Citroen C1 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 23,468 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,794

£150/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£20

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 1-8

998cc Diesel

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £1,794/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel998cc14 years old23,468 tests70k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 998cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£20

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,794

Per month£150/mo

Per week£35/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

79% of MOT tests on Citroen C1s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 23,468 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 69,673 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models395th of 650(bottom half)

Rank among Citroen models289th of 589(top half)

vs average of all models-3%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+1%(78% avg)

vs Citroen average+0%(79% avg)

Mileage Analysis

69,673

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Citroen C1 had 69,673 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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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2012 scores 79%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Ford Fiesta

2013 · 1399cc Diesel

£1,944/year

77%

-2%

Vauxhall Astra

2012 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

78%

-1%

Volkswagen Polo

2014 · 1199cc Diesel

£1,644/year

80%

+1%

Fiat 500

2014 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

78%

-1%

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About the 2012 Citroen C1

The 2012 Citroen C1 is a city car. Our records list a 998cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 23,468 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models 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 69,673 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen C1 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2012 Citroen C1 Fuel Costs

The modest 998cc diesel engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2012 Citroen C1?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,794 (£150/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Citroen C1 Reliability Trend

Newer Citroen C1s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 16 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Citroen C1

At 14 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 97%. With 23,468 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

Always 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 C1 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 C1(2012)	79%	£1,219	£20	Grp 1-8	£1,794
Ford Fiesta(2013)	77%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944+£150
Vauxhall Astra(2012)	78%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944+£150
Volkswagen Polo(2014)	80%	£1,219	£20	Grp 5-15	£1,644-£150
Fiat 500(2014)	78%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944+£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 C1

Is the 2012 Citroen C1 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of MOT tests on 2012 Citroen C1s ended in a pass, from 23,468 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Citroen C1 cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,794 a year (£150 a month): £1,219 fuel, £20 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Citroen C1?

79% of 23,468 MOT tests on the 2012 Citroen C1 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 395th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).

Which year Citroen C1 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Citroen C1 has the highest MOT pass rate at 97% and the 2005 the lowest at 69%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Citroen C1?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Citroen C1 is 69,673 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.