CITROEN C1 (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 23,468 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Total Tests (2024)
23,468
Avg Mileage
69,673 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,490
Is the 2012 CITROEN C1 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 12 years old, 79% of CITROEN C1s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 23,468 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,673 miles.
How does the 2012 CITROEN C1 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 CITROEN C1 has 69,673 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a CITROEN C1?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2012 sits between the two at 79%.
How much does a 2012 CITROEN C1 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific CITROEN C1?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2012 CITROEN C1
The 2012 CITROEN C1 is a city car with a 998cc diesel engine. 23,468 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars 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 69,673 miles at 12 years old, 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 £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £1,490 (£124/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £30 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 16 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2012 CITROEN C1
At 12 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.
Alternatives to the 2012 CITROEN C1
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2013) 77% pass rate (-2%) from 211,536 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2012) 78% pass rate (-1%) from 91,949 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2014) 80% pass rate (+1%) from 81,831 tests
- FIAT 500 (2014) 78% pass rate (-1%) from 73,839 tests