Citroen C2 (2005)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 3,314 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,353
£196/month
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£200
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 8-20
1360cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
68% pass rate, £2,353/year to run. 14 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Citroen brand average of 79%.
68% of MOT tests on Citroen C2s from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 3,314 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 89,131 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
89,131
Average miles
140,600
Expected for age
The average 2005 Citroen C2 had 89,131 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-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 2007 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 71%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2005 scores 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Citroen C2 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2005 Citroen C2
The 2005 Citroen C2 is a small family car. Our records list a 1360cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 3,314 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 20% of 2005 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 89,131 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Citroen C2 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 Citroen C2 Fuel Costs
The 1360cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2005 Citroen C2?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,353 (£196/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Citroen C2 Reliability Trend
The Citroen C2 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 Citroen C2
At 21 years old, the Citroen C2 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 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 71%.
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.
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 89k 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 68% 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 C2 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 C2(2005) | 68% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,353 |
| Ford Focus(2007) | 73% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£125 |
| BMW 3 Series(2007) | 80% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,361+£8 |
| MINI(2007) | 73% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228-£125 |
| Peugeot 207(2007) | 69% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 8-20 | £2,353same |
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 2005 Citroen C2
Is the 2005 Citroen C2 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 68% of MOT tests on 2005 Citroen C2s ended in a pass, from 3,314 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 14 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2005 Citroen C2 cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,353 a year (£196 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Citroen C2?
68% of 3,314 MOT tests on the 2005 Citroen C2 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 406th of 504 models first registered in 2005 (bottom 20%).
Which year Citroen C2 has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 Citroen C2 has the highest MOT pass rate at 71% and the 2004 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2005 Citroen C2?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Citroen C2 is 89,131 miles, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-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.
Citroen C4
2015 · 1997cc Diesel
Citroen DS3
2014 · 1560cc Diesel
Citroen C3
2010 · 1398cc Diesel
Ford Focus
2007 · 1596cc Petrol
BMW 3 Series
2007 · 1796cc Petrol
MINI
2007 · 1598cc Petrol
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