C3
2010 · 1398cc Diesel
PEUGEOT 207
2007 · 1360cc Petrol
HONDA JAZZ
2007 · 1339cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2006 · 1229cc Petrol
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