CITROEN C2 (2008)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,435 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1587cc Petrol
Check Carefully
71% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 11 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1587cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the CITROEN brand average of 79%.
At 18 years old, 71% of CITROEN C2s from 2008 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,435 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 83,883 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
83,883
Average miles
133,200
Expected for age
The average 2008 CITROEN C2 has 83,883 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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 2007 model with a 71% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2008 sits between the two at 71%.
CITROEN C2 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2008 CITROEN C2
The 2008 CITROEN C2 is a small family car with a 1587cc petrol engine. 3,435 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 83,883 miles at 18 years old, CITROEN C2 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2008 CITROEN C2 Fuel Costs
The 1587cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2008 CITROEN C2?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2008 CITROEN C2
At 18 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
Based on the 2008 CITROEN C2's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 84k 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.
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 2008 CITROEN C2 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CITROEN C2(2008) | 71% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| FORD FOCUS(2009) | 74% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2010) | 74% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2010) | 67% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027+£70 |
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
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FORD FIESTA
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FORD FOCUS
2009 · 1596cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
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